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CSUSM as One

Student Vaccine Certification & Exemption

Our safest defense against the spread of COVID is vaccination. Coming together safely remains our top priority, which is why the CSU requires the COVID vaccine and booster for all individuals who are coming to campus or participating in in-person university activities.

There is an important change for the spring 2022 semester:

Students who indicated that they would remain fully remote for the duration of the fall and not access on-campus facilities or participate with in-person activities won't have that option for the spring 2022 semester.

Given the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in our state, the California State University Office of the Chancellor announced an update to the systemwide COVID-19 vaccine policy, requiring all students, faculty and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster once they become eligible. 

While the CSU policy implemented a systemwide "not to exceed" deadline of Feb. 28 for this new requirement, for CSUSM, our community members must be in compliance by Jan. 18 (in alignment with the start of spring semester) or as soon as they are eligible under CDC and state guidelines. 

Booster Deadline - Jan. 18, 2022 

In order to participate in spring courses, students must update their record by selecting one of the options below no later than Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. While spring offerings will continue to include online and hybrid class options, the “fully remote attestation” option is no longer available.

You can fulfill the booster requirement in the following ways:

  • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record to myCSUSM.
  • Request a medical exemption by providing a physician’s note, and begin weekly COVID testing on campus starting the week of Jan. 24.
  • Request a religious exemption and attest to a sincerely held religious belief that precludes you from getting the vaccine, and begin weekly COVID testing on campus starting the week of Jan. 24.
  • If you're not yet eligible for the booster because it has been less than five months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or less than two months since you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it will be automatically reflected in your record. You will be required to submit proof of receiving the booster within 30 days of becoming eligible.
  • If you are not yet eligible because of a positive COVID test within the past 14 days, you should submit a request for a temporary waiver with the COVID Case Management Team by emailing covidtesting@csusm.edu. Please be sure to submit documentation of your positive test AND your scheduled booster appointment. You will need to receive your booster and submit proof once your temporary waiver ends.

Students who fail to comply with the policy may be subject to Student Conduct disciplinary actions.

How to Submit Records

Students can submit their COVID-19 vaccine documentation along with their other immunization requirements online here. If you are requesting a religious or health exemption/accommodation for COVID-19, you must be ready to include a personal statement. 

Submit Vaccination Record or Request a Medical Exemption Request a Religious Exemption

Qualifying Exemptions

Medical and religious exemptions are permitted under the following guidelines. Please note that students with an approved exemption are required to participate in the weekly on-campus mandatory testing program and adhere to campus mask protocols. 

Medical Exemption

Due to a medical (including mental health) condition for which an approved vaccine presents a significant risk of a serious adverse reaction. Any medical exemption must be verified by a certified or licensed healthcare professional. Attached documentation from a certified or licensed healthcare professional indicating medical reasons is required. Students can learn more about applying for a medical exemption. (Please note: after filling out your information, scroll to the bottom of the form and select "I am requesting a medical exemption.")

Religious Exemption

Due to either (i) a person’s sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice, which includes any traditionally recognized religion, or (ii) beliefs, observances, or practices which an individual sincerely holds and that occupy a place of importance in that individual’s life, comparable to that of traditionally recognized religions. Documentation is not initially required. Students can learn more about applying for a religious exemption.