2020-21 Academic Year

Your COVID-19 Vaccine Documentation Questions Answered

July 08, 2021

Dear Students,

We have received questions from students about uploading COVID-19 vaccination documentation, so I want to answer some of the most common ones here.

  • I’ve uploaded my documentation, but I don’t see it in the ReOpenCU app. What should I do?
    • Student data is not yet visible in the app, but will be in advance of the August 2 deadline.
    • Entering dates in your patient portal is only the first part of the process. Be sure to upload your documentation in the Immunization Records section of Medical Clearances in the Columbia Health Patient Portal (Morningside students) or the Student Health on Haven portal (CUIMC students). 
    • Morningside students can use these instructions to assist in proper completion of the submission process. If you believe that the portal does not accurately reflect your vaccination status, please email [email protected].
    • CUIMC students, if you believe that the portal does not accurately reflect your vaccination status, please email [email protected].  
    • Learn more about uploading your documentation here.
  • My vaccine documentation is all set, but I still don’t have a green pass on the ReOpenCU app. What else do I need to do?
    • In addition to uploading your vaccination documentation, you will need to:
      • Complete gateway testing by September 9 if you are accessing campus for the first time after January 4, 2021.
      • Sign the updated Compact on the Reopen CU app by August 16 (even if you signed it previously).
      • Complete a COVID-19 safety training if you did not complete one last academic year.
      • Attest daily that you are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Each of these steps in the process will be in place in the next several weeks, so plan ahead and complete them as soon as you can.
  • What documentation do I need to provide?
    • Acceptable proof of vaccination includes, but is not limited to: 
      • A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 vaccine card.
      • World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine booklet.
      • Documentation provided by a health care professional/organization/country. 
      • All documentation must be submitted in English or accompanied by a certified translation at your own expense. Learn more about documentation here.
  • How do I request a religious or medical exemption?

For any other questions, I recommend consulting the FAQs Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination.

Getting Vaccinated
As you know, the University has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all students:

  • All domestic students who do not have an approved medical or religious exemption are required to be fully vaccinated and have uploaded proof of vaccination by August 2.
  • All international students who are unable to be vaccinated at home are required to get vaccinated upon arrival to campus, or are required to get an approved medical or religious exemption. More details on this process will be available later in July.

Learn how to get vaccinated at Columbia or elsewhere, and review the timeline to comply.

Register for July University Reopening Forums
Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to have your questions answered by University experts:  

Please don’t hesitate to write to me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His

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