STATESBORO — Georgia Southern students are able to return to campus, but things are different. 

As this fall semester starts off you might notice everyone wearing masks around campus, and in case you are wondering, yes, masks are required. The reason for this is to help prevent the spread of COVID. 

The official rules for wearing mask around the Georgia Southern campus are that:

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you have no symptoms. The University will use various forms of communication to remind everyone on campus to wear a mask when inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet of social distancing may not be possible. 

When social distancing requirements are met you do not have to wear a mask such as, one’s own dorm room, when alone in an enclosed office or study room, or in outdoor settings when social distancing. 

Anyone who does not use a mask/face covering when it is required will be asked to wear one or instead leave the area. Refusal to comply could result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students. 

If you are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons then a reasonable accommodation may be made. 

Face covering is not a substitute for social distancing, it is an addition. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear an appropriate face covering while inside any campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not be possible.  

If an employee in charge of the facility/building asks you to wear a face cover or instead leave the area then you must do so. If you have a face-covering accommodating you must be able to confirm that you’ve been allowed to have an accommodation. If someone is unable to confirm they’ve been allowed an accommodation then you may contact Student Accessibility Resource Center (for students) or Human Resources (for employees) to confirm. You should not confront or argue with individuals not wearing face coverings and instead find an employee to help.

After a student is asked to wear a mask or instead leave the aread, if the student complies then a report does not need to be made to the Office of Student Conduct. 

For more information check out Georgia Southern’s COVID-19 FAQ page here.