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UA System requires social distancing and face covering

On July 15, 2020, the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved a resolution which directs System institutions to require the use of face coverings in most public spaces.

The resolution states, in part, that System institutions, including UA – Pulaski Tech, will “at a minimum, require the use of cloth face coverings by students, faculty, staff and guests in university facilities where physical distancing of six-feet or more cannot be assured in accordance with guidance from state and federal health officials.”

UA – Pulaski Tech remains committed to taking all necessary measures to protect public health and minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The college will require all college employees, students, and campus visitors to comply with the UA System resolution, which in its entirety reads as follows:

July 15, 2020

SUBJECT: Resolution Concerning Social Distancing and Face Covering, All Campuses and Units

FROM: Donald R. Bobbitt, University of Arkansas System President

At its special meeting via Zoom on July 15, 2020, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas adopted the following resolution:

Resolution Concerning Social Distancing and Face Covering

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas recognizes the need to continue monitoring the impact of COVID-19 in Arkansas and to adhere to the public health guidelines and directives from the state and federal governments; and

WHEREAS, the state and federal governments have outlined steps for maintaining some protective health measures to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 as communities and organizations reopen to certain activities; and

WHEREAS, UA System institutions have begun developing plans that include blended face-to-face and remote instruction, encouraging the use of protective items such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and cloth face masks, among other guidance; and

WHEREAS, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has released return-to-work guidance for state employees including the requirement for employees to social distance at least six feet from one another and utilize cloth face coverings when social distancing is not possible; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance regarding the reopening of college and university campuses, including advice for institutions to “recommend and reinforce the use of cloth face coverings among students, faculty and staff” particularly “in times when physical distancing is difficult;” and

WHEREAS, ADH and CDC guidance includes advice regarding settings and activities where mask wearing may not be feasible including while eating and while participating in extracurricular activities such as athletics and music;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS THAT the Board directs each campus, division and unit to adopt a policy that, at a minimum, requires the use of cloth face coverings by students, faculty, staff and guests in university facilities where physical distancing of six-feet or more cannot be assured in accordance with guidance from state and federal health officials.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the policies include reasonable exceptions for certain settings and activities that follow guidance established by public health agencies and/or by external governing bodies such as athletics conferences and the NCAA.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT such policies remain in effect as long as the use of cloth face coverings continues to be recommended by ADH and the CDC and that the policies may be adjusted in accordance with future public health guidance.

You may proceed to implement this action.