May 2, 2022
Applicability of policy
Effective immediately and continuing through May 23, 2022, this policy applies to faculty, staff, students and visitors, and requires all such individuals to wear masks covering their mouth and nose (“Mask”) as more specifically indicated below.
Note: This policy does not, however, apply to the Greenwood Laboratory School (“Greenwood”) or the Child Development Center (“CDC Daycare”). Rather, Greenwood and the CDC Daycare will each develop and implement their own masking policies, as approved by the Provost in consultation with the President.
Masking required in campus clinics
Masks are required within Magers Health and Wellness Center, the Missouri State Physical Therapy Clinic, the Autism Clinic, the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, the Missouri State Speech-Language Hearing Clinic, Center City Counseling Clinic, MSU Counseling Center or the MSU Care Clinic (collectively, “Clinics”).
Masking may be required at certain activities and events
The university reserves the right to require Masks in other locations and at other activities/events, including where contractually required for performances or events held at Great Southern Bank Arena, Juanita K. Hall or the PSU Theatre. In such instances, signage will be posted communicating applicable masking requirements.
Individuals may choose to wear masks, require masking in individual offices
Nothing in this policy precludes any individual from wearing a Mask at on-campus locations that are not specifically contemplated by this policy.
Additionally, employees who are assigned to private, individual offices may require visitors to their office (including other employees and/or students) to mask while in such office. No employee, however, is permitted to require masking for their entire suite or department. Similarly, employees who work in shared office spaces are not permitted to require masking on the part of other employees who work in the same shared space.
Types and availability of masks
While this policy does not mandate the use of N95 or KN95 masks, the university will make N95 and/or KN95 masks available to all full-time and part-time employees. Individuals may, however, satisfy the requirements of this policy by wearing washable cloth face coverings. For more information about acceptable face coverings, please see:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Your Guide to Masks; and/or
- World Health Organization (WHO) Q&A: Masks and COVID-19.
Face coverings or masks that are made of mesh or that have open exhalation vents or holes do not satisfy the requirements of this policy.
Exceptions to masking requirements
In the event that an individual cannot wear a Mask due to an underlying disability, they may initiate the university’s interactive accommodations process in order to request a “reasonable accommodation.” Individuals seeking a COVID-19 related accommodation for the spring 2022 semester must initiate the interactive accommodations process, as outlined below.
Students who wish to request an accommodation may contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Meyer Library, Suite 111, and available at DRC@MissouriState.edu; 417-836-4192; or TTY 417-836-2792. Employees who wish to request an accommodation may contact the Deputy Compliance Officer, located in Carrington Hall, Suite 205, and available at JuliaHolmes@MissouriState.edu; 417-836-6755; or Relay Missouri at 711 or 800-676-3777.
Enforcement of masking requirements
Absent an approved accommodation, students who fail to comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Likewise, employees who have not been granted an accommodation and who refuse to comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Conflict with other university policies
Notwithstanding the masking prohibitions set forth in G5.02 Expressive Activity Policy and Op1.01-1 University Rules for Speakers and Facilities Usage, individuals engaging in expressive activity on campus may wear masks that cover their mouths and noses as long as this policy remains in effect.
Amended 02/17/22