Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to inform you that I, in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team, have decided that all Office of the President employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
I firmly believe that all 75,000 students and 24,000 employees of the University of Massachusetts need to be vaccinated. Our campuses are in active negotiations with their unionized workforce regarding this vaccination requirement and it is our intent that all campus employees will be vaccinated. I am confident that many of you are already vaccinated because of the health and safety benefits to you, your family, your colleagues and your community. However, it has become increasingly clear that we must increase vaccination rates if we are ever to defeat this virus and ensure that our workplace is a healthy place.
Later today, you will receive an email from Human Resources that will outline the specifics of this requirement. This email will also include information regarding how employees can seek a medical or religious exemption from this requirement if appropriate.
Thank you all for your hard work, flexibility and cooperation as we work to ensure a healthy workplace for all and a successful implementation of our hybrid work program.
Sincerely,
Marty