Per the statement from the Board of Regents (BOR) on May 20, 2021, effective immediately, people are no longer required to wear a mask or physically distance in university buildings or on campus.  As noted in the statement, this guideline does not apply to campus transportation (e.g., CAMBUS), the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, research laboratories, or any other healthcare operation, setting, or service.  Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue to wear a mask or other appropriate face-covering while on campus; additionally, even those who are vaccinated should feel comfortable continuing to wear a mask if they choose to do so. 

Instructors should feel free to communicate this information to their in-person classes. 

Based on the statement from the BOR, below are answers to some commonly asked questions:

Q. Can an instructor or staff member require a student to wear a mask, including in class, when meeting with them in-person, participating in an event, class activity, or any other course activities?

A. No.  However, everyone should feel comfortable continuing to wear a mask if they choose
         to do so. 

Q. Can an instructor or staff member ask a student about their COVID-19 vaccination status?

A. No.  Instructors and staff should not ask students if they are vaccinated or if they plan to be vaccinated.  Asking about their vaccination status may prompt disclosure of disability-related information or information regarding existing health conditions relevant to the vaccination.  Instructors and staff should also avoid discussing vaccination status during class, in emails, or in other communication to the class.

Q. Can an instructor or staff member require a student be vaccinated for COVID-19 before they will meet with them in-person or to participate in an event, class activity, or any other activities?

A. No.  The university encourages students to be vaccinated, but vaccinations are voluntary.  Instructors and staff should avoid any communication that may be perceived to pressure, force, or coerce any student to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination.

Q. Are students permitted to discuss their COVID-19 vaccine status among themselves?

A. Conversations among students would be difficult to restrict. Instructors should refrain from participating in conversations about COVID-19 vaccination status.  Instructors should also be alert to any coercive or pressuring behavior among students.  If this behavior is observed, instructors are encouraged to remind everyone that the university is committed to a voluntary approach to vaccination, and that no one should feel pressured or coerced by anyone.

Please let us know if you have any further questions related to working with students under this recent guidance.