UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From June 7 to Aug. 23, Penn State conducted an incentive program for students, faculty and staff encouraging them to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and share their vaccination status to help the University make more precise health and safety decisions. Each week, those who shared proof of their vaccination status were eligible for weekly prize drawings, including:
- $1,000 cash prize for one student and one faculty or staff member;
- $100 Barnes & Noble gift card for four students and four faculty or staff members; and
- Signed Coach James Franklin football for one student and one faculty or staff member.
More than 40,000 people participated in the program, including 29,500 students from University Park and Commonwealth Campuses and approximately 10,300 employees.
“The building blocks upon which our return to in-person experiences this fall is built are many, but none is more important than vaccinations, and the incentive program was one key aspect of our various efforts to boost vaccination rates at the University,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “It worked as intended, thanks to the many colleagues who collaborated so well behind the scenes to make it possible.”
Winners were comprised of students, faculty and staff members from across the commonwealth.
For student recipients, there were 48 University Park winners and 24 winners at the Commonwealth Campuses. Students winners represented 10 different academic colleges and included nine graduate students.
For faculty and staff recipients, 48 winners are at University Park and 24 winners are at Commonwealth Campuses. Of these recipients, 45 were staff members, five were technical service employees and 22 were academic employees. Staff and academic prize winners included both part-time and full-time employees.
“The incentive program played a positive role in encouraging students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated,” said Lorraine Goffe, vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer. “I want to thank everyone who participated for doing their part to help keep our communities healthier and our campuses vibrant. It is wonderful to see Penn Staters across the commonwealth working together to safeguard our communities.”
Penn State is strongly encouraging all community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible and to share their vaccination status with the University. Students at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses can upload their vaccination records through myUHS. Penn State employees can upload their vaccine information through Salesforce Health Cloud.
Penn State will have vaccines available on or near all campuses throughout the fall semester. University Health Services is administering free COVID-19 vaccinations for all students in the Student Health Center at University Park three days a week. First and second doses of the Moderna vaccine are readily available for Penn State students every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Student Health Center. Students can schedule an appointment via myUHS.
Employees and students at other Penn State locations can go to vaccines.gov to find a local COVID-19 vaccine provider.