PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
To minimize the inherent risks associated with COVID-19 and assist in the successful maintenance of campus operations.
APPLIES TO:
Faculty, staff, students, affiliates, and visitors (including vendors and volunteers).
CAMPUS:
Edwards, Lawrence, Juniper Gardens, Parsons, Topeka
POLICY STATEMENT:
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To reduce the inherent risks presented by the virus and the impact of COVID-19 outbreak conditions, all members and visitors of the University of Kansas community must follow the health and safety protocols listed below.
All individuals (age 2 years and older) are required to wear a cloth face covering, surgical/medical face mask, or Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) suit over one's mouth and nose in the following locations:
- Watkins Health Center;
- Childcare facilities (as posted); and
- As mandated by state or local law.
Face masks/coverings are not required elsewhere on campus (indoors or outdoors). Individuals may choose to wear face masks/coverings.
Additional safety guidance can be found at: https://protect.ku.edu/
The Chancellor, Executive Policy Group, or Chancellor’s designee may amend, suspend, or rescind this policy, as appropriate, based on containment or control of the disease, advice of public health officials, or other relevant information.
EXCLUSIONS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Face masks/coverings are not required during emergency medical or safety interventions (e.g., CPR) or limited circumstances or situations as approved in advance in writing by the Executive Policy Group.
The Executive Director of the Lied Center of Kansas may implement appropriate measures and procedures regarding face coverings and other protective actions as required by contract with artists/performers.
The Executive Director of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) shall implement appropriate measures and procedures regarding face coverings and other personal protective equipment on the Yoder campus.
CONSEQUENCES:
Individuals may be excluded from campus or subject to appropriate disciplinary action as an employee or as a student for violating the provisions of this policy. Violations of this policy shall be reported by filling out a form located at https://unmasked.ku.edu.
CONTACT:
Human Resources
1246 West Campus Road
Carruth O’Leary Hall, Room 103
Lawrence, KS 66045
hrdept@ku.edu
785-864-4946
Office of Student Affairs
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Strong Hall, Room 132
Lawrence, KS 66045
studentaffairs@ku.edu
785-864-4060
APPROVED BY:
Chancellor
APPROVED ON:
2020-08-14
EFFECTIVE ON:
2020-08-14
REVIEW CYCLE:
Annual (As Needed)
RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:
Academic Misconduct
University Senate Rules and Regulations (USRR)
Non-Academic Misconduct (student)
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Student Code)
Student Non-Academic Misconduct Procedures
Employee Discipline
1290PE Covered Employees
Disciplinary Action Policy for Staff
University Support Staff
RELATED FORMS:
unmasked.ku.edu
RELATED OTHER:
protect.ku.edu
CHANGE HISTORY:
03/26/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
09/20/2024: Updated Human Resource Management (HRM) to Human Resources (HR).
04/19/2022: Removed requirement to wear face masks/coverings on public transportation.
03/28/2022: Removed requirement to wear face masks/coverings in classrooms.
03/03/2022: Effective at 5:00 PM today, revised to require face masks/coverings in limited locations.
01/06/2022: Updated exclusions section.
08/25/2021: Updated exclusions section.
08/14/2020: Policy published in the Policy Library.
05/28/2021: Policy retired from Policy Library. Policy revision (https://protect.ku.edu/update-mask-requirement).
08/06/2021: Policy revised and reinstated; effective 08/09/2021.