Dear Colleagues,

The past 17 months has been quite a challenge for the Keiser University community, and I am happy to report that as a result of your hard work and dedication KU handled the transition to remote learning and back to on-ground learning smoothly and professionally. Your sacrifices, efforts and cooperation have made Keiser University an example for others to follow.

As Chancellor of Keiser University, you have entrusted me with the welfare of all students and employees and I am committed to keeping that trust. Over the course of the Pandemic, we have taken the necessary action to secure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff by implementing recommended safety protocols and precautions, where appropriate.

We are now facing an increased threat and challenge due to the presence of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Florida. After careful consideration we have made the decision to require all KU employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This change is applicable to all full and part-time faculty and staff, adjunct faculty, and temporary employees who work at any campus or the Office of the Chancellor.  A policy regarding this will follow in the near future.

Another option is available for employees who choose not to be vaccinated, or request an exemption due to medical conditions or sincerely held beliefs. Those individuals will be required to be tested twice a week (Rapid Testing is available), always wear a mask while inside, and stay socially distanced from others. We will be setting up a process for documentation of vaccination as well as requests for exemption in the near future.

This policy is being implemented immediately and requires that employees be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021, and report their status in a manner to be provided shortly. Fully vaccinated means two weeks after obtaining either the one-shot Johnson & Johnson or the two-shot Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Employees who do not complete their vaccination by September 30, 2021, and do not receive an exemption, will be given the option to convert to unpaid leave status for up to 45 days to consider the vaccination options or request an exemption.

Your safety and the safety of everyone on our campuses is of the utmost concern and we believe that implementing this policy will get you and your loved ones through this pandemic in the healthiest and safest manner possible.

Sincerely,

Arthur Keiser, Ph.D.
Chancellor