University of Waterloo asks anyone entering campus in fall to consent to showing proof of vaccination

Anyoneentering the University of Waterloo campuses from Sept. 1 onward must consent to showing proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status, the university saidMonday.

Last week, the university warned studentsthat if they're not fully vaccinated against COVID-19,they must undergo twice-weekly antigen screenings.

A message originally sent to students and employees by Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor and James W.E. Rush, vice-president, academic and provost was published on the university website Monday.

"The process to declare your vaccination status will be mandatory for anyone coming on to campus," the statement said.

"The university will require you to provide an attestation that the information you give is accurate and truthful to the best of your knowledge. For those who are not vaccinated or choose not to answer, you will be asked to provide an attestation that you will participate in the rapid antigen screening program which will allow you to come to our campuses."

The university said it trusts community members will "act with integrity and honesty" in completing the attestations, adding that the plan is to continue relying on self-declaration of vaccination status.

"However, we will ask you to consent to providing proof of your vaccination or test result status at any time if it is required ... Failure to participate may result in changes in your access to our campuses," the statement said.

The university is asking all community members to complete the declaration by Oct. 1, regardless of whether they plan to visit thecampus.