The UW COVID-19 regulations will only be enforced by fellow colleagues or students who report to Human Resources or the Dean’s Office.
These regulations include an app to register daily health, which is still in the works, social distancing, and mask wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus. But will everyone follow these regulations?
“It only takes a few who decide that the protocols do not apply to them to spread this virus,” stated Professor of Art Margaret Haydon. “I am frankly appalled by how lax the Laramie community is. Physical distancing and mask wearing in public places such as grocery stores is largely ignored.”
After reaching out to the Dean of Students Office, Vice President Dr. Kimberley Chestnut was able to shed a little light on what the consequences will be after confirming with the President.
The approved plan shared by the trustees simply states that the Student Code of Conduct would manage the students who do not comply. It never states who would specifically enforce it though.
As stated in the COVID-19 Policy in the approved plan to reopen campus, “incidents of noncompliance for employees will be managed through the employee handbook and ‘corrective action’ policies and procedures. Incidents of noncompliance for students will be managed through the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the COVID Policy could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or and dismissal from the University.”
According to Dr. Chestnut, students and faculty will report each other on COVID-19 violations. If a faculty member or student sees somebody who is not wearing a mask or social distancing, they may vocally ask them to do so.
If, however, they do not comply then the individual may submit a report of concern with Human Resources or the Dean’s Office depending on if that said non-compliant individual is a faculty member or student.
From there the officials will conduct an “educational conversation” with the non-compliant individual and inform them that it is required for them to wear a mask and social distance. There are few exceptions to this which can be discussed at this time such as religious views or disabilities.
Dr. Chestnut states that “that’s the deal.” If you want to come on campus and socialize or attend classes, then you must follow these regulations.
If after the “educational conversation,” the noncompliant individual is reported again then further steps will be taken such as probation and other “progressive disciplines” through the University.
Faculty members themselves can enforce the mask wearing and social distancing mandates as well. In the approved plan it is stated that campus businesses are allowed to require masks for individuals to receive service. Furthermore, in classrooms, teachers are allowed to ask students to leave if they do not wear masks or social distance. If even after these enforcements individuals still do not comply, that is when Human Resources and the Dean’s Office will step in.
“Students who are not willing to wear a face mask will have to complete a Zoom recorded version of the class and write a response to the experience,” stated Professor of Dance Marsha Knight. “I do not anticipate non-conformity to social distancing within the studio classroom. I worry more about this outside of the classroom environment.”
Haydon will also ask students to leave if they do not wear a mask or social distance. However, she also does not suspect many students would not follow these regulations while in the classroom.
Both of these professors have very hands-on classes due to their dance and ceramics courses and, therefore, require more specific regulations. They also both elaborate on how their students are eager to come back to class and do not suspect many issues. Of course, there will be trial and error, but both are hopeful the year will go well.
If, however, there is a jump in cases and students are still found not complying with mask wearing and social distance regulations, then stricter consequences may be applied.
“We might need to modify [the plan] based off what happens. It is to be determined,” stated Dr. Chestnut.
