Elon University adopts face covering policy

Elon University has announced a new policy that requires everyone on campus to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when indoors. This includes classrooms, public restrooms, open office and common spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, libraries, theaters and other indoor spaces. Face coverings are also required outdoors when six-foot physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The policy follows the June 24 announcement by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper of a statewide policy mandating the use of masks. Elon’s policy is effective at 5 p.m., Friday, June 26, and will continue until further notice.

“Growing scientific evidence shows wearing face coverings is one of the most effective strategies in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Jeff Stein, who is leading Elon’s Ready & Resilient Oversight Committee. “It is the responsibility of everyone to wear face coverings in order to do their part to minimize risks to themselves, others and the Elon community.”

Students, faculty, and staff may use face coverings provided by the university or supply their own. Employees may remove face coverings when alone in their own offices or enclosed workspace and students may remove face coverings in their own residence hall rooms or apartments. Students, faculty, and staff may remove face coverings when actively eating or drinking or strenuously exercising.

All community members should have a face covering with them whenever they are on campus. Anyone who enters campus facilities without a face covering will be asked to leave. Guests, visitors, vendors and contractors will be expected to honor these guidelines and provide their own face covering to keep the Elon community safe. Signage will be placed around campus as a reminder that face coverings are required.

There are some exceptions to the policy: Individuals who are unable to wear cloth face coverings due to a medical or behavioral condition or disability may wear an alternate face covering, such as a shield, and maintain a minimum six-foot physical distance at all times. Deans may grant a waiver to this policy for students and faculty in a specific class, if requested by the faculty member and necessary to meet the curricular requirements of the course (e.g., theatre, voice, language instruction, etc.). In those classes, a minimum six-foot physical distance must be maintained at all times, in addition to other protocols that may be established by the university. Students who require accommodations must be registered with Disabilities Resources and contact Disabilities Resources (disabilities@elon.edu) for next steps. Employees or campus visitors who require accommodations should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Elon is relying on all members of our community to adhere to and assist with enforcing these standards of behavior. Please speak up if you encounter someone violating the face covering policy. For example, using an informal, personal intervention with friends and colleagues, such as saying, “Mask up” or “No mask, no class” may often be a good reminder. Faculty, student organizations and office teams should clearly define how they will enforce the mask policy in their spaces.

Individuals who fail to wear face coverings as required may be reported for non-compliance to the Office of Student Conduct (students) or the Office of Human Resources (employees) and disciplined under the appropriate handbook provisions. Visitors and third-parties who do not adhere to this policy may be asked to leave the campus.

Consistent with the university’s statement of non-discrimination, Elon will not tolerate discrimination, profiling, bias, or any form of racial intimidation in conjunction with this or any other COVID-related policies, and any reported incidents will be addressed in accordance with university policy.

All members of the Elon campus community are expected to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols and policies. For additional information, visit the CDC or Ready & Resilient websites.