GREENPORT — Columbia-Greene Community College is holding a drawing for free tuition for vaccinated students.
The college will be holding a vaccine clinic Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vaccinated students will be entered in a drawing to receive free tuition for the fall 2021 semester, the equivalent of nine credits for part-time students or 12 for full-time students.
“The college is proud to partner with Columbia and Greene counties by offering the COVID-19 vaccine to any registered student who seeks one, and looks forward to reopening its doors to students and the community at-large in the fall,” C-GCC President Carlee R. Drummer said.
C-GCC is a Department of Education COVID-19 College Challenge member institution, Drummer said. The college has pledged to spearhead efforts to vaccinate students through education, leadership, and vaccine delivery, she added.
The clinic is the latest move by the college to ensure the overall health and safety of its students, while at the same time maintaining its commitment to a high-quality education for all, Drummer said.
Students who have been vaccinated may also enter the drawing for free tuition by showing proof of their vaccination record to the college’s director of health services.
Any C-GCC student who receives a vaccine at the Aug. 4 clinic will receive a $10 gift card to Stewart’s Shops, according to a statement from the college.
“The CoGreene spirit of resolve and cooperation kept us moving forward during these unprecedented times, and ultimately, will keep us moving forward, together,” Drummer said.
The system’s revamped COVID-19 policy revives many elements of the traditional college experience that were lost in the last 16 months said SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras.
“One year ago, the future of the immersive, on-campus learning experience we love was in grave jeopardy with no resolution in sight,” Malatras said. “Over the last two months, I’ve watched students cross the commencement stage beaming with pride, joy and optimism. There’s a palpable energy in the air — a real sense of hope and healing. Let’s not go back.”
Earlier this month, SUNY launched the 30-Day Vax Challenge to encourage unvaccinated students to get vaccinated in preparation for the fall return to campus in mid-August.
Vaccines for C-GCC students will be administered in the Professional Academic Center at C-GCC on Aug. 4. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 518-828-4181, ext. 3427.
In accordance with New York state guidance and pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, SUNY will require all in-person students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall according to SUNY.
The college will be working with the Columbia County Department of Health to administer vaccines at the upcoming clinic.
“The governor has said once the vaccine is given full approval he’s going to mandate it (for SUNY students). Of course, it still has emergency approval,” Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said.