Stephen F. Austin State University

Dear SFA campus community,

The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, especially those who are most vulnerable, is of paramount importance. In light of CDC and state guidance and in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and further protect the members of the university community, beginning July 7 it will be required that face coverings be worn by all individuals – faculty, staff, students and visitors – on campus in the following areas:

• Indoor public areas, except where otherwise marked, even if a person is alone (includes all non-private offices, academic areas and residential spaces such as lobbies, hallways, restrooms, classrooms, teaching laboratories, common spaces in residence halls, conference rooms and break rooms); and
• Outdoor spaces where 6 feet of physical distancing is difficult to reliably maintain.

Face coverings include cloth face coverings, FDA-approved surgical masks and other coverings that meet CDC recommendations. Information on how to make, wear and wash face coverings may be found on the CDC website. Individuals are responsible for providing their own face coverings. It is recommended that all individuals have at least three face coverings available for use throughout a week in order to begin each day with a new or cleaned face covering.

The primary purpose of wearing a face covering is to reduce the amount of virus spreading from wearer (who may not know they have and are spreading the virus) into the environment and to others. The secondary purpose of the face covering is to reduce the likelihood that large droplets containing the virus may enter the nose and mouth of the wearer. The use of a face covering does not replace the continued need to maintain physical distance from others – at least 6 feet – but instead augments physical distancing and frequent handwashing to help further reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.

Exceptions for individuals and areas of campus will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting a modification to this order based on a disability should work with Disability Services for guidance. Employees and visitors requesting a modification based on a disability should contact Human Resources for guidance.

Exceptions for physical areas on campus or certain occupations on campus where wearing a face covering is not feasible (and not based on a disability) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Requests for an exemption/waiver should be made to the Face Coverings Committee at facecoverings@sfasu.edu. The request should include the reason(s) face coverings are not feasible and the additional safety measures that will be taken to mitigate the risk in absence of face coverings. Areas where face covering requirements have been waived must be clearly marked with signs indicating that an exception has been granted. In some cases, face shields may be approved for use in lieu of face coverings.

Additional information is available on the Open SFA: Guide to Fall 2020 website. Each of us plays a role in keeping our campus community safe and healthy, and we appreciate your support and your efforts toward this goal.

Sincerely,

Scott A. Gordon
President