With classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln set to resume on Monday, students are being asked to check their online syllabus to see whether masks will be required for a specific class or lab assignment.
In an email to students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said face coverings may be required in some settings as a way to safely provide "a robust, in-person educational experience."
Green said masks may be required in settings where students work in close proximity for an extended period of time, including lab courses; performance courses such as dance, music and theater classes; art and design studios; and experiential learning opportunities.
In addition, Green said, face coverings may be required in a class where the instructor or a student has immediate family members who are unable to be vaccinated. Students who wish to make such a request are encouraged to speak with their instructor.
Green said that Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Spiller has worked with college deans and department leaders on processes for requiring masks under these conditions. The guidelines are similar to those outlined at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Those requests are still coming in, a UNL spokeswoman said, and will go through an approval process.
Ahead of the first day of classes, all students, faculty and staff members are to complete a COVID-19 test. Test results, Green said, will help UNL to make data-driven decisions on how to keep the campus safe this fall.
Vaccinations are not required of students or staff, but those who have not reported a vaccination will be subject to weekly testing throughout the fall semester.
A walk-in vaccination clinic for students, faculty and staff is set for Thursday at the Devaney Sports Center. Additional clinics are set for the City Campus and East Campus unions next week.