Health Notices

Spring 2022 Mask Requirements

Updated January 27, 2022

As our world continues to live with the ongoing virus, WCU will need to remain cautious and continue to follow protocols recommended by public health experts. Following recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WCU has updated its masking guidelines. Like many university and college campuses, we will now have three ways that you can choose to mask on campus. You must choose one of the following options to comply with the University’s mask requirements:

• Good: a surgical mask
• Better: a surgical mask with a cloth mask worn over it
• Best: a KN95 mask (or the equivalent)

To help, dispensers with surgical masks will continue to be found in each WCU building. These dispensers have been improved to make mask retrieval easier and increased quantities of masks will be given to our building managers on a regular basis. We will also make a limited number of KN95 masks (or their equivalents) available in our buildings. These masks can be found in classrooms, academic department suites, and in each College’s or School’s dean’s office.

As you know, WCU will continue all policies, procedures, and protocols that have been effectively in place for fall 2021:

Mask Wearing Protocol for All Students, Faculty, Staff, and Visitors:

• All faculty, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when indoors.
  • All members of the University community may remove the mask to eat when seated while in appropriate dining locations.
• It is recommended that faculty, staff, and students always carry two (2) masks to account for the possibility that a mask might be lost or spoiled.
• Masks will be provided at various locations throughout campus to ensure the ability for compliance with this requirement.

Face masks may be worn when outdoors, but it is not an obligation of this policy notice.

• Guidance specifically for classrooms:
  • Faculty may remove their mask within the classroom while teaching or lecturing, if they are able to maintain at least (3) feet of distance within the classroom, and if in the opinion of the faculty member the mask will unduly hamper classroom instruction.
  • In learning activities and environments in which face masks would inhibit a student's ability to demonstrate the learning outcome(s) of a course or program, face shields are an appropriate substitution for a face mask. The learning outcome(s) of the course/program should serve as the guiding principle for determining which equipment is most appropriate, as determined by the faculty member.
  • If a faculty member believes it is beneficial to utilize a face shield for an activity/course, a rationale will need to be articulated to the appropriate manager as to how this substitution is appropriate for meeting the learning outcomes of the course/program.
    • If you believe you instruct a course in which face shields are a necessary substitution for students to meet the learning outcomes of your course or program, please follow the following steps:
      • Connect with your chairperson to share your rationale
      • Chairperson connects with Dean
      • Dean informs Provost’s Office

Special note: Additional instructions may be issued for specific university functions or activities including, but not limited to, athletics and student housing.

We as a community of educators and learners should work together to create a culture that protects our most precious resource: each other. As such, it is the expectation of all members of the University community to continue to do their part to protect the health and safety of others.