Masking

As of Monday, March 28, Evergreen is pausing on mask requirements with few exceptions. Please be courteous of each other's choices, especially during this period of transition.

Campus mask requirement pauses, beginning March 28

  • Beginning Monday, March 28, 2022, The Evergreen State College will no longer require masks to be worn on campus. This falls in line with local, state, and federal COVID safety guidelines.
  • Because there is not a COVID-19 vaccine available for children four years old and under, masking will continue at the Olympia campus’ childcare center.
  • Masks will continue to be worn at the student wellness center since masks are required by the state at all health care facilities.
  • Masks are still required for those with an exposure or positive COVID-19 result during the 10-days post exposure/diagnosis.
  • Individuals who wish to continue to wear masks are encouraged to do so. Bullying or other inappropriate behavior related to masking will not be tolerated.
  • COVID-19 conditions continue to change. The college may reinstate mask requirements based on current health and safety conditions in our community.
  • COVID health and safety policies have been revised based on CDC or DOH guidance.

Reminders on distancing, testing, and health verification

  • CDC recommends people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines should continue to practice physical distancing.
  • Individuals with approved exemptions should continue to follow their accommodation plans.
  • Please continue to report your symptoms and/or positive case via our health verification links on my.evergreen.edu. 
  • See our latest case count data, including previous cumulative monthly info.

What can you do?

  • If you haven’t already gotten your COVID-19 booster, please get one to ensure you are up to date on your vaccines. Vaccine is the most important measure you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
  • If you are off campus and a business or service provider requires masks – please wear one.

What we are doing:

Your health and safety remain our priority. The college continues providing COVID-19 testing, improving ventilation throughout campus and providing increased cleaning and disinfecting of classrooms, office spaces and common areas.

Masking info for Housing Residents

Starting Monday, March 28th the college will no longer require face masks on campus. We understand the change to more in-person activities without a mask mandate may be challenging. To support each other through this transition we are sharing this information.

What to expect in housing and dining for spring 2022: 

  • Although masks are not required some RAD staff will continue wearing masks. 
  • Contractors and other staff who need to do work in your apartment may not be wearing masks. 
  • Your suitemates may choose not to wear masks in your apartment as they are no longer required to do so unless they have been instructed by the COVID team due to an exposure, symptoms, or have tested positive.  
  • RAD staff will continue to sanitize and clean common areas in the HCC, and the RAD front office following CDC guidelines. 

What you can do as a resident: 

  • If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please continue to do so. Masks are available in the HCC and in the RAD front office.  
  • If someone is coming into your apartment to do work and is not wearing a mask, you can choose to leave your apartment or stay in your bedroom while the work is completed. 
  • Revisit your apartment agreement and talk with your suitemates about what you would like to have happen in your apartment. 
  • Talk with your friends about masking and how you feel about mask usage in your apartment.  
  • Continue to carry a mask with you and if someone asks you to wear a mask, mask up if you can do so. 
  • If you need help talking with others about mask usage, reach out to your RA or an RD for help. 
  • You may ask a student or employee to voluntarily put on a mask. However, you cannot require a student or employee to wear a mask and must respect individuals’ decisions as to whether they choose to wear a mask. 

Suggested language: 

“I am choosing to wear a mask as another layer of protection against COVID-19 infection. And while I cannot require you to wear a mask, would you be willing to wear one while in this apartment/classroom/office, as well? Of course, this is your choice, and there will be no consequences if you choose not to, but I appreciate your consideration as it would make me feel more comfortable.” 

What you can do to continue to mitigate your risk against COVID: 

  • CDC recommends people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines should continue to practice physical distancing. 
  • If you haven’t already gotten your COVID-19 booster, please get one to ensure you are up to date on your vaccines. Vaccine is the most important measure you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you need help finding a booster contact Covid@evergreen.edu.  
  • If you are off campus in a crowded location, you can put on a mask. 
  • Our new drop-off COVID testing program is underway. Students, faculty, and staff who have traveled over Spring Break are highly encouraged to test to ensure everyone’s health and safety. 
  • Free rapid tests can be shipped directly to you. You can order two testing kits per household from the federal government and you can get up to two tests per household, per month through Washington’s state and local public health jurisdictions. 
  • Please continue to report your symptoms and/or positive case via our health verification links on my.evergreen.edu.