TO:  University of Idaho Students, Faculty and Staff
FROM:  Scott Green, President
Torrey Lawrence, Provost and Executive Vice President
DATE:  Oct. 4, 2021
SUBJECT:  Three Rounds of Tuition Incentives Given

Thank you to everyone who has rolled up their sleeves to be vaccinated in an effort to slow the sweeping spread of COVID-19. Audrey Atkin, a senior majoring in Music Education, and Maria Estrada, a senior majoring in Art, are the latest winners of $1,000 tuition credit incentives in our vaccination incentive drawings. They are two of more than 3,600 students who have submitted proof of their vaccination. At a recent dinner with students, a number of them said they were vaccinated but had not uploaded their vaccination card — they have missed out on $8,000 already. We are giving away $12,000 more over the coming weeks. Students, take the time to submit your proof of full vaccination for a chance to win in future drawings. You will never have better odds in life to win $1,000 or $5,000 for your education. All students submitting proof receive a $50 gift card to the VandalStore or Idaho Eats. You can’t lose, only win.

People who are vaccinated are:

• More than five times less likely to get COVID-19.
• More than six times less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19, if infected.

(Data according to Idaho Public Health)

Vaccinations are indeed our best defense against the virus and the right thing to do to help our medical community which is continually working hard to treat the increase in patients seeking medical care. We must also be patient with the testing system — the nursing resources available to help a year ago have been redirected to our overtaxed healthcare system to care for the seriously ill and are simply not available this year. If you are feeling sick, contact your healthcare provider or the Vandal Health Clinic for a referral. A thoughtful and orderly approach to accessing healthcare is more important than ever.

We know life is challenging right now — balancing the already stressful life of higher education with a seemingly never-ending pandemic. Faculty are encouraged to work with students who miss class for any illness. Supervisors, work with your staff through illness, as well. Continue to wear your masks while indoors and follow the Healthy Vandal Pledge.

We have an exciting week ahead of us with Homecoming and Vandal Fest — celebrating our legacy and our future. That future begins today through the deliberate attention we give to the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our fellow Vandals.

Keep Calm and Vandal On.

Scott Green
President

president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president

Torrey Lawrence
Provost and Executive Vice President

provost@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/provost