Towson University joins White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge

TU continues to prioritize community’s health as it prepares for on-campus learning, working and living this fall

June 3, 2021

vaccine

As Towson University continues to prioritize the health and safety of its community members, it has answered the call from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education to join in the nationwide COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge.

The White House has invited hundreds of colleges and universities to join the effort, furthering its efforts to end the pandemic. TU is one of a handful of Maryland institutions taking part in the challenge, joining fellow University System of Maryland institutions Bowie State, UMBC and Salisbury University, as well as Morgan State and Johns Hopkins universities in Baltimore.

Towson University is preparing for a full on-campus experience—a robust environment of learning, living and working— for the Fall 2021 semester and is supporting the USM mandate that requires those on campus to be vaccinated by August 9.[BROKEN LINK]

“We are proud to join this nationwide effort amongst our peer institutions to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” President Kim Schatzel said. “I urge the entire TU community to join me and the countless other Tigers who have already done so, and roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated to show how much Tigers care.”

The White House said in a statement: “While a significant portion of older generations have received the shot, younger Americans lag behind. It is time for younger generations to get their shot. We’re all in this together: Ensuring that young people join their parents and grandparents and get vaccinated will not only keep them safe, but it will also protect their families and communities by reducing the risk of giving the virus to someone else.

“Participating colleges commit to taking three key actions to help get their campus communities vaccinated: engaging every student, faculty, and staff member; organizing their college communities; and delivering vaccine access for all,” the statement continued.

TU has been engaging in the vaccination effort for months, with faculty and staff being eligible earlier this year. TU has worked with state partners to provide vaccination opportunities through mass vaccination sites and through individual appointments and through University Days, dedicated to the state’s institutions of higher learning.

Most recently, there has been a partnership with University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center. The Medical Center offered free vaccine appointments specifically for Towson University students, faculty and staff on June 7 and will again on June 9 at 7501 Osler Drive. Students, faculty and staff may register here.

In Maryland, more than 70 percent of the population eligible for the vaccine have now been administered a first shot, and nearly 3 million Maryland residents are fully vaccinated. 

TU has lifted the mask requirement on campus for any individuals who are vaccinated. More than 4,600 Tigers have already submitted vaccination documentation for verification ahead of the August 9 deadline. To submit your proof of vaccine, visit www.towson.edu/vaxverify