New College has not yet required students to receive  COVID-19 vaccinations in order to return to campus in the fall, but will require negative COVID-19 tests before returning to campus, as well as shortly afterwards. This policy is similar to many other colleges across the nation; only one college in Florida—Nova Southeastern University, a private school—has announced that it will require vaccinations, and as of right now around 160 colleges across the nation have announced that they will require a vaccine as they approach the fall.

However, while vaccinations are not yet mandated, NCF has encouraged students to get vaccinations through hosting walk-up vaccination clinics for all students, faculty, staff and family members. On April 19, a clinic for the Moderna vaccine was held on campus, and a follow up clinic will be held on May 14 so that those vaccinated will be able to receive their second dose. A walk-in Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinic was also held on April 28.

“As of now, we are recommending but not requiring the vaccine,” Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management Yosef Shapiro said via email. “This is subject to change. We will see what the Florida Board of Governors says as the situation may change over the summer.”