Western advances White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge

Contact: Erin Flynn

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Great strides have been made to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan and across the country, but it will take a collective effort to defeat the virus. It's what drives Western Michigan University's commitment to the White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge—urging all community members who are able to get vaccinated.

"Through our COVID-19 Response Coordination Team and our Sindecuse Health Center, Western has been a leader among universities across the state in responding to the needs of our students, faculty and staff," says WMU President Edward Montgomery. "We’ve demonstrated that, as a community, we know what to do and we are willing to do it. Let’s continue to work together as we progress toward a strong fall start."

A graphic that says, "Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Broncos."

Western joins more than 800 institutions nationwide in the challenge, including all 15 public universities in Michigan, focusing on three action steps to increase vaccination rates across campus:

  • Engage every student, faculty and staff member.
  • Organize your college community.
  • Deliver vaccine access for all.

The University has elevated its efforts to protect the campus and surrounding communities throughout the pandemic, from COVID-19-conscious safety procedures and innovative remote-learning options to no-cost COVID-19 testing and on-campus vaccination availability. Because of this, Western is looking forward to a near-normal fall, with some 75% of classes returning to in-person instruction.

Vaccination is the most powerful tool to combat the spread of the virus and get closer to pre-pandemic life. Some of the ways Broncos are leading the charge to encourage vaccination and protect the community include:

  • Sindecuse Health Center and the COVID-19 Response Coordination Team partnering with Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services on COVID-19 response, including to offer vaccination clinics for students, faculty, staff and their dependents.

  • Continued access to vaccinations by appointment through Sindecuse.

  • The student-led COVID-19 Student Coalition working with University administration to inform peers about safety measures, encourage healthy behaviors and act as vaccine ambassadors.

  • Vaccination incentives for the entire campus community; students are eligible to win one of 60 scholarships worth up to $10,000, and any campus community member (student, faculty or staff member) who registers their vaccination with Sindecuse Health Center receives a Starbucks gift card.

  • Continued communication with the campus community about the importance of vaccination and resources to schedule an appointment.

Stay up to date on Western's vaccination efforts on the COVID-19 Vaccination webpage.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.