Face coverings

Does the ASU Face Cover Policy apply to all classrooms?
The ASU Face Cover Policy requires the wearing of face covers in locations where physical distancing may not be possible, which includes classrooms, teaching laboratories, studios and workshop settings. In some classrooms, with students adequately distanced, face coverings will not be necessary. University-approved signage will designate when a space requires a face cover under this policy.

Are face coverings now required everywhere on campus?
No. We strongly recommend the use of face coverings inside all university buildings and in crowded outdoor settings, but they are not required. University-approved signage will designate when a space requires a face cover under this policy.

What indoor locations on campus will not require face covers?
Many campus locations will not require face covers. For example, face coverings will not be required in offices in which physical distancing is possible or in which there is only a single person, Sun Devil Fitness Centers, ASU Student Unions (all campuses), meeting rooms that are not used for classes if physical distancing is possible, and residential halls.

Does the ASU Face Cover Policy run counter to the Governor’s executive order and state law?
No. The Governor’s Executive Order and state legislation prohibit state universities from requiring only unvaccinated students to wear face coverings as a condition of participating in academic activities. The ASU Face Cover Policy applies to everyone on an ASU campus (students, faculty, staff, and visitors) regardless of their vaccination status.

Will all classrooms and labs be equipped with a supply of face covers?
Yes. However, if demand is high, stocks may be low. Remember to bring your own face cover.

What if I cannot wear a face covering for medical reasons?
To request an accommodation based on a medical condition, individuals should contact Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (SAILS) (students) or the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (faculty, staff, and visitors). The process of determining eligibility for accommodations and what accommodations may be available requires medical documentation and can take several days, so please do not delay in contacting the relevant office with questions.

Why is a face covering required/recommended?
As of Tuesday, July 27, the CDC recommends that people wear face covers in indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status in areas of substantial or high transmission of the virus. Arizona Department of Health Services has endorsed this recommendation and has urged the public to follow suit. As we have throughout this pandemic, ASU will continue to adjust policies based on public health conditions informed by the CDC and Maricopa County Public Health guidance to ensure the healthiest possible environment. Visit eoss.asu.edu/health/announcements/coronavirus often to stay up to date on ASU’s response to COVID-19.

Does the ASU Face Cover Policy define physical distance as 6 feet?
Yes.

Do I have to wear a face covering if I am fully vaccinated for COVID-19?
Yes. Even if you are vaccinated, you must wear a face covering in designated areas.

Are face coverings now required everywhere on campus?
No. We strongly recommend the use of face coverings inside all university buildings and in crowded outdoor settings, but they are not required. University-approved signage will designate areas that require a face cover under the ASU Face Cover Policy.

Do I have to wear a face covering when I am alone in a room?
No.

Does the face covering requirement change if the number of people in a classroom or other location increases or decreases?
University-approved signage will designate when a space requires a face cover under the ASU Face Cover Policy. If it can be shown that physical distancing is possible, exemptions to the Face Cover Policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis for specific classes or labs. 

What will be the consequences of not wearing a face covering while on campus/in class?
All members of and visitors to the ASU community are expected to wear face coverings in designated spaces. Students who violate these standards may be subject to disciplinary sanctions under the ASU Student Code of Conduct. Similarly, concerns about faculty or staff not wearing face coverings should be sent to provost@asu.edu. Visitors unwilling to wear a face cover may be asked to leave.

Will there be options for face coverings that are clear to help facilitate communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Face coverings for interacting with deaf or hard of hearing individuals can be obtained by contacting Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services at 480-965-1234 or Student.Accessibility@asu.edu.

Will face coverings be supplied through ASU’s Community of Care? If so, how do I get one?
Beginning Aug. 9, 2021, students enrolled in a campus-based program may pick up their Community of Care kits at Sun Devil Campus Stores on each of ASU’s metropolitan Phoenix campuses; they must present their ASU ID card to claim one. The kits contain cloth face coverings, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and a thermometer.

Do students have the option to attend remotely versus wearing a face cover to class?
No. For fall 2021, ASU is returning to instruction on campus and in person. Select courses are being delivered virtually as iCourses or via ASU Sync. Other courses have been purposefully designed to be best experienced in person. Courses will meet in the modality listed in the university class schedule.

I am in a room where I believe face coverings should be required, but I don’t see any signs. Who should I contact?
For classrooms, contact the classroom support number found in the room. For all other spaces, ASU faculty and staff should inform their supervisor about the specific request. Students should contact deanofstudents@asu.edu to report a location they believe needs signage.

I live in residential housing where face coverings are not required. I prefer anyone that comes into my room to wear a face covering. What should I do?
Remind your visitors of the importance of face coverings to community health and your expectation that they wear one in your room. Additional questions can be addressed to your Community Assistant or Community Director.

Am I required to wear a face covering on ASU shuttles?
Yes.

What is considered a face covering under the ASU Face Covering policy?
The CDC generally recommends cloth face coverings that covers your nose and mouth as a standard mitigation measure for COVID-19. Face shields alone are not considered face coverings.

Both surgical masks and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved N95 masks are recommended for anyone in health care settings. N95s are available for purchase on campus in personal protective equipment vending machines or at Sun Devil Bookstores. Watch this short video by the BYD Company on how to wear an N95.
 
What if I cannot wear a face covering for medical reasons?
Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (SAILS) works with students with medical conditions to ensure they have the ability to participate in university life while addressing their safety needs. Contact SAILS to register for accommodations. The process of determining whether you are eligible for accommodations and what accommodations may be available requires medical documentation and can take several days. Do not delay in contacting 480-965-1234 with questions.

How are students being notified of ASU’s face covering policy?
The announcement to students was posted to www.asu.edu/about/fall-2021 on Aug. 11, 2021, and it has been promoted via news media, social media, My ASU and more.