While COVID-19 protocols have lessened for in person classes this fall, the University of Idaho still has the mask mandate in place.
According to professors, students have been adhering to the mask mandate diligently to help keep classes in-person.
Vice-Provost for Faculty Diane Kelly-Riley reaffirms a positive experience with students sticking to the mask mandate on campus so far.
“We have had great adherence to the face mask policy.” Riley said. “They realize it’s a pretty serious situation and doing a simple thing like wearing a face mask helps keep us in person.”
Professors are expected to handle it on a case-by-case basis when students are COVID-19 positive or exposed.
“Professors realize that some students may be ill, faculty members will work with the students to try and make up the class work.” Riley said. “It varies from class to class.”
Faculty Senate Chair Russell Meeuf has not had any complaints from students about the mask mandate in his classes.
“Overall, the students are complying with the mask mandate fairly well.” Meeuf said.
The faculty is looking for clarification on the protocol to follow after students have been exposed, are COVID-19 positive and when faculty are at risk of exposure.
“I know there’s some guidance. When students report that they’re testing positive, they’re being reached out to.” Meeuf said. “The faculty would like to have a clearer set of guidance about when it’s clear for them to move online, or continue teaching even if they themselves have been exposed.”
The faculty consult their department chairs, deans and the COVID-19 coordinator, Seth Vieux. Then proceed to make individual decisions for their classes.
“I think right now it’s kind of putting out fires as they come up rather than have an overarching set of plans, but the faculty would love clarity from the administration on what to do in different situations.” Meeuf said.
Psychology professor Jamie Derrik said the students have been compliant and that there’s no penalty for the lack of attendance due to COVID-19.
“I’m really encouraging students not to come if they don’t feel well, and they’re not penalized for that,” Derrik said.
In Derrick’s experience, she feels students are handling the restrictions even better than Moscow residents.
“My take is that the students are much more on board, and there’s a lot less resistance in comparison to the broader community.” Derrick said.
Michella Chowdhury can be reached at [email protected]
Jorge Valdez-Scanling
"Professors are expected to handle it on a case-by-case basis when students are COVID-19 positive or exposed." What this means is that the University officials can't be bothered to put out a specific policy, and will do whatever they can to get more student dollars from in-person education. This is a pandemic, not a student who fell asleep in class. More abdication of responsibility by this clown shoes administration.