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Masking 101: Everything You Need to Know About OU’s Masking Policy

Masking 101: Everything You Need to Know About OU’s Masking Policy

Mask Graphic

When OU implemented a university-wide masking policy for faculty, staff, students and visitors across all three campuses in June, the university was among the earliest adopters in the state, before any city.

“Mask-wearing alone is shown to reduce the spread of the virus by 85%. We have a tremendous opportunity to take personal responsibility to do those things that we know to be highly effective at preventing person-to-person transmission of the virus – wearing a mask, observing physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals, and practicing good hand hygiene.” -Dr. Dale Bratzler, OU Chief COVID Officer

The Basics of OU’s Masking Policy

All individuals inside university facilities and vehicles must wear fabric or disposable face masks that cover their nose and mouth. Individuals may remove masks only if:

  • They are in their own enclosed private workspace or dorm room with no one else present.
  • They are participating in activities in which a face mask cannot practically be worn, such as:
    • eating and drinking;
    • playing a musical instrument or singing for academic purposes, provided, however, that schools, departments and classes may elect to require masks in class; or
    • for students living on campus, bathing or sleeping.
  • They are outdoors and are able to socially distance from others by 6 feet or more.
     

Masks that are not permitted on campus include:

More information about the masking policy can be found at ou.edu/coronavirus/masking-policy.
 

Where to Find a Mask on Campus

Norman Campus

Students:

  • All Norman campus students will receive a set of masks – one branded cloth mask and one disposable surgical mask.
  • Students may pick up their masks at various walk-up and drive-thru locations during the first week of classes.
    • Specialized distribution channels have been set up for students in OU Housing, OU Law, OU MBA program, incoming international students, and Greek chapter facilities, as well as graduate teaching assistants, graduate research assistants, and adjunct professors.
    • To obtain a mask, students must scan their OU student ID. Only one set of masks may be given per student.
  • For students who need a temporary PPE replacement, the following offices will be distributing single-use disposable masks throughout the Fall 2020 semester on Monday through Friday. Hours are subject to change.
    • Fit + Rec
      • Sarkeys Fitness Center - 1401 Asp Avenue #170
      • Monday – Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
      • Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Housing and Food
      • Walker Residence Halls - 1406 Asp Avenue Room 126
      • Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Student Life
      • Oklahoma Memorial Union - 900 Asp Avenue Suite 370
      • Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional information on Norman campus student mask distribution, including distribution locations, can be found at ou.edu/together/ou-norman-campus-student-mask-distribution.
 

Faculty and Staff:

  • Welcome Back bags, provided at the start of Phase II, included two surgical-style fabric masks and five surgical-style disposable masks.
  • Managers can secure additional masks for their employees by completing the Mask Request Form to obtain masks from the campus’ central inventory. 


Health Sciences Center and OU-Tulsa

Students:

  • Oklahoma City and Tulsa based students may obtain masks from HSC Student Affairs, HSC Student Union, Suite 300; or OU-Tulsa Student Affairs, Founders Student Center.
  • Students in Lawton, Ardmore, Weatherford, and Bartlesville may obtain masks from the program director.
  • Students at off-campus rotations who need masks should contact HSC Student Affairs (Students@ouhsc.edu) or OU-Tulsa Student Affairs (TulsaSA@ou.edu), as applicable.
     

Employees:

  • OUHSC and OU-Tulsa employees outside of OU Physicians and patient care areas may obtain masks from the central mask inventory. Managers should complete this form to obtain surgical-style masks for their employees.
  • Employees within OU Physicians, clinical providers in the College of Dentistry, and OU-Tulsa employees in patient care areas may obtain masks through their normal area-specific supply chains and procedures.

     

Masking Policy Enforcement

Masking Mentors – faculty, staff and student employees of the OU community – will help hold individuals accountable who are not adhering to the aforementioned policy by using bystander techniques and providing access to PPE. To further support faculty and staff, de-escalation, informal, and formal accountability processes have been developed and provided for ongoing support. Formal processes may include education through informal/formal resolution, fines, or further disciplinary action.

Norman program students can learn more about student policies and expectations related to COVID-19 through Student Conduct at ou.edu/studentconduct/covid-19-resources.

Health Sciences Center program students can consult with their college’s student services team and their campus’ centralized Student Affairs team for student policies and expectations.

Employees who refuse to comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with the applicable faculty or staff handbook policy.

Communicating Care: Conversation Tips During COVID-19

The university encourages students, faculty and staff to take positive steps when they see others taking actions that are not consistent with university policy related to COVID-19. Because it’s not always easy to have a conversation that may appear accusatory or confrontational, the university has developed these conversation tips.

Article Published:  Wednesday, August 12, 2020