Definition of a Face Covering (Face Mask): According to CDC guidance and Texas A&M University, for the purpose of the COVID-19 pandemic an effective cloth face covering will:

• Include multiple layers of tightly woven fabric
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties, ear loops, or wrap around the head (such as gaiter style masks)
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Be able to be laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape or be disposable

For cloth face coverings, the following would not be appropriate:  

• Hosiery, gauze, hand knit/crochet, and other loosely woven materials
• Holding a towel, t-shirt, or other non-secured item over your faceAny face covering with an exhalation valve does not meet the standards of this policy as they allow particles to exhaust from the wearer.

FDA-approved surgical masks may also be used as a face covering.

Wearing a face covering is about protecting others and our Aggie Community. Those with COVID-19, even those who do not know they have COVID-19, naturally expel droplets contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19 when breathing, talking, sneezing, coughing, etc.  Wearing a face covering in public shows you care enough to protect others. Additionally, limiting virus spread allows the campus to resume some normal operations, including face-to-face classes without the need to return to full remote instruction.
 
 

No. Currently, individuals who have received full COVID-19 vaccination are not exempted from this policy. We periodically review the best available science and CDC guidelines, and may update based upon changing science and conditions.

A public space is any indoor space other than your own private office, residence (including residence hall room or apartment) or personal vehicle. Public spaces include lobbies, restrooms, cafeterias, classrooms, common spaces of residence halls, conference rooms, and break rooms. Since this is a university requirement, this policy covers university-owned spaces except where a space exception has been allowed and is marked by appropriate signage.

It is the responsibility of the individual to provide their own face covering. However, each unit may keep a small amount of disposable face coverings on hand for visitors.

There are a variety of cloth face coverings available, including FDA-approved surgical masks, that you can find online or you can make your own following the straightforward CDC guidelines. CDC recommends at least two layers of tightly woven cotton or the more detailed Olson design by medical professionals. We do not recommend wearing a disposable N95 respirator instead of a cloth face covering or surgical mask. For faculty members lecturing this semester, go here.

See Exemptions.

See Exemptions.

Please contact the faculty or staff member who is supervising the person or the space where the infraction occurred (for example, the building proctor or department head). The department head or building leadership will be in a position to ascertain whether the person has an exemption and, if not, politely direct the person to wear a face covering or vacate the public space.

The policy on Expressive Activity on Campus (08.99.99.M1) states: “Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing symbolic clothing or otherwise protesting silently is permissible unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access.” Disruptive activity is defined as obstruction, disruption or interference with classes, research, administrative functions or other university activities. Acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others, will not be tolerated.

No, only face masks may be worn on campus. Recent research findings released showed face shields are relatively ineffective in reducing droplets in the air compared to face masks.  As a result, face shields will not be permitted on Texas A&M campuses in lieu of face masks except for instructors who are adequately distanced from students in the classroom. For instructors teaching in the classroom, go here.

The policy is continually under review as more information regarding the current pandemic is made available. This policy will remain in effect until it is safer to do so.

No. Currently, individuals who have received full COVID-19 vaccination are not exempted from this policy. We periodically review the best available science and CDC guidelines, and may update based upon changing science and conditions.

No, you do not need to wear a face covering while eating or drinking.  After removing your face covering for eating, place the face covering into a bag to help keep the material clean and away from other people and items in your proximity. As soon as your meal is complete, wash your hands or clean your hands with hand sanitizer and replace your face covering, then clean your hands again. 

Face coverings are not required when students are in their personal on-campus residence hall rooms/suites or apartments (including private and suite-style bathrooms). You should apply the same thought process that you used while living at home with your family. When you and your roommate first come together at the start of the semester, you should have a discussion around face covering expectations. However, if one of you were to develop COVID-19 related symptoms, then face coverings should be worn until a healthcare professional can been consulted. 

Face coverings are strongly recommended when students and visitors are in residence hall/apartment hallways or while visiting other students’ rooms/apartments. Face coverings are required while in common areas and community bathrooms, except for while showering. Residents should perform activities that require touching of the face (brushing teeth, washing face, etc.) at the sinks in their rooms instead of at sinks in the community bathrooms. Face coverings are required in the Commons and the first floor of Hullabaloo Hall, as these are public spaces.

Yes, face coverings must be worn while riding a bus.

Yes, face coverings must be worn in a vehicle when others are present, but are not required if you are the only occupant.

There is a wide variety of university vehicles. The number of people in the vehicle during the COVID-19 pandemic should be limited to no more than 50% of the maximum vehicle occupancy.  All those in the vehicle must wear their face coverings. The ventilation system must be turned on but not be placed into recirculation mode at any time. When possible, it is best practice to leave two windows slightly open to allow for more fresh air flow.

Face coverings must be worn in any public area, even if you are in your own workspace. However, a workspace is not in a public area when it allows for reliably maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from others and includes a physical barrier between other workspaces. In these areas, a face covering is highly recommended but not required. 

