October 29, 2021
Dear OU Community,
Last month, President Biden issued an executive order mandating COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees, federal contractors, and other identified individuals. After a careful legal assessment, it has been determined the order applies to Oklahoma research universities – including the University of Oklahoma – and their employees. We are obligated to adhere to the order. If we do not comply, OU runs the risk of losing hundreds of millions of dollars each year in federal funding for the life-changing research, education, and services we provide. Because of this federal mandate, and after thorough examination and consultation with government, medical, and public health officials, OU will require COVID-19 vaccination for all employees.
To follow the federal requirement, all OU employees – including faculty; staff; undergraduate and graduate student employees; part-time, temporary, and PEAK employees; and graduate research and teaching assistants – must be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022, with a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
This requirement does not impact students who are not OU employees, and it does not include COVID-19 boosters. If an employee believes that health or religious reasons prevent them from receiving a vaccine, they will be allowed to submit a request for an accommodation. To meet the January 4 deadline, employees are encouraged to begin the vaccination process quickly, as some vaccine protocols take several weeks for full vaccination.
In the coming days, Human Resources will issue guidance on how to provide proof of vaccination as well as the accommodation process.
OU administers Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines free of charge, and vaccines are also readily available at area pharmacies and health clinics. Campus-specific information is available below for individuals seeking vaccines.
Norman Campus
Health Sciences Center
OU-Tulsa
For more information, please review our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQs. You may also submit inquiries to OU Human Resources at vaccine@ou.edu.
The university will continue to monitor the legal and regulatory landscape and will provide updates to the university community as appropriate. Additionally, we will continue to work with federal and state officials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to deliver on our life-changing purpose without interruption.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
