FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Greg Boyce
greg.boyce@trinidadstate.edu
719 846-5530 Office
719 821-6397 Cell
May 3, 2021
Trinidad State will require vaccinations for athletes, residence hall students, but not broader student population this fall
TRINIDAD, Colo – Trinidad State Junior College will not require most students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 when classes start in the fall. Trinidad State will follow the guidance of the Colorado Community System. System Chancellor Joe Garcia announced this week that CCCS will continue to follow recommendations of health authorities but does not intend on mandating COVID-19 vaccines for all students, faculty, or staff.
Trinidad State will continue to strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to not only get vaccinated, but to follow all other safety protocols. “The health and safety of the students, faculty, and staff is our top priority,” said Garcia. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have closely followed the recommendations of national, state, and local health authorities. We moved quickly to remote instruction and support face coverings, social distancing, testing, and quarantining when necessary, all while delivering on our mission and ensuring access for countless Coloradans.”
As community college students are more likely to work part-time or full-time jobs, be parents, and have limited resources, Trinidad State continues to try to remove barriers to educational pursuits and serve all learners as student-ready institutions.
“Our classes are small, typically fewer than 20 students,” said Trinidad State President Dr. Rhonda Epper. “This allows us to spread out the students to keep them safe. We will also continue to follow other health recommendations designed to mitigate any spread of the virus.”
The exception will be those living in residence halls and those on athletic teams. “Experience has taught us these are the students that are most likely to expose each other to COVID,” said Epper. “We will require those students to be vaccinated.” As with other vaccines, students with medical, religious, or personal reasons will have the option to request an exemption.