Yes, unless they have received an exemption (described above) or the area or position has been granted a waiver from the face coverings policy. The agreement to come back to campus includes a requirement to follow all safety regulations. If individuals are not wearing a face covering in a public space, the first response should be a collegial reminder and an offer of a clean face covering, if one is available.  If the individual refuses to wear a face covering, a supervisor (for students this could be a faculty member or a staff member overseeing the area) may direct the individual to leave the public space. For example, a faculty member could direct a student to attend a class remotely rather than in person. If the individual refuses to wear a face covering or leave the space, this should be reported to Student Affairs (students), Human Resources (staff) or Dean of Faculties (faculty) and dealt with using established disciplinary mechanisms.

To keep our community safe, a face covering must be worn in all public areas. If doing so impairs an employee’s ability to do their job based on a disability, the employee should follow the University SAP for Accommodations. With regard to areas on campus and job requirements unrelated to a disability or religious concern, please send a request for this exception to the Face Coverings Committee (facecovering@tamu.edu).  Requests for exemptions should include the reason that face coverings are not feasible and the additional safety measures taken to further mitigate the risk in the absence of face coverings.

For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, opaque face coverings can be a hindrance to communication either due to lack of ability to read lips or difficulties using a sign language interpreter. Faculty are encouraged to work with Disability Resources to determine appropriate accommodations (e.g., wearing a face shield or a transparent face covering to accommodate students relying on lip reading). For classes using sign language interpreters, interpreters will either wear a face shield or provide remote interpreting. Much like for an online class, the interpreter will not be located in the same room as the class, but will be using technology to connect to the class and transmit the interpretation to the student.

The policy on Expressive Activity on Campus (08.99.99.M1) states: “Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing symbolic clothing or otherwise protesting silently is permissible unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access.” Disruptive activity is defined as obstruction, disruption or interference with classes, research, administrative functions or other university activities. Acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others, will not be tolerated.

You should use your own knowledge, as well as refer to the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Leadership, and Selfless service, and you should select the option that best protects and comforts those around you. A good standard to follow is to wear a face covering in public settings, especially where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

No. Currently, individuals who have received full COVID-19 vaccination are not exempted from this policy. We periodically review the best available science and CDC guidelines, and may update based upon changing science and conditions.

To keep our community safe, a face covering must be worn in all public areas. If doing so impairs an employee’s ability to do their job based on a disability, the employee should follow the University SAP for Accommodations. With regard to areas on campus and job requirements unrelated to a disability or religious concern, please send a request for this exception to the Face Coverings Committee (Dr. Shawn Gibbs, chair; facecovering@tamu.edu).  Requests for exemptions should include the reason that face coverings are not feasible and the additional safety measures taken to further mitigate the risk in the absence of face coverings.

For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, opaque face coverings can be a hindrance to communication either due to lack of ability to read lips or difficulties using a sign language interpreter. Faculty are encouraged to work with Disability Resources to determine appropriate accommodations (e.g., wearing a face shield or a transparent face covering to accommodate students relying on lip reading). For classes using sign language interpreters, interpreters will either wear a face shield or provide remote interpreting. Much like for an online class, the interpreter will not be located in the same room as the class, but will be using technology to connect to the class and transmit the interpretation to the student.

While in your private office area you are not required to wear a face covering when alone. However, when other people join you then all are to wear a face covering.

A private office is usually an office with walls and a door and only one occupant. It could also be a discrete space that is clearly defined, delineated, and apparent with either cubicle walls or partitions where at least 6 feet of physical distance from another person can be maintained at all times and is occupied and accessed by only 1 person per day and cleaned prior to another person entering the area. However, when other people join you then all should wear a face covering.

Please contact the faculty or staff member who is supervising the person or the space where the infraction occurred (for example, the building proctor or department head). The department head or building leadership will be in a position to ascertain whether the person has an exemption and, if not, politely direct the person to wear a face covering or vacate the public space.

Yes, unless they have received an exemption (described above) or the area or position has been granted a waiver from the face coverings policy. The agreement to come back to campus includes a requirement to follow all safety regulations. If individuals are not wearing a face covering in a public space, the first response should be a collegial reminder and an offer of a clean face covering, if one is available.  If the individual refuses to wear a face covering, a supervisor (for students this could be a faculty member or a staff member overseeing the area) may direct the individual to leave the public space. For example, a faculty member could direct a student to attend a class remotely rather than in person. If the individual refuses to wear a face covering or leave the space, this should be reported to Student Affairs (students), Human Resources (staff) or Dean of Faculties (faculty) and dealt with using established disciplinary mechanisms.

The policy on Expressive Activity on Campus (08.99.99.M1) states: “Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing symbolic clothing or otherwise protesting silently is permissible unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access.” Disruptive activity is defined as obstruction, disruption or interference with classes, research, administrative functions or other university activities. Acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others, will not be tolerated.

If you can maintain at least 6 feet physical distance from the nearest member of your class and you have a plexiglass barrier between you and the class, then you may wear a face shield instead of a face covering while you are lecturing.  You should still wear a face covering when entering and exiting the classroom since recent research showed face shields are relatively ineffective in reducing droplets in the air compared to face masks.   

