**** NSCAD Release
NSCAD will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or regular COVID-19 testing results
Throughout the pandemic, we have based our planning and decision making on the best public health advice, data from government and the post-secondary sector, and your feedback. According to NSCAD’s COVID-19 Vaccination Survey, 90% of respondents are fully vaccinated, and 95% of respondents are committed to being fully vaccinated by the fall term. The survey results indicate a significantly higher percentage of our community is vaccinated than the general population in the province (about 70%), which is very good news for keeping our campuses safe.
While our community members have largely made the personal decision to be fully vaccinated, we also recognize that with the continued rise in cases in Nova Scotia and the return to campus underway, requiring clear instructions for those who have not yet been vaccinated is important and necessary. As a result, NSCAD University will require either proof of full vaccination before returning to campus, or for those who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status, those who do not yet have full vaccine coverage, or those who remain unvaccinated, we will begin requiring proof of regular testing (twice weekly).
All faculty, staff and students are asked to complete the NSCAD Confirmation of Vaccination form. This form must be completed before September 7, 2021 and will require you to:
- submit documentation of full vaccination, or
- make a declaration that you will not provide vaccination documentation at this time and will undergo COVID-19 testing twice a week. Note: Proof of testing will be required weekly beginning September 7, 2021.
The medical information provided in the form will be kept secure and confidential. Please do not email your information. Sending information outside of the Forms Portal could compromise confidentiality of medical information.
For those who choose regular testing, results from any testing location held by Nova Scotia Health will be accepted. In Nova Scotia, rapid testing locations can be found here. Regular testing is also encouraged for those who are fully vaccinated. A reminder that NSCAD University will be hosting a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic on September 10, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Art Bar +Projects (1875 Granville Street).
The NSCAD University experience is built on mutual support, trust, integrity, and a sense of shared responsibility. Our planning is built on the same values. We wanted to ensure our approach to vaccinations was thoughtful, measured and took into account the unique makeup of our university. We are confident that our multi-layered approach (vaccines, testing, masks, and additional protection protocols) is best for NSCAD’s safe return to campus and we will continue this approach as in-person learning and working evolves over the coming academic year.
