AUSTIN, Texas — Hundreds of professors and graduate students have signed a petition asking the University of Texas at Austin for COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements.

What You Need To Know

  • Students and teachers have signed a petition requesting UT mandate vaccinations and masks.

  • School begins Aug. 25.

  • Students who live in Austin have to test negative for the coronavirus 72 hours before moving in.

UT Austin officials say they are "implementing changes consistent with state law." There is currently no mask or vaccine mandate in place, however, the university encourages students to get vaccinated and wear masks while on campus and in the company of others.

As they moved onto campus before the start of school, students shared what they think about that.

Although she can't help but feel excited, Austin-native Rose Furnish says the start of freshman year doesn't come without some concerns as the pandemic drags on.

"Probably won't be as safe as it was when I was in quarantine, but I'm, you know, I’m going to wear my mask and I'm vaccinated, so I'm doing the best I can,” said Rose. 

On Friday, Rose's parents helped her move onto campus, despite the fact that some students, faculty and parents alike, feel there should be a mandate in place.

"I support that. I think if you can mandate other things like dress code or the other vaccines that we have,” Rose said.

An alumna herself, Rose’s mom Lisa says she understands why the university is implementing changes that follow state law.

"I think that everybody's doing what they can," said Lisa. "And so hopefully things will be OK. I mean, we're excited at least that she can move into the dorm right now, you know because last year a lot of people didn’t."

Students who live in Austin have to test negative for the coronavirus 72 hours before moving in. This mandate was set in place in early August by the university.

First-generation student Ricardo Martinez says he didn't mind. 

"They're having like their measures but it's really easy. There's no concerns or anything,” Martinez said. "I always use my mask, and I even had my vaccine shots. I feel like they're not like enforcing it, but it's like optional. I mean, it gives some freedom to people." 

One thing they all seemed to agree on is a safe school year for everyone, knowing that impacts their community. 

In his Aug. 18 message to campus, University President Jay Hartzell said that by working together, “we will remain focused on providing our students with the safe, healthy and first-class residential college experience that we cherish and that they deserve.” 

On Friday, the university announced a vaccine incentive, drawing to increase vaccination rates on campus of those who have not yet been vaccinated. The full announcement can be found here.