Novel coronavirus information

September 15, 2021

FAQ: What should instructors do if a student refuses to wear a mask in class?

As we prepare for in-person instruction this autumn, we’re highlighting some of the questions and answers in the COVID-19 frequently asked questions of greatest interest to the community.

All UW students and personnel are required to follow the University’s COVID-19 Face Covering Policy at all times. If a student is not complying with this policy while indoors, including in a classroom, instructors should begin with a polite, verbal request to remind and educate the student about the UW’s face covering policy and to ask them to wear a face covering. The following are campus-specific guidance and resources:

Seattle

  1. If the student does not have a face covering with them, direct them to a Heathy Huskies vending machine or to any nearby pharmacy or grocery store, where masks may also be purchased.
  2. If a student refuses to comply with the policy, the instructor can politely but firmly ask the student to leave the classroom/building. Under the Student Conduct Code, instructors have the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which that student is being disruptive.
  3. If a student does not comply with a request to leave, the instructor may choose to stop instruction, dismiss the class, and then report the student to the Seattle Student Conduct Office at cssc@uw.edu or 206-685-6194. Instructors should also contact this office in the case of belligerent non-compliance, or if they need assistance managing the situation. Student Conduct Office personnel are trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation.

Bothell

  1. If the student does not have a face covering with them, direct them to the free, single-use mask dispensers located next to hand-sanitizing stations in buildings throughout campus.
  2. If a student refuses to comply with the policy, the instructor can politely but firmly ask the student to leave the classroom/building. Under the Student Conduct Code, instructors have the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which that student is being disruptive.
  3. If a student does not comply with a request to leave, the instructor may choose to stop instruction, dismiss the class, and then report the student to the UW Bothell Office of Student Conduct.
  4. In the case of belligerent non-compliance, or if the instructor needs assistance managing the situation, they should contact UW Bothell Campus Safety at 425-352-5359 or uwb-safety@uw.edu. Bothell Campus Safety personnel are unarmed and trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation.

Tacoma

  1. Instructors will be provided masks to offer to students who come to class unmasked.
  2. If a student refuses to comply with the policy, the instructor can politely but firmly ask the student to leave the classroom/building. Under the Student Conduct Code, instructors have the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which that student is being disruptive.
  3. If a student does not comply with a request to leave, the instructor may choose to stop instruction, dismiss the class, and then report the student to the UW Tacoma’s Office of Student Conduct.
  4. In the case of belligerent non-compliance, or if the instructor needs assistance managing the situation, they should contact UW Tacoma Campus Safety & Security at 253-692-4416 or uwtsafe@uw.edu. Tacoma Campus Safety personnel are unarmed and trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation.

In the case of threats of violence, instructors should call 911.

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