07/16/20
Gadsden State Face Mask Policies
Gadsden State Face Mask Policies
Given the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) remains committed to providing a safe educational and work environment to protect the health of our students, employees, and others who visit our facilities. Preventative measures and personal responsibilities for health and safety shall be communicated through emails