WNY College Decides on Vaccination Requirement for Students and Faculty

The 2021-2022 academic year for colleges across Western New York will begin in roughly two months and there's a lot of planning and preparations to be done before students return for what many hope to look like a normal school year.

While New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced last week that most state-mandated pandemic restrictions would be lifted. effective immediately, there are those who have decided to require vaccinations. One Western New York college is taking that step.

According to WIVB, Hilbert College in Hamburg is requiring students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated for the return to campus.

Hilbert president, Dr. Michael Brophy said, in part:

"Inspired by our Catholic, Franciscan identity, these measures are meant to serve the common good and uphold the safety and well-being of our campus community, particularly for the most vulnerable among us."

Those who are not vaccinated for religious, medical, or personal reasons, and wish to return to campus, must submit a request for an exemption form at the college's Wellness Center.

Get our free mobile app

Masks will not be required while on campus, whether or not students are vaccinated. Hilbert College says they will continue to adjust and update guidelines on their website, which you can find here.

Hilbert College is located on South Park Avenue in Hamburg and is a private, Franciscan college.