Lambton College students who want to live in residence will need at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by August 30.
The college has mandated vaccinations for students living in residence this fall. Proof of a second vaccine dose will need to be provided to the school by October 15.
Director of Marketing, Communications and Brand Management Diana Forbes said medical exemptions and those protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code will be accepted.
"Any approved exemptions may impose some restrictions on access to activities or room occupancy," she said.
Even with mandatory vaccines, the residence will continue to operate at half capacity.
"What we're looking for here is to ensure that our students have the best experience possible when they're coming into residence. They're living here so it's very different than a student commuting or coming in and out of the classroom," she said. "For these students, this is their home and we want to ensure that they have a very well-rounded and robust experience both academically and socially."
Students in residence who do not provide proof of a second vaccine dose on time will be required to move out.
Forbes said the college consulted with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities as well as Lambton Public Health before coming to this conclusion.
"We really listened to what was happening, not only in our own community but also in other communities and colleges and universities across the province," she said.
Western University and Fanshawe College in London issued the same mandate for students living in residence earlier this year.
Forbes said so far reaction to the recently announced mandate has been positive.
"We have a staff of people ready and willing to answer questions and what we saw was people filling out the forms of the access station that they've had their vaccination," she said.
Although Lambton College encourages students and staff to get vaccinated ahead of the fall semester, Forbes said it is currently not a requirement in order to attend other areas of the school.
