Campus Mask Policy

Effective: Feb. 21, 2022; Updated: March 30, 2022. 

The University’s current requirements for masking are described in the policy below. The University will modify this policy should conditions warrant.

Policy

Universal Masking Indoors

Effective Feb. 21, 2022, the University will no longer require masking in all campus buildings. Masks will be required under the circumstances set forth below. The University recognizes that members of our community may choose to continue to wear a mask and strongly supports such a decision.

Mask Requirements

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask in the circumstances described below.

  • Any faculty or staff member teaching on campus has the discretion to require all students to wear a mask in their classroom or lab if they so choose, but they must notify students of this requirement in advance. Students are required to comply with direction from their instructors to wear a mask in the classroom.
  • Faculty or staff meeting with students or colleagues in private offices or small conference rooms may require the attendees to wear a mask, but should notify the attendees in advance.
  • The University may require universal mask-wearing in certain work areas, if required by applicable regulations or if deemed necessary to promote the health of employees.
  • Students, faculty, and staff experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 must wear a mask until they receive a negative test or go into isolation following a positive test.
  • Students, faculty, and staff who test positive for COVID-19, and who are released before 10 full days of isolation in accordance with the University’s isolation and quarantine protocol, must wear a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask for 10 full days from the start of their isolation period.
  • Students, faculty, and staff who are identified as close contacts must wear a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask for 10 full days from the date of their exposure.
  • Students, faculty, and staff must wear a mask in the Student Health Center, the on-campus testing clinic, and in designated areas of Sports Medicine.
  • Students, faculty, and staff must wear a mask on public transportation such as planes, trains, or buses, including University shuttles or when in airports, train, or bus stations.
  • The University encourages all community members to wear a mask when off campus in public indoor spaces where physical distancing is not possible.

Standards for Masks 

  • A mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; and completely cover the nose and mouth.
  • Members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to wear a N95, KN95, or a surgical mask instead of a cloth mask.
  • Neck gaiters and bandannas are not acceptable unless they are covered by a second mask.
  • According to the CDC, do not chose a face covering:
    • made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe (for example, vinyl); or
    • with exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape.

Exemptions

Requirements to wear a mask do not apply to the following situations:

  • When seeking to communicate with the hearing impaired and for which the mouth needs to be visible and alternative types of clear masks are not available or practical;
  • When temporary removal of the mask is necessary to secure medical services;
  • When experiencing a health condition that precludes wearing a mask; or
  • When the University determines that the use of mask presents a risk of serious injury to an employee based on the nature of the work in which the employee is engaged.

Other limited exemptions may be granted for good cause.