Campus Mask Guidance

The CU Boulder campus is mask-optional.  Childcare and medical facilities, as well as CU Night Ride vehicles, may be required to mask as determined by state and local public health departments.

CU Boulder will continue to monitor COVID-19 metrics at the campus, local, state and national level and reassess our protocols as needed to protect health and safety on campus

Details

  • While masks are currently optional on campus, we encourage those who prefer to do so to continue wearing them.

Recommended types of masks

  • As masking guidance and local public health orders evolve, certain types of masks provide more protection than others. Properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks remain an effective tool for preventing transmission, especially in conjunction with vaccination. The best mask is one that snugly fits and is made of multi-layer, non-woven material.
  • The CDC provides additional guidance regarding masks and when to wear them.

Frequently asked questions

Individuals can request that another person wear a mask in a 1:1 setting, however, they may not require them to wear a mask. 

Individuals can request that another person wear a mask, however, they may not require them to wear a mask.

The campus mask-optional protocol applies to these groups.

In a mask-optional environment, you may request that students wear a mask. You may also choose to wear a mask for your own protection. You may not require students to wear a mask or ask them to leave if they choose not to wear a mask. 

In a mask-optional environment, campus groups can recommend that participants wear a mask but cannot require it.  Off campus groups renting space on campus may choose to implement their own requirements.  If an off-campus group requires masks, they would be responsible for enforcing that requirement.

In a mask-optional environment, individuals, including visitors to campus, make their own determination to wear a mask based on their comfort level. 

In a mask-optional environment, individuals, including visitors to campus, make their own determination to wear a mask based on their comfort level. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged, but not required, to wear masks. Masks may continue to be required for unvaccinated individuals in particular settings, such as a medical facility, under state or local public health orders.

Professors, instructors and individual offices may request that masks be worn but may not require them.

Masks are not required, however, individuals may choose to wear them.

We will continue to track the evolution of this disease and work with campus, local and state health officials to ensure we are making the decisions that best protect our community.

In particular, we would consider the transmission pattern of new variants, hospitalization rates and capacity of local hospitals in helping to make such a decision. 

  • As detailed in the March 3, 2022 Academic Instruction Guidance, instructors may not independently change the instruction mode of their classes. Changes in class instruction mode must always be approved at the department/program/college level; during the pandemic, including spring 2022, changes must also be approved by the provost’s office. 

  • You can choose to continue to wear a mask. 

  • Even if others are not wearing a mask, a well-fitted KN95 or N95 still provides protection.

  • For those who are both fully vaccinated/boosted and choose to wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask, the chances of becoming infected with COVID-19 are extremely low. 

As detailed in the March 3, 2022 Academic Instruction Guidance, office hours may be held in person or remotely, at the discretion of the instructor. TAs, consult with the instructor of record for the class about mode and location for your office hours.

  • Students cannot request that an in-person course be taught to them remotely for reasons other than a documented disability that would require such an accommodation. Contact the Office of Disability Services for more information. 

  • You can choose to continue to wear a mask. 

  • Even if others are not wearing a mask, a well-fitted KN95 or N95 still provides protection.

  • If you have a medical condition that prevents you from being able to return to work, please contact ADA Compliance directly at adacoordinator@colorado.edu. Please be aware that you may need to provide medical documentation as a part of their process, so it is recommended you contact them as soon as possible to ensure they have time to assess your request prior to the return-to-work date.
     
  • In the absence of an ADA accommodation, any decision to work remotely or hybrid is a departmental decision based upon the nature of the employee’s work and the needs of the department.

  • Leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may be a resource. Please contact Human Resources at Leave@colorado.edu to inquire if you would be eligible for FMLA and how FMLA can be used.