The University of North Texas is among the participants of the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. Launched by the White House and U.S. Department of Education last month, the challenge is part of the efforts to encourage Americans to get vaccinated.

To date more than 350 colleges have joined the initiative, representing a wide diversity of higher education institutions in 46 states nationwide.

By taking the pledge, UNT has joined with the U.S. Department of Education and colleges and universities across the country to play a part in vaccinating as many Americans as possible.

After working diligently with the State of Texas to become an approved administrator of COVID-19 vaccines, UNT opened its vaccine portal for students, faculty and staff in February.

The Student Health and Wellness Center is currently offering walk-in vaccine appointments on a limited basis for students, as well as faculty, staff and UNT System employees.

On July 6, UNT also launched a vaccine incentive program for faculty and staff and will roll out a similar program for students later this month.

Throughout this pandemic, University leaders have worked with local and state officials to contain the spread of COVID-19 through a quick pivot to virtual learning, testing and contact tracing, while promoting public health protocols to our community. These efforts have resulted in low positivity rates on campus throughout the pandemic.

Participating in this challenge, the creation of the vaccine incentive program and vaccine clinic outreach are the next steps in UNT’s efforts, enabling the university, along with the rest of the country, to return to a full campus experience this fall.