PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The University of Maine System will not require students and employees to use vaccines against coronavirus.

The system said in a statement that it will encourage use of the vaccine. University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy will also engage with the campus to talk about the importance of getting vaccinated, the university said.

Ferrini-Mundy said she’s confident students and employees will choose to use the vaccine without a mandate.

“If we could offer it tomorrow, from what we’re hearing, there’s great interest and great commitment to the idea of participating,” Ferrini-Mundy said.