Interim Policy: Requirement to Wear Face Covering

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,

I know you are eager for information about how the University of Kansas will operate as we continue to bring people back to our physical spaces in preparation for the fall semester. We have several decisions being finalized that will be announced throughout the summer. One decision from our Executive Policy Group that can’t wait focuses on the safety of everyone who works, studies, visits and resides in our campus spaces.

Our Policy Office will soon circulate a draft of a new Public Health Safety Requirements policy that outlines personal safety expectations for individuals who are on our Lawrence and Edwards campuses during COVID-19 pandemic conditions. As the pandemic is expected to impact our operations for the next academic year, this policy will go through traditional policy review and approval procedures.

During the period while the draft policy is under review, and because positive cases continue to appear in our communities, it is imperative we take measures now to help reduce potential spread. The Executive Policy Group is authorized to coordinate policy matters and issue directives when KU operates under the University Emergency Management Plan. The Executive Policy Group is implementing an interim measure requiring the use of face coverings, effective immediately.

When present on campus, all faculty, staff, students, affiliates, visitors, vendors, and volunteers must wear a face covering (cloth face covering, surgical mask, etc.) over one’s mouth and nose when in common areas of a building and when within six (6) feet of another individual(s) anywhere on campus.

All faculty, staff, students, affiliates, visitors, vendors, and volunteers are expected to cooperate and adhere to this policy. Violations of this policy by faculty, staff, affiliates, vendors, and visitors should be reported to Human Resource Management. Violations of this policy by students should be reported to Student Affairs.

Units that need personal protective equipment may submit a request for a variety of PPE supplies through the KU Storeroom. Unit leaders should fill out the online form.

As the Chancellor and I communicated in a campus message on Monday, we have teams working tirelessly to provide a comprehensive set of policies, processes and resources to support your health and safety as we open our campus spaces in fall. Jayhawks, this policy relies on your thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation. The health and safety of each Jayhawk, depends on the practices of all Jayhawks.

Thank you in advance for your stewardship and commitment to our community, and to all who learn and work within it.

Respectfully,

Barb

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor