August 19, 2020

Reopening Guidelines: Face Coverings

As we prepare to re-open campus this Fall in a safe and controlled manner, we would like to provide additional details and information regarding face coverings directly related to ArtCenter College of Design and our community.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, face coverings must be worn by all faculty, staff, students, vendors, contractors and sub-contractors while on campus at all times, especially when in the presence of others and in public spaces (e.g., elevators, common work spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, studios, labs, shops, etc.). Appropriate use of face coverings is critical in minimizing risks to yourself and to others near you. Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, both must be practiced in tandem. [Note: a chart of approved face covers and respirators, and their intended use, was included in original email.]

Please be advised that neck gaiters, face covers with exhalation valves, single layered cloth covers or loosely woven cloth covers are strictly prohibited for use on ArtCenter premises by all individuals, whether you are faculty, staff, students, vendors, contractors or sub-contractors.

Face covers will be distributed through the Tool Crib at The Shops. Through a generous donation from ArtCenter alumni, students will be provided free disposable face covers while supplies last. Once the donated supply is depleted, students will have an opportunity to purchase face covers through the Tool Crib at The Shops. As required by law, faculty and staff will be provided face covers at no charge. 

Since face coverings are required on any campus location, failure to wear one will be subject to enforcement under the Faculty, Employee and Student handbooks. If, for health reasons, you are unable to wear a face covering, please contact Human Resources or the Center for the Student Experience to engage in the reasonable accommodation process.  Vendors or contractors not adhering to the protocols will be removed from campus and denied access until training and safety protocol adherence has been verified.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice (e.g., shouting, chanting or singing). These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms (are “asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (are “pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.

For additional information, please refer to ArtCenter’s Fall 2020 Reopening Guidelines, Policies and Protocols. Please direct all questions to ehs@artcenter.edu.

Thank you in advance for supporting the health and safety of all community members by strictly adhering to the face cover requirements.

Reference: CDC Mask Guidelines 

Cynthia Quentin
Director, Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management
Human Resources
ehs@artcenter.edu