Massey University has confirmed its COVID-19 vaccination policy. From 14 February 2022 all staff, students and visitors will need to be fully vaccinated to enter Massey campuses or take part in in-person university activities.
This includes in-person teaching and learning functions such as classes, tutorials, workshops, labs, examinations and assessments. It will also extend to on-campus facilities such as libraries, student services, student accommodation, gyms, counselling and health services, offices and research and related activities.
This decision will be reviewed in November 2022 and consider any guidance and advice we receive from the Government.
As part of this work, the university asked staff and students to complete an anonymous survey which showed that a majority of staff and students who responded were already fully vaccinated. The consultation period ran form early November until the 30th and a clear majority of the staff and students who responded were in favour of adopting the recommendation.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas wants to thank students and staff who responded and provided feedback, which the Senior Leadership Team considered.
“This decision has been about balancing people’s rights to make their own decision on vaccination against the rights of students and staff who wish to study and work in a safe environment where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is minimised.
“Massey has an obligation to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our university whānau. Whilst we realise not everyone agrees with the policy, we consider it the best course of action to keep our campuses and people safe.”
The university has a good selection of programmes and courses that can be completed completely by distance, and these remain available for all students no matter their vaccination status. The university is committed to working with and supporting students on the next steps available to them, especially if this decision means they can no longer access campus.
“We will work with students who choose not to be vaccinated to find a solution where possible so they can complete their studies via distance courses.”
The details of how the university will implement and manage the vaccination policy are being finalised and communicated with staff and students between now and when it comes into effect.
Here are a set of FAQs that will be updated as and when new information is available.
A list of programme offerings that are not available to un-vaccinated students can be found here.
