A face covering is material that covers your nose and mouth.

Always have a face covering with you when you're on campus. The university is requiring face coverings to be worn at all times inside the Center for Health and Well-Being and the Thomson Student Health Center, as well as on university shuttles, buses and other forms of public transportation.  Other locations may be added as conditions warrant.

For fully vaccinated individuals (those who have had two doses of Pfizer or Moderna plus fourteen days or one dose of Johnson & Johnson plus fourteen days), there is no mask requirement in university facilities except as noted above. Fully vaccinated individuals who wish to continue wearing masks are free to do so.

Those individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated are expected to continue wearing a mask when indoors in any university facility unless you are actively engaged in eating or drinking in order to help protect the health of the greater university community.

 

 

Use

• Face coverings should not be shared with other individuals and should be kept in a clean safe place when not being worn.
• When removing or putting on a face covering, use the ties and avoid putting your hands on the face cover.
• Wash your hands before and after removal.
• Cloth face coverings must only be worn for one day at a time, and must be properly laundered before use again. Having a week's supply of cloth face coverings can help reduce the need for daily laundering.
  
  

Students

Face coverings are expected in all campus buildings for unvaccinated students; however, students are not expected to wear face coverings in personal residence hall rooms or individual offices. Other areas can be designated for required face coverings based on local conditions. Vaccinated students do not have to wear a mask except in campus health facilities and while riding campus transportation. 

Any student who intentionally violates a face-covering mandate may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for education and/or disciplinary action if necessary. 

Students who have documented conditions that could be exacerbated by wearing face coverings should submit an application to become registered with the Student Disability Resource Center. Students who become registered with the SDRC will be entitled to reasonable accommodations that may help mitigate issues caused by face coverings mandates. 

Faculty and Staff

Face coverings are expected in all campus buildings for unvaccinated employees; however, employees are not expected to wear face coverings in individual offices. Other areas can be designated for required face coverings based on local conditions. Vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask except in campus health facilities and while riding campus transportation. 

Employees who have health conditions that make wearing a face covering difficult should talk with their direct supervisor about accommodations and/or working remotely.

All staff should approach enforcement of the face covering requirement as they would any other student conduct policy and may request that students leave unless properly equipped. The university will provide face coverings to offer to students who may forget to bring their own. If a student refuses to cover their face and refuses to leave, that student can be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.

Visitors

Visitors are asked to comply with campus face coverings guidelines in place at the time of their visit. 

Types of Face Coverings

Cloth Face Covering

Home-made or commercially manufactured face coverings that are washable and help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions

Intended use: Recommended for use in areas where 6 feet physical distancing cannot be consistently maintained and required in designated areas. Must be washed or replaced daily. Not required when working alone in an enclosed office.

Disposable Mask

Commercially manufactured masks that help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions

Intended use: Recommended for use in areas where physical distancing cannot be consistently maintained and required in designated areas. Disposable face coverings can be reused for several days as long as they are in good condition and not soiled. Not required when working alone in an enclosed office.

 

Medical-Grade Surgical Mask

FDA-approved masks to protect the wearer from large droplets and splashes; helps contains wearer’s respiratory emissions

Intended use: These masks are reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards determined by OESO.

N95 Respirator

Provide effective respiratory protection from airborne particles and aerosols; helps contain wearer’s respiratory emissions

Intended use: These masks are reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards determined by OESO.