Policy Requirements
With the single exception of Verto Education’s UK-London program, all students who participate in Verto Education global programs during the 2021-2022 academic year must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with a vaccination approved or granted an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. Students may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement; however, specific criteria must be met for an exemption to be granted. If you want to seek an exemption, we encourage you to get in touch with us at safety@vertoeducation.org as soon as possible so that we may expeditiously consider your request. Verto students and staff are required to adhere to government-mandated COVID-19-related travel restrictions and protocols – specific to their program location – throughout the course of the semester.
Note: Restrictions and protocols respective to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals vary greatly and can change rapidly – among Verto’s global program locations. Unvaccinated students who qualify for exemptions remain subject to COVID-19-related restrictions, requirements and protocols specific to their program location. Travel restrictions specific to unvaccinated travelers vary widely (based on program location and local health authorities), and are subject to change without notice. For example, unvaccinated students with approved medical or religious exemptions may be subject to pre- and post-arrival country-specific testing requirements, travel-specific testing requirements, and other public health measures (including recurring, in-country prevalence testing), all of which are outside of Verto’s control. They may also be subject to local prohibitions on entering certain public facilities and spaces, and/or restricted from attending specific social or communal events. Unvaccinated students with confirmed exposure to positive COVID-19 cases may be subjected to local protocols which may mandate immediate and extending quarantine periods and enhanced testing requirements, all of which are beyond Verto’s control.
While we strive to deliver all our students the best possible experience, unvaccinated students may be subject to adjustments in their programming as required by local restrictions, requirements and protocols in effect throughout their program. Our supreme consideration is the safety of our students and staff. Again, we ask that you reach out to us immediately if you think you might seek an exemption from our COVID-19 vaccination policy. We will work with any students granted an exemption to maximize their experience in light of the restrictions described above.
With the single exception of Verto Education’s UK-London program, students who are not vaccinated and do not qualify for an exemption are not permitted to participate in Verto Education programs, as of September 01, 2021.
Rationale for Policy Requirement
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Studies have shown they prevent severe illness and death from the virus, and greatly reduce the likelihood of virus transmission and spread. Like hundreds of colleges and universities across North America, Verto is following public health guidance and the advice of our medical experts by requiring vaccination in the broad majority of our global programs. This approach allows Verto to provide safe and healthy environments for our students abroad, limit the potential for Verto programs to contribute to community transmission and outbreaks in our program locations, and ensure student access to community-based events, locations and program excursion activities. Verto programs are intentionally-designed learning environments where students live and grow together across classroom and campus settings, community-based activities and local excursions. Verto’s vaccination policy supports our commitment to keeping program classrooms, residences, and communities safe.
Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccination is currently required for all Verto staff members who participate in on-site activities alongside students in global program locations (unless granted a medical or religious exemption). As of Fall 2021, all on-site faculty and staff are required to show proof of vaccination before the semester start date.
Verto Education Mask Requirements
Consistent with CDC recommendations by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are required in all shared, indoor communal spaces on campus wherein social distancing is not possible. Verto requires face masks to be worn by all students and staff while using public transportation, or while using private transportation associated with program activities. Verto monitors campus spaces and program activities throughout the semester, and adjusts mask requirements in accordance with evolving public health guidance.
