ALL unvaccinated students and staff are being asked why they have not had a Covid-19 jab.
The questions are in a survey sent to Ulster University's 27,000 students and 2,600 staff ahead of a planned return to face-to-face teaching next month, which says responses will be anonymous.
The email, seen by the BBC, says the survey would "help us understand vaccine uptake amongst our community, the nature of any barriers to vaccination, and the impact of any potential access restrictions".
"...Your responses will inform detailed operational planning to enable a safe and permanent return to campus."
However, it points out "over 600 higher education institutions in the USA have made Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for students returning to campus" and that "full vaccination will be a condition of entry to nightclubs and other crowded events and venues in England by the end of September", while "in the Republic of Ireland, vaccine passports are required to dine or drink indoors".
The university also asks for details of whether they have received one or two doses of the coronavirus vaccine or have not been vaccinated and if the latter to state why.
Multiple choice answers include: `Has not been convenient for me to get vaccinated'; `Have antibodies from contracting Covid-19'; `Worried about possible side effects from the vaccine'; `I have been medically advised not to due to possible contraindications' and `I don't believe Covid-19 is a serious illness', with an option for `other' reasons.
It comes as Ken Webb, chair of the Further Education Colleges Principals Group, welcomed Executive guidance allowing all six colleges to resume face-to-face teaching in September as "a terrific step forward in our path back from the pandemic".
He stressed face masks and social distancing will still be required on college grounds and urged students to "use Lateral Flow Tests to ensure they remain Covid-19 free before they come onto campuses".
Mr Webb described the upcoming `Big Jab Weekend' as "an excellent opportunity for students who have yet to receive their vaccine".
"The Department of Health has encouraged students to get vaccinated if they have not done so, stating it is the best protection against the virus, and will help keep all learners and staff safe as we transition back into the in-person learning environment," he said.
The colleges are "working with the Department of Health and other partners to facilitate vaccinations onsite and will be here to assist any student seeking guidance on the vaccine".
