Last updated: Nov. 29, 2021
To help prevent inadvertent asymptomatic spread of coronavirus among our community, effective immediately, any individual who enters the Holy Cross campus must wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth at all times while indoors. This includes while using transportation where you are not the only individual in the vehicle.
What Type of Mask?
Because of the extremely transmissible Omicron variant, cloth face masks alone are no longer sufficient protection. The data demonstrate that surgical or medical grade masks do a better job of preventing transmission. Upgrading the type of mask that we are wearing now can reinforce that barrier of protection to offset the protection we have lost due to biological changes to the virus.
All students, faculty, staff and visitors will be expected to wear surgical-style masks, KN95, KF94 or N95 masks.
Exceptions to the Mask Requirement
Individuals do not need to wear face coverings in the following situations:
- When an individual is working alone in their own office.
- Faculty members who are recording a class or laboratory session alone in a designated space with the door closed.
- When an individual is eating or drinking with adequate physical distancing, i.e. in a space that allows the person to remain 6 feet away from others.
- When a Facilities employee has been assigned a specific vehicle that only they use, a mask is not required while the employee is in the vehicle.
- Masking in residence halls is optional.
Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
Employees seeking an accommodation to this policy may contact the employment coordinator in Human Resources at (508) 793-2756 or via email at kmcculle@holycross.edu. Students seeking an accommodation may contact Accessibility Services.
Enforcement of Mask Requirement and Progressive Discipline
At the College of the Holy Cross we are guided by the Ignatian principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, and for that reason we take seriously our obligations to ourselves and to one another. In the era of COVID-19 these obligations take on greater significance. Each of us must work to protect the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff in our community by following the protocols set forth above.
- Faculty/Staff: Employees who fail to observe the mask requirement are subject to discipline. Consistent with College policy, all department heads, supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring their employees are abiding by College policies, including wearing a mask, and MUST report any persistent noncompliance with this policy to Human Resources. Disciplinary action, which include, but are not limited to, oral warnings, written warnings, unpaid suspension, and/or termination, will be applicable if employees engage in repeated violations.
- Students: Students who fail to comply with this policy may forfeit access to campus or be removed from College housing, including any College-leased properties off campus, in addition to other disciplinary measures, up to possible dismissal from the College.
- Guests: Guests who fail to observe this policy will be asked to leave.
This Policy is effective immediately and the College reserves the sole right to apply and interpret this Policy, grant exceptions to and revise this Policy at any time, with or without advance notice.