You should use your own knowledge, as well as refer to the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Leadership, and Selfless service, and you should select the option that best protects and comforts those around you. A good standard to follow is to wear a face covering in public settings, especially where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

To keep our community safe, a face covering must be worn in all public areas. If doing so impairs an employee’s ability to do their job based on a disability, the employee should follow the University SAP for Accommodations. With regard to areas on campus and job requirements unrelated to a disability or religious concern, please send a request for this exception to the Face Coverings Committee (Dr. Shawn Gibbs, chair; facecovering@tamu.edu).  Requests for exemptions should include the reason that face coverings are not feasible and the additional safety measures taken to further mitigate the risk in the absence of face coverings.

While in your private office area you are not required to wear a face covering when alone. However, when other people join you then all are to wear a face covering.

A private office is usually an office with walls and a door and only one occupant. It could also be a discrete space that is clearly defined, delineated, and apparent with either cubicle walls or partitions where at least 6 feet of physical distance from another person can be maintained at all times and is occupied and accessed by only 1 person per day and cleaned prior to another person entering the area. However, when other people join you then all should wear a face covering.

See Exemptions.

See Exemptions

Please contact the faculty or staff member who is supervising the person or the space where the infraction occurred (for example, the building proctor or department head). The department head or building leadership will be in a position to ascertain whether the person has an exemption and, if not, politely direct the person to wear a face covering or vacate the public space.

The policy on Expressive Activity on Campus (08.99.99.M1) states: “Displaying a sign, gesturing, wearing symbolic clothing or otherwise protesting silently is permissible unless it is a disruptive activity or impedes access.” Disruptive activity is defined as obstruction, disruption or interference with classes, research, administrative functions or other university activities. Acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others, will not be tolerated. 

Face coverings must be worn in any public area, even if you are in your own workspace. However, a workspace is not in a public area when it allows for reliably maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from others and includes a physical barrier between other workspaces. In these areas, a face covering is highly recommended but not required. 

Yes, face coverings must be worn in a vehicle when others are present, but are not required if you are the only occupant.

There is a wide variety of university vehicles. The number of people in the vehicle during the COVID-19 pandemic should be limited to no more than 50% of the maximum vehicle occupancy.  All those in the vehicle must wear their face coverings. The ventilation system must be turned on but not be placed into recirculation mode at any time. When possible, it is best practice to leave two windows slightly open to allow for more fresh air flow.

Yes. Scientific understanding of COVID-19 is still evolving, and currently it is not known if those who have had the disease can be re-infected and become contagious again.

As this is a public health crisis, students are not exempt from wearing a face covering in facilities of Texas A&M.  If a student is unwilling or unable to wear a face covering, they should register for online classes. If students need other accommodations, they should follow the existing process to request those accommodations through an interactive process with Disability Resources.

As this is a public health crisis, employees and visitors are not exempt from wearing a face covering in facilities of Texas A&M.

Exceptions to the face covering policy based on areas on campus and job requirements, and not related to a disability or religious concern, will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Face Coverings Committee. Requests for exemptions should be emailed to this committee (facecovering@tamu.edu) and should include the reason that face coverings are not feasible and the additional safety measures taken to further mitigate the risk in the absence of face coverings. For a request asking for an exemption in a given space, also detail the space(s) where the exemption is requested and include information about signage marking the areas where face covering requirements are waived.  For a job requirement exemption, please include information about how the waiver will be applied.

Please contact the faculty or staff member who is supervising the person or the space where the infraction occurred (for example, the building proctor or department head). The department head or building leadership will be in a position to ascertain whether the person has an exemption and, if not, politely direct the person to wear a face covering or vacate the public space.

Yes, unless they have received an exemption (described above) or the area or position has been granted a waiver from the face coverings policy. The agreement to come back to campus includes a requirement to follow all safety regulations. If individuals are not wearing a face covering in a public space, the first response should be a collegial reminder and an offer of a clean face covering, if one is available.  If the individual refuses to wear a face covering, a supervisor (for students this could be a faculty member or a staff member overseeing the area) may direct the individual to leave the public space. For example, a faculty member could direct a student to attend a class remotely rather than in person. If the individual refuses to wear a face covering or leave the space, this should be reported to Student Affairs (students), Human Resources (staff) or Dean of Faculties (faculty) and dealt with using established disciplinary mechanisms.
 

For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, opaque face coverings can be a hindrance to communication either due to lack of ability to read lips or difficulties using a sign language interpreter. Faculty are encouraged to work with Disability Resources to determine appropriate accommodations (e.g., wearing a face shield or a transparent face covering to accommodate students relying on lip reading). For classes using sign language interpreters, interpreters will either wear a face shield or provide remote interpreting. Much like for an online class, the interpreter will not be located in the same room as the class, but will be using technology to connect to the class and transmit the interpretation to the student.

Yes. Scientific understanding of the ability to spread COVID-19 after being vaccinated is still evolving, and currently it is not known if those who have had been vaccinated, while they have a good level of protection, can spread the virus to others.