Masks no longer required in classrooms on Lawrence, Edwards campuses beginning March 28

Faculty, staff and students,

I’m writing to inform you that the University of Kansas will no longer require masks in classrooms on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses, effective Monday, March 28.

You will recall we began phasing out our mask requirement March 3 by removing the requirement in non-classroom settings. At that time, I explained that we were taking a phased approach to give individuals time to adjust, and that we would revisit the classroom mandate after Spring Break. Given regional COVID rates are the lowest they’ve been since the beginning of the pandemic and there continue to be no COVID-related disruptions to campus operations, now is the appropriate time to remove the mandate in classrooms.

Due to federal and state guidelines, masks will continue to be required on buses and in Watkins Health Center. Additionally, campus childcare facilities have the discretion to require masks if they choose to do so.

Although we are rescinding the mask mandate in all campus spaces except those listed above, individuals should continue to feel comfortable wearing masks wherever and whenever they see fit. I know I can count on each of you to respect your fellow Jayhawks’ preferences regarding masks.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, Campus Operations will continue to provide PPE and classroom safety resources at the request of students or instructors. Visit the Protect KU website for details.

Vaccines and testing available on campus

Vaccines and testing are a key reason our university and society are able to move away from masks. If you have not been vaccinated or boosted, we encourage you to do so. Vaccines and testing are available at no charge at pharmacies and health clinics across the region and on campus at Watkins Health Center.

Thank you

The pandemic has taught us to expect the unexpected, and if conditions take a turn in the wrong direction, we will adjust as we have in the past. With that said, given that COVID rates have declined to their lowest levels since the beginning of the pandemic, it is appropriate to remove our mask mandate.

Thank you for continuing to prioritize health and safety on our campus.

Respectfully,

Doug

Chancellor
University of Kansas