The University Of Utah: Faculty Influence And Mask Wearing In Classes

Press release from The University of Utah:

Rebecca Walsh

September 29, 2021

A group of students gathered by the University Marketing and Communications’ “Stop the Spread” campaign team reported they are more likely to mask up in class when their teachers urge it.

“Some professors start class with a mention of masking and vaccination, making it personal with their stories of vulnerable unvaccinated children or other family members at home,” said Avery Abelhouzen, a senior majoring in history and president of the MUSS. “When the issue is more personal, students may care more.”

Following guidance from state higher education leaders, the university adopted a vaccination policy on Aug. 27 that requires all students to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or declare an exemption by Sept. 30. Those who do not will have a hold placed on their registration for the Spring 2022 semester. Registration holds will kick in when registration opens the first week of November.

While university leaders continue to encourage the wearing of masks in indoor spaces, the university is barred by state law from requiring that students, staff or faculty members wear masks on campus. Exceptions have been made for students who have been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19 and are following university contact tracers’ protocols for isolating and monitoring of symptoms.

Meanwhile, several students have complained that their instructors are not following the university’s guidance to wear a mask in class.

Contact Tracing Team Advisor Teresa Garrett, an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, said the U. needs faculty members to model responsible behavior if the campus is going to remain open for in-person classes and student activities. So far, the university has averaged fewer than 10 positive coronavirus tests a week, but more than 11,000 students have been exposed in class.

“We all want to remain in class for lectures and discussions. We all want to study and gather in Marriott Library. We all want to go to football games and gymnastics meets,” Garrett says. “If we all put up with a little bit of inconvenience and discomfort, we can keep our campus life as normal as possible. We’re all in this together.”

This press release was produced by The University of Utah. The views expressed here are the author’s own.