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Applying for Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable Accommodation application is available for Wits staff or students who can not be vaccinated for valid documented medical reasons or who elect not to be vaccinated on Constitutional grounds including infringement to their rights to privacy, bodily integrity, freedom of religion, freedom of belief and/or freedom of opinion. The granting of Reasonable Accommodation is not automatic with a decision based on the ability of the relevant faculty or employment entity to accommodate the unvaccinated person safely within the academic/work environment (see Step 4 below). Persons granted Reasonable Accommodation will have to agree to and abide by additional 网易体育 safety protocols and limitations.

Step 1: Log into the MVAX Upload and RA Portal

Step 2: Complete the online Reasonable Accommodation Application Form and upload supporting documents (doctor’s letter or medical certificate, or, for constitutional grounds, an affidavit with motivation)

Step 3: You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application

Step 4: The relevant officials will consider the request and approve or deny the application. The decision to grant a medical or constitutional Reasonable Accommodation is based on:

  • the University’s Return to Campus Plans;
  • the Campus Wide Risk Assessment and Entities Risk Assessments;
  • the operational needs and requirements of the University;
  • the spatial configuration, capacity and capability of the University to enable the Reasonable Accommodation of the relevant Employee or Student;
  • The potential risk to the University Community should Reasonable Accommodation be granted; and
  • any other relevant or related factors.

If your RA is approved, you will receive email confirmation and you will have to abide by additional 网易体育 safety protocols and limitations:

  1. Daily health screening needs to be completed prior to entry to all University campuses (regardless of the law at the time)
  2. You will be required to take and upload a weekly antigen test result from an accredited service provider to the MVAX Upload and RA Portal.  After verification of the negative antigen test result, your access card will be activated for seven days only. Thereafter, you need to repeat the steps each week, uploading a negative antigen test to be provided with seven days of access to campus.
  3. You will not be allowed to participate in activities in common spaces where social engagements occur.
  4. In the case of students, attendance at lectures, tutorials, practical and experiential training on campus and graduation may be limited or disallowed.
  5. In the case of students, they will not be provided with accommodation in any University-owned residences.

If your RA is denied, you will be advised via email. You may choose to accept the decision and get vaccinated or may choose to appeal the decision (See Step 5).

Step 5: You can appeal to the Mandatory Vaccination Appeals Committee by logging into the MVAX Upload and RA Portal. Complete the online Reasonable Accommodation Appeal Application Form and upload supporting documents.

If your Appeal is approved, you will receive email confirmation and you will have to abide by additional 网易体育 safety protocols and limitations:

  1. Daily health screening needs to be completed prior to entry to all University campuses (regardless of the law at the time)
  2. You will be required to take and upload a weekly antigen test result from an accredited service provider to the MVAX Upload and RA Portal.  After verification of the negative antigen test result, your access card will be activated for seven days only. Thereafter, you need to repeat the steps each week, uploading a negative antigen test to be provided with seven days of access to campus.
  3. You will not be allowed to participate in activities in common spaces where social engagements occur.
  4. In the case of students, attendance at lectures, tutorials, practical and experiential training on campus and graduation may be limited or disallowed.
  5. In the case of students, they will not be provided with accommodation in any University-owned residences.

If your Appeal is denied, you will be advised via email. You may choose to accept the decision and get vaccinated or if a student, you may need to put your studies in abeyance or deregister. In the case of staff this may mean that your employment with the University will be terminated in line with the relevant policies and procedures. There is no further appeal process.

Click here to access the MVAX Upload and RA Portal

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