Mask Regulations and Protocols

Definition of Masks

Millsaps College utilizes recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to define what is considered an appropriate mask/face covering. Specifically, at Millsaps:

• Gaiters are acceptable; two layers are recommended.
• Loose-fitting bandanas and scarves are not acceptable.
• Face shields are not acceptable unless the individual is also wearing a mask.
• Masks with exhalation valves or vents which allow virus particles to escape are not acceptable.

Peer to Peer—regulations for faculty and staff

The college has put in place safety protocols in an effort to reduce the risk associated with the spread of COVID-19. Part of these protocols include wearing masks while indoors on campus. Masks are currently not required outdoors when social distancing is possible. Faculty and staff are expected to follow these guidelines.

In all situations we should treat each other with respect and kindly remind a colleague to “mask up” for safety. Refusing to follow the safety guidelines will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. We ask community members to help us monitor compliance and report violations to the employee’s manager or confidentially to human resources.

Employees will be issued a verbal warning for refusing to follow the guidelines. Additional willful violations will result in a written final warning. Any additional violations may result in termination for failure to follow safety guidelines.

In the Classroom and Community—regulations for students and approaches for faculty and staff

The college has put in place safety protocols in an effort to reduce the risk associated with the spread of COVID-19. Part of these protocols include wearing masks while indoors on campus. Masks are currently not required outdoors when social distancing is possible. Students are expected to follow these guidelines.

Faculty should monitor that all students are wearing a mask before they enter the classroom and that they continue to do so throughout the duration of the class, laboratory or studio. In all situations we should treat each other with respect and kindly remind a student to “mask up” for safety. Every effort should be made to provide a student with a disposable mask (provided in each academic building) should he or she have forgotten or misplaced their mask.

Should the student then refuse the mask, they should be asked to not enter the classroom and to leave the building immediately. Should the student refuse to leave the classroom, the faculty member should calmly dismiss the class for some short period of time and reengage the class either remotely or in person as soon as is feasible. The professor should send the name of the student, as well as the date and time of the incident, to Dean James in Student Life.

Refusal of a student to follow the safety guidelines will result in disciplinary action up to and including educational sanctions and/or removal from campus in accordance with the student conduct process.