Northeastern Illinois University President Gloria J. Gibson announced on Aug. 31 that the University has created a Vaccine Incentive Program (VIP) for employees and students.
“As a way to reward our University community for helping us safely return to on-campus learning, today I am officially announcing Northeastern's Vaccine Incentive Program ,” Gibson said. “If you are not able to get a vaccine because of religious or health reasons, you will still be able to participate in the incentive program, pending an exemption review and weekly COVID-19 testing.”
Earlier in the month, Gibson announced that, in addition to all students, employees and visitors to Northeastern wearing masks indoors and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained, Northeastern is requiring all students, faculty and staff who are taking courses or working on campus or living in The Nest to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021-22 academic year. Those who were unable to be vaccinated or who did not provide proof of vaccination prior to Aug. 23 are required to participate in weekly on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing.
All Northeastern students and employees who have completed their attestation forms will be automatically entered into a drawing for the following prizes:
- Two full tuition scholarships for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 (open to all students; covers up to 12 credit hours for undergraduate or graduate students after all federal, state, institutional, internal/external scholarships and grants)
- Ten $500 tuition scholarships (open to all students)
- Ten $100 gift cards (open to employees only)
- Ten $25 gift cards (open to students and employees)
Additionally, everyone who has turned in their forms will be eligible to receive an NEIU keychain and a $5 gift certificate for either Cafe Descartes or Fooda. Drawings for tuition waivers and gift cards will begin Thursday, Sept. 2 and three winners will be selected each Thursday thereafter for the following 10 weeks. The full tuition awards will be drawn Thursday, Nov. 4. Keychain and gift certificate pick up information will be announced on the VIP webpage soon.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Students and COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Employees can be found on the University website.
“As we return to in-person work and learning, Northeastern Illinois University remains committed to ensuring your health and safety are a top priority,” Gibson said. She continued, “Thank you all for your continued commitment to making Northeastern Illinois University a safe place to learn and work.”
Answers to many commonly asked questions regarding Northeastern’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the University’s Return to Campus webpage. Other questions about the VIP can be directed to vip@neiu.edu. Specific questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 that have not been addressed on the University website can be directed to coronavirus@neiu.edu.
