Under President Biden’s September Executive Order, UNC employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by early December. Those who do not comply may face disciplinary action from the university.

Biden’s Executive Order 14042 and guidance issued by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force requires employees of federal contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than December 8. As UNC receives $160 million in federal contract funding to support research, educational programs, and other initiatives, the university is subject to these requirements.  

According to a UNC media release, the federal vaccine requirement applies to all employees who are working on or in connection with a federal contract, or who work in the same location as employees working on a federal contract. It also applies to full-time, part-time and temporary employees, as well as those working remotely. Postdoctoral scholars and graduate assistants are also subject to the requirement.

“Subject to further guidance from the federal government, covered employees who do not comply with the vaccine requirement or receive an approved exemption may be subject to disciplinary action,” the university release read.

At this time, the federal vaccine requirement does not apply broadly to all categories of student workers.

Employees who have not yet been vaccinated and who are subject to the new federal requirement will receive an individual email from the university asking them to complete their Vaccination Certification form ahead of the December deadline.

University policy allows employees up to eight hours in paid work time for vaccinations occurring within regular work hours, with their supervisor’s permission. According to UNC, employees are also entitled to paid leave for adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations on the day or the day after the vaccine is received.

Earlier in the fall semester, UNC requested all staff to attest their COVID-19 vaccination status to aid in contact tracing efforts and maintaining overall public health on campus. To date, UNC says about 85 percent of staff and 88 percent of all employees have attested to being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Faculty and staff can receive the vaccine at the Campus Health Pharmacy in the Student Stores in central campus.

“We encourage you to act now,” said Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz in a letter to the campus community, “For your own health and the health of your community and to continue the important work of our University.

 

Lead photo via UNC.

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