Dear Members of the TC Community: 

As we continue to plan for our return to campus, we are writing to you with an update on requirements and guidance related to face coverings on campus.

TC will continue to require that all individuals wear a face covering in most indoor settings on campus regardless of vaccination status for the Fall semester. Face coverings will be optional for vaccinated individuals in outdoor settings.

This requirement reflects recent CDC guidance and that of cities across the country as cases of the coronavirus Delta variant are steadily increasing.

While on TC’s campus, individuals are required to have their own personal face covering but, in the event that someone does not have a face covering, one will be provided. Face coverings should cover both your nose and mouth at all times.

Acceptable face coverings include:

• Cloth masks with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric that completely covers the wearer’s nose and mouth.
• Blue or surgical mask that fits snugly against the sides of the wearer’s face and doesn’t have gaps. These masks should include a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.

Unacceptable face coverings include:

• Masks that are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, such as vinyl. 
• Masks that have exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape. 
• Bandanas, gaiters, ski masks and scarves are also not acceptable. 

A face covering is optional for vaccinated individuals while indoors in the following circumstances:

• It is optional for an instructor to wear a face covering within the classroom setting, but the instructor should practice social distancing when possible.
• It is optional for all faculty and staff to wear a face covering when working at their desks or within the confines of their private offices.
• At the discretion of the parties attending the meeting, it is optional to wear a face covering when conducting meetings within a conference room or private office.
• It is optional to wear a face covering within a residential unit.
• It is optional to wear a face covering when actively eating within the Grace Dodge Dining Hall, Everett Café or anywhere within campus. When not actively eating, a face covering must be worn in the Grace Dodge Dining Hall and Everett Café.

Faculty, staff, and students who do not comply with TC’s mask requirements on campus will be asked to leave the premises and may face other consequences or disciplinary action. Please report violations of TC’s face covering requirement to the nearest Public Safety Officer.

As needed, supervisors should communicate any department-specific mask requirements to staff members during their return to campus planning and while on campus. Any questions about the department’s mask requirement should first be discussed with your immediate supervisor, who can then address departmental specific questions to returntocampus@tc.columbia.edu.

For your reference, the College’s campus face coverings guidance and requirements are fully outlined on the Preparedness site.

As a reminder, all faculty, staff, students and housing affiliates are required to submit a proof of COVID-19 vaccination form, or request and receive approval for a religious or medical exemption in order to access campus after August 16, 2021. Please submit your form request at least 10 days prior to the date on which you need to access campus in order to allow time for processing.

We appreciate your adherence to and cooperation regarding TC’s face coverings requirement and other health and safety protocols as we prepare for our return to campus this fall. Please continue to direct questions to returntocampus@tc.edu.

Sincerely,

Lisa Seales
Vice President for Administration 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group
 
Hank Perkowski
Vice President for Finance and Operations 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group