In an effort to have at least 75 percent of its student population vaccinated before the start of classes on Aug. 30, 2021, Wittenberg University has announced a new incentive program.
Like the State of Ohio, Wittenberg will offer incentives to students who report their vaccination status to the University. Each week, from June 7 through Aug. 9, three financial aid grants will be awarded – one in the amount of $2,500, a second of $1,000, and a third of $500. The grants will be applied to each recipient’s 2021-2022 Wittenberg tuition and related costs. If the vaccine award is in excess of a student winner’s tuition and required fee balance on their student account, the student may apply for a refund.
“Our COVID Response Team continues to strongly encourage students and employees to get vaccinated,” said Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Casey Gill. “If our campus can reach a point where 75 percent of our students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we will have more flexibility for offerings and activities on campus in the fall.”
At the present, 55 percent of Wittenberg’s returning students have voluntarily reported that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Winners will be drawn each Monday starting June 7. To be eligible and automatically entered into the drawing, students must register their vaccine information with Wittenberg by the Friday immediately preceding the drawing. For example, register by June 4 for the June 7 drawing. Students must register their vaccine information via the housing portal on Wittenberg’s website, information and instructions about which have already been provided to students. Students who have previously registered their vaccine in the housing portal are automatically entered into the drawing and do not need to re-register each week. Students can win only one award.
Each Monday, staff will contact the student winners so they can provide verified proof of their vaccination. Proof of vaccination must show that two shots of Pfizer or Moderna have been received, or one shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Wittenberg may also verify vaccination dates through the Clark County Combined Health District records. Winners will be announced to campus each Wednesday with each recipient’s permission.
