![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nshe.nevada.edu\/system-administration\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/06\/mrose-signature.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMelody Rose, Ph.D., Chancellor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevada System of Higher Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Friends and Colleagues,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope this message finds you and your family and friends safe and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you know, the health and wellbeing of Nevada\u2019s public higher education community, including
NSHE\u2019s students, faculty, and staff continues to be our highest priority as the world struggles to battle
the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the Board of Regents approved an emergency policy change that requires each NSHE employee
to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Dec. 1, 2021. Please note that failure to comply with the new
requirement could result in termination unless an employee receives an approved exemption for a
medical condition or religious belief. (Links: the medical exemption form; the religious exemption form).
By Oct. 15, 2021, the human resources departments from each institution, including NSHE System
Administration and System Computing Services, will individually notify any employee who does not have
a record of having completed a COVID-19 vaccination series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This new employee vaccine requirement coupled with the State Board of Health\u2019s decision to require a
student vaccine, gives me confidence that as we begin the spring semester across Nevada, NSHE will
achieve one of the highest vaccination rates of any higher education system in the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By doing so, we will be saving lives. And not only our own, but that of our friends, colleagues, students,
those in our communities, and of course our families. The science and data have consistently shown that
receiving the COVID-19 vaccines continues to be the surest, safest, and most effective way to end the
pandemic, and to keep Nevada learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, none of what we all have experienced has been easy. In fact, it is all unprecedented. I want to
thank you all for your steadfast courage as we returned to in-person learning at our great eight
institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am truly grateful and proud of you all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n