Fall 2021 COVID Guidance

I am only including guidance related to my classrooms. In public spaces, labs, dining halls, you should follow that relevant guidnace.

Masks: as of August 6th

It is impossible for us to maintain six feet of distance between everyone, so wearing a mask in our classroom is required, in compliance with CDC guidance, IU guidance, and the current Monroe County mask mandate.

Corollaries:

• "Wearing" a mask means that the mask is placed over both your mouth and nose.
   
• Masks must remain on during group work and "turn to your neighbor" activities.
   
• Beverages will be allowed in the classroom, and you may remove your mask for just a moment to drink. However, bringing food (for example, eating your lunch), cannot be allowed this semester. (Obvious exception: blood sugar issues or other medical issues.)
   
• If I stay at the front of the room, behind the podium, I'm told that I am allowed to remove mine (since I'll be at least six feet from everyone). However, I will ask those of you sitting in the front few rows if you're comfortable with that!

"What if I Feel Sick?"

Then stay at home. If you have obvious symptoms (of COVID, flu, strep, or anything similar), I reserve the right to dismiss you from class for the day. Use common sense: don't show up someplace if you're contagious.

If masks ever become optional in the classroom...

Then you will be welcome to continue wearing one, if you wish, with no judgment at all.

Failure to Follow the Mask Guidance

This is an academic misconduct matter (same level as cheating, plagiarism, facilitation, etc.) It will be treated with all the seriousness it deserves.

"Are You Vaccinated?"

No faculty member has the right to ask you this question. Tell me if you want, but I won't ask.

COVID Quarantine, Isolation, or Positive Tests

Whether for isolation / a positive test, or for quarantine, we will treat a COVID-related absence as a medical absence. Medical absences are covered in our syllabus.