Vaccination clinic set for August 21 and will run Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for the next six weeks

GRAMBLING, La. – August 20, 2021 – Grambling State University (GSU) students, faculty and staff who are fully vaccinated could win prizes including gift cards, gift bags, electronic devices and more. For one term, students could also win paid tuition and fees, room, meal plan and more.

GSU announced the initiative this month as students prepared to return to class on campus. To be eligible for the giveaways, students registered for fall 2021 classes and faculty and staff must complete an entry form and provide proof of being fully vaccinated. Among the incentives are photo shoots, laptops, smart phones, televisions, and Fitbits.

Thanks to GSU’s partnership with the Louisiana National Guard, a vaccination clinic will be held on campus beginning August 21 and will run Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for the next six weeks. Valid identification is required however no appointment is necessary. The vaccine will be administered free of charge from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at T.H. Harris Auditorium.

While vaccination is not required at GSU, it is strongly encouraged. The goal of the “Vaccinate for you and for Others, Protect the “G” incentive program is to support health and safety, said Assistant Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer Merlene Aitken-Smith.

“The Protect the “G” vaccination incentive program was formulated to encourage our campus community to protect themselves and others,” she said. “It is important to support the health and safety of the campus community. Therefore, in addition to masking, enhancement of cleaning in common areas, sanitizing dispensers campus-wide, and social distance, we are encouraging students and faculty and staff members to get vaccinated.”

Aitken-Smith said the COVID-19 vaccine serves as an additional protective layer to sustain a safe and healthy campus and community.

“Vaccination is one of the best pathways out of this dangerous surge and pandemic,” she said.

GSU President Rick Gallot said GSU continues to monitor COVID-19 and any incentive that the university can offer to encourage vaccination to stop the spread is well worth the effort.

“Increasing the vaccination rate in our campus community remains our most important responsibility as we begin the academic year,” he said. “Grambling State University continues to work with Primary Health Services Center, the Louisiana National Guard, and the Just Project to support prevention and testing efforts.”

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://covidvaccine.la.gov or read the FAQs on the Louisiana Department of Health website at https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine.

About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university that was founded in 1901. The institution has been accredited by SACSCOC, 13 associations, and in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. Offering 46 undergraduate and graduate academic programs, the 590-acre campus is home to world-class athletics, an internationally renowned marching band, and vibrant student life that enables our scholars to grow and learn in a positive environment. For more information, visit gram.edu.