Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Join the community of UPR donors who make this station possible. YOUR membership donation has the power to make a big difference! GIVE NOW
Find the latest information on the Coronavirus outbreak in Utah, including public health measures, contact information, news updates, and more.

Dixie State University debates whether to implement a vaccine mandate on campus

Kristi Shields

Several public universities throughout the state have announced that students will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to campus for the Spring 2022 semester. If students from these schools fail to get vaccinated, they will not be allowed to register for next semester.

Although most state institutions, such as Utah State University, Utah Valley University, and the University of Utah are implementing this regulation, Dixie State University has not announced any requirements for students to get the vaccine before next semester.

Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jordon Sharp said DSU officials have been monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. They are educating and encouraging students and employees to get the vaccine, providing easy access to vaccines, and are watching the numbers of cases proactively.

DSU students have mixed opinions on the issue. 

“I’m actually relieved that Dixie is not requiring students to be vaccinated because, in my opinion, something like a vaccine should not be required because it is something that we are putting in our own bodies and not everyone reacts the same way to a vaccine,” senior, Kristi Shields said.

“I believe that Dixie should implement a vaccine requirement for the spring semester because I think for the safety of faculty and students there should be a requirement and also it eliminates the risk of us having to go fully online again because I know that damages so many people’s learning experiences,” senior Hannah Waddell said.

“Personally, I think that mandating a vaccine at Dixie wouldn’t change anything because there are always loopholes to opt out of a mandate,” junior Sydney Johnson said.

Sharp said the numbers of COVID-19 cases on DSU’s campus have been substantially lower than expected, but they will continue to observe the situation closely to ensure safety for all students. 

DSU officials are still debating on mandatory vaccinations, but will make a public announcement as soon as they decide on a final consensus.