Students, Faculty and Staff,

I hope you were able to see the President’s message from yesterday.

It’s a bit of good news: There have been adjustments to the University mask policy. Starting today:

Optional Masks

• We will adopt an optional mask-wearing policy in common areas across campus, such as the Gatton Student Center; common areas or hallways of classroom buildings; dining halls; libraries; workout facilities; and residence halls.
• Masks will also be optional during voluntary events, such as Campus Ruckus, concerts, theatrical performances and at athletics venues. 
• For performing arts classes — music, dance and theatre — masks are optional during performance situations (whether lessons, labs or performances). Masks, though, must be worn in classes when not performing.

Mandatory Masks

• Masks will remain mandatory in classrooms during classes. We will supply classrooms with masks.
• Masks also will remain mandatory in private offices/suites and conference/meeting rooms where more than one person is gathered.
• Masks must continue to be worn in research and classroom laboratories.
• Health care facilities and settings are exempt from these changes. Current masking policies will remain in place in UK HealthCare settings, per UKHC policies.

Other Considerations

• Recognizing the variability of mask policies across the state, Cooperative Extension employees should follow the mask policies consistent with their county government policy. For 4-H programs and youth under 12, the guidelines of local public-school systems will be followed.
• If the positive trajectory of the virus continues, our hope is to expand the mask optional policy throughout the campus — not including health-care facilities and settings — following commencement ceremonies in May.
• We will move as quickly as possible to update COVID-related websites and signage throughout the campus to reflect this policy change.

This is a positive step for us. Still, I realize that while some will feel more free to utilize the Optional Mask option, others may not. Please respect everyone’s right to wear masks as they wish. We have gotten this far by remaining together — I ask that you continue to have this mindset.

As always, we recognize this is a fluid situation, so we will keep you updated as to any changes moving forward.

For now, we can celebrate this small step toward normalcy.

Stay well,

Scott