SAIT one of nine Alberta post-secondary institutions to introduce vaccine mandate

  • 13 September 2021
SAIT joins University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, MacEwan University, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal University, NAIT and NorQuest College to introduce vaccination mandate and required vaccination proof.
SAIT joins University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, MacEwan University, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal University, NAIT and NorQuest College in introducing a vaccination mandate and requiring vaccination proof. The vaccine requirement, including providing proof of vaccination, will be implemented at SAIT starting Jan. 1, 2022.

Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to protect communities from COVID-19’s damaging effects. At Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, vaccinations have proven to be a critical part of our fall safety plans.

Today, we are building on previously announced measures by strengthening the role that vaccinations will play on post-secondary campuses moving forward.

SAIT is joining eight other Alberta post-secondary institutions introducing the following enhancements to campus safety measures:

  • Campus community members and visitors, including students, employees, contract employees and all contractors, will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend campuses.
  • Campus community members and visitors will be required to provide proof of vaccination.
  • Rapid testing will not be accepted as an alternative to vaccination, except for campus community members who cannot be vaccinated based on verified medical or other protected grounds outlined in the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Implementation dates and details for these new measures will vary from institution to institution.

Vaccine requirement at SAIT

The vaccine requirement, including providing proof of vaccination, will be implemented at SAIT starting Jan. 1, 2022. Reasonable accommodations will be made for those in the SAIT community unable to get vaccinated due to a verified medical reason or for another protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Information regarding options for withdrawals/refunds, how to pursue a vaccine accommodation based on verified medical or other protected grounds outlined in the Alberta Human Rights Act, details on the proof of vaccination requirement and more will be provided as soon as possible.

SAIT recently announced the implementation of a new COVID-19 Vaccination Verification and Rapid Testing Program later this month. Once in place, this program will support existing COVID-19 safety measures including case management, health promotion and awareness, campus mask requirement and enhanced cleaning protocols for the Fall term.

SAIT encourages community members to get vaccinated when they become eligible. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and book your shot.

We will continue to assess the ongoing health situation in our province and make necessary adjustments to ensure the health and safety of our community. Find the latest information on SAIT's response to COVID-19 at sait.ca/covid19.

With this joint announcement, Alberta's post-secondary institutions are working together and taking a coordinated approach to ensure safety on our campuses. The safety of our large and diverse communities of post-secondary campuses remains the top consideration when making both short-term and long-term plans throughout the pandemic.