logo
Dear international students,

Greetings from Student Health Services and the Center for Global Programs & Services at the University of Delaware! To those of you who are currently studying at UD, we hope that you are having a healthy and productive semester. If you are a new international student planning to join us at the University in the fall, we look forward to meeting you soon.

As you may be aware, UD President Dennis Assanis recently announced a new COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students planning to be on campus for the 2021-2022 academic year. All UD students will be expected to receive both doses of a two-dose vaccine, or the single dose of a one-dose vaccine, by August 15, 2021. This new requirement is consistent with the recommendation provided by the American College Health Association, and it is being implemented to protect your health and safety as well as others in our community. As an effective public health approach, the vaccine will help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and enable our safe return to a normal campus life.

For students who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons, documented exemptions will be accommodated. Please visit the Student Health Services website for more information to upload proof of full vaccination or exemption requests.

The UD Student Health Services team and other University officials are currently developing specific guidance that will help you navigate these new health requirements when you are on campus. Please visit udel.edu/coronavirus to get the most recent updates on COVID-19-related information impacting the UD community.

As an incoming or continuing international student, we understand that you probably have many questions at this time. We realize that vaccine availability may vary in different countries with limited access. More information will be coming soon regarding vaccines that will be accepted by UD with guidance for alternative solutions, as may be necessary on a case by case basis. Below, you will find some initial guidelines that may be helpful as you plan to study at UD in the fall semester.

Please know that we are here to help you with your transition to campus. The staff at the UD Center for Global Programs & Services continues to be available to assist you with any questions regarding your travel plans, visa application process, and your immigration status in the United States.

We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Timothy Dowling, D.O
Physician and Director, Student Health Services

Ravi Ammigan, Ph.D.
Associate Deputy Provost, International Programs

Information for New and Continuing International Students at UD

As an international student, am I required by the University of Delaware to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
To continue protecting the health and safety of the UD community, the University of Delaware will require all students to be fully immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine by August 15, 2021. New and continuing international students are expected to have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine, or the single dose of a one-dose vaccine, by that date.

Which vaccines will meet the UD requirement?
The University of Delaware will recognize vaccines that are approved by the FDA, CDC, State of Delaware, or the World Health Organization. If you have received a vaccine that is not on the approved list, please contact Student Health Services for guidance prior to arrival to campus.

What if I can’t get a vaccine in my home country (or all of the required doses)? Can I get it when I arrive in the U.S.?
We understand that not all international students will have access to vaccines in their home country, and vaccines are not currently required for travel. Student Health Services can assist with guidance on available vaccine information for international students who are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in their home country when they arrive to campus.

Will I be able to remain on campus and start the semester even if I haven’t completed my full course of vaccinations?
You will be able to start the semester as you await to receive the second dose of your two-dose vaccine. You will be allowed to stay in the residence halls and attend classes while waiting for your second dose.

What if I can’t get my vaccine or arrive into the U.S. before the August 15 deadline?
The University strongly recommends that international students initiate the vaccine process as soon as possible to protect themselves and others. If you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in your home country or by the time you reach campus, please notify Student Health Services immediately upon arrival to UD and consult the state of Delaware’s COVID-19 Response website for helpful information about obtaining a vaccine.

Where can I find the most recent information about the vaccine requirement at UD?
Please visit the University of Delaware FAQ at udel.edu/coronavirus to get the most recent updates about the vaccine requirement and other COVID-19-related information. You can also contact Student Health Services at studenthealth@udel.edu with any specific inquiries about the COVID-19 vaccine.
You are receiving this email as a member of UD's international community. You can verify this email is legitimate by contacting the Center for Global Programs & Services at (302) 831-2115 or by emailing oiss@udel.edu.