Two weeks after launching the It’s Worth A Shot! contest to encourage students to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before the start of the Fall 2021 semester, the University of Lethbridge is encouraging its faculty and staff to do the same through a contest of their own.
It’s Worth A Shot!, faculty and staff edition, opens today as the University eyes further ensuring its Lethbridge and Calgary campuses will be as safe as possible this fall.
“The health and safety of our community has been, and continues to be, our top priority. We very much want to return to an in-person experience for our students this fall, and a high vaccination rate is key to getting there,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Mike Mahon. “Our campuses are like small cities. We know vaccinating the population is making our province safer and if there are strong vaccination rates among members of our campus community, we can ensure it is a safer place for everyone.”
Faculty and staff who have received at least one dose of vaccination are eligible to enter a draw for free reserved parking for one year (five prizes), ONE Pass memberships to 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness facilities (five prizes), Faculty of Fine Arts ticket packages (five prizes), bookstore gift certificates, and other prizes, with Calgary-based equivalent prizes awarded for winners from the Calgary campus.
Research indicates a strong majority of Canadians have been vaccinated or are planning to do so as soon as they are able. Another significant portion of the population is hesitant, but open, to being vaccinated. Mahon is thrilled with how students have embraced the contest, with more than 2,000 entered so far, and expects faculty and staff will similarly take up the call.
“Our faculty and staff have worked extraordinarily hard throughout this pandemic to serve our students primarily in an online setting,” says Mahon. “Everyone has shown great commitment, resilience and adaptability, but there is nothing like starting a new academic year on campus, in person, and together. Our goal is to be able to do that safely.”