EMU Today

Eastern Michigan University has developed a COVID Vaccine Certification and Testing Portal as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But what is the portal, and why is it important that students, faculty and staff report their vaccination status?

We asked Sherry Bumpus, Ph.D., for insight. Bumpus is a member of the University’s Public Health Work Group, a special associate to the Provost and an associate professor of Nursing.  

EMU Today: The University rolled out a vaccination certification system this summer. What has participation been like?

Sherry Bumpus: “We have had a really great response thus far. We estimate that around 70 percent of students who have an on-campus class have provided information about their vaccination status.”

EMU Today: Why are we asking students, faculty and staff to report their vaccination status? Why does the University need this information?

Sherry Bumpus: “The University needs to know data such as the number of students and employees on campus each day. But we also need to know the percentage of those individuals on campus who are fully vaccinated. We are required to share this information with the Washtenaw County Health Department. COVID-related decisions and policies are reviewed and amended daily, not only by us, but by the county and the state. The percentage of vaccinated individuals on campus directly impacts how campus operations must be run and the types of requirements and restrictions that must be in place. Simply put, the higher the percentage of vaccinated individuals we have on campus, the more activities we can resume.”

EMU Today: Why else should students, faculty and staff be motivated to submit their vaccination status?

Sherry Bumpus: “Receiving the vaccine protects people from illness or from severe illness, and it also protects others around them and helps us get back to a more ‘normal’ University experience.

“Plus, students and employees who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and report their vaccination status by Oct. 8, 2021, are eligible to win prizes in EMU’s ‘Get the Vax to Win’ program. Student prizes include a $5,000 credit to a student’s account, a Google Pixelbook Go 13.3” computer, free housing for the fall 2021 or winter 2022 semester, free parking permit and more. Employee prizes include a $500 payment, a gift card to the EMU Bookstore and credit at EMU Dining facilities”. [See the “Get the Vax to Win” website for more information.] 

EMU Today: How is information stored once it is submitted to the University?

Sherry Bumpus: “Vaccination information is confidentially and securely stored, separate from an employee’s personnel file and from a student’s record, and is accessible only by authorized individuals.”

EMU Today: How can students, faculty and staff find the website where they can submit their vaccination status?

Sherry Bumpus: “Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the EMU Safe website and look for ‘report vaccine status.’ Clicking on that link will then take them to the COVID Vaccine Certification and Testing Portal, where they can submit their information.”

Find detailed information about EMU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including pop-up vaccine clinics, our testing center and more, by visiting the EMU Safe website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.