Frequently Asked Questions — Employees
Does the Southern University System (System) require faculty and staff to be vaccinated?
The System is requiring all employees to participate in the process to upload proof of full vaccination or file for an exemption. The participation requirement applies to all full-time, part-time, temporary and contract employees. This includes employees who work on site and remote/virtually.
Participation includes:
- Providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Filing a medical or religious exemption request
What vaccines are accepted?
Any COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. will be accepted.
This includes:
- Moderna
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
How can employees provide proof of vaccination?
Employees can upload proof of vaccination at sus.edu/vaccine.
IMPORTANT: You must use your SUS email credentials to upload proof of vaccination (firstname.lastname@sus.edu).
If you need technical assistance accessing your SUS email credentials ONLY, contact your campus I.T. department.
What qualifies as a COVID-19 vaccine official document?
The document may include the following:
- CDC Vaccination Card,
- World Health Organization Yellow Book, or
- Official documentation from a medical provider.
The document must include the name of the vaccine you received and the dates you were vaccinated.
Can a System employee apply for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination participation?
Southern University System employees may apply for an exemption for one of the following reasons:
- Medical
- Religious
How do I submit an exemption request?
Employees can upload an exemption request at sus.edu/vaccine.
IMPORTANT: You must use your SUS email credentials to upload proof of vaccination (firstname.lastname@sus.edu).
If you need technical assistance accessing/utilizing your SUS email credentials ONLY, contact your campus I.T. department.
How will I know that my exemption request has been approved?
Employees will be notified in writing.
What happens if I am approved for an exemption?
Employees with an approved exemption will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test performed and to upload the negative PCR test results. Rapid test results will not be accepted.
Test results must be uploaded at sus.edu/vaccine.
How often will I have to submit negative COVID-19 tests results?
Employees with approved exemptions must upload negative COVID-19 (PCR) test results weekly. Rapid COVID-19 test results will not be accepted.
Why was my exemption request denied?
An employee’s exemption request may be denied for the following reasons:
- Submitting incomplete forms;
- Submitting incomplete documentation from a medical provider; or
- Submitting CDC or the manufacturer's vaccine contraindication that cannot be certified.
What if I am pregnant and do not want the vaccine at this time?
If an employee is pregnant and chooses not to receive the vaccine, please have your obstetrician complete the medical exemption form to verify you are pregnant.
What if I recently had a positive COVID-19 test?
Anyone who is less than 90 days from a positive COVID-19 test or less than 90 days from receiving a monoclonal antibody or high titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma treatment may receive a temporary medical exemption. A medical provider must complete the medical exemption form verifying the dates of the recent test or treatment. Once the 90-day period has expired, comply with the participation requirement to upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination or to file an exemption request.
What if I cannot locate my COVID-19 vaccination record?
If an employee does not have a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card, the employee should do one of the following:
- Download LA Wallet (Louisiana residents only);
- Contact your vaccination provider to get another copy; or
- Utilize your state department of health immunization information system.
Will proof of partial vaccine doses be accepted?
Proof of partial vaccination can be submitted. HOWEVER, proof of the full dose of vaccine (first and second shots, accordingly) must be submitted to be in compliance with the protocols.
A full dose is defined as:
- Two shots of Moderna
- Two shots of Pfizer
- One shot of Johnson & Johnson
Are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots required?
The System is not requiring COVID-19 boosters at this time.
If I do not upload proof of vaccination or an exemption request, what happens next?
System employees that are not in compliance may be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including termination.
Will Southern University continue to require masks on its campuses?
At this time, masks are not mandatory but are strongly recommended.
What if I am exposed to someone with COVID-19 and/or I have COVID-19?
The Southern University System COVID-19 Reporting Protocols are still in effect. Please note that these protocols are relevant for both students and employees.
Where can I get my COVID-19 vaccine?
Southern University Baton Rouge Landmass (SUBR, SULC and SU Ag)
Southern University/CareSouth Employee Clinic
J.K. Haynes (Nursing School) Building
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Southern University at New Orleans
University Center
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No appointment necessary.
Southern University Shreveport
3050 MLK Jr. Drive
Shreveport, LA 71107
Student Parking Lot, Drive-Thru Vaccination Tent
Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No appointment necessary.
For off-campus locations, go to vaccines.gov.