Dear AU Community,

A key component of our comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety efforts is the vaccine and booster requirement. We were among the first universities to require vaccines in April 2021, with more than 98 percent compliance across our community, and proof of booster shots must be submitted by February 10. The COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death and are critical tools as we continue to address the ongoing spread of the omicron variant.

Yesterday, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) did not have the authority to require businesses with more than 100 employees to implement a COVID-19 mandate. While this ruling means that the federal government cannot implement the mandate applicable to large employers, it does not affect the ability of private entities to implement their own vaccine requirements.

American University will maintain our policy of requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination from students, faculty, and staff. This approach advances our health and safety approach and supports our community throughout our in-person classes, activities, and work. For more information about AU's vaccine requirement, please review the Health and Safety Directive and our vaccine FAQs.

Thank you for your support of our community and compliance with our health and safety protocols.

Sincerely,

Peter Starr,  Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Fanta Aw, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life, and Inclusive Excellence
Seth Grossman, Vice President for People and External Affairs and Counselor to the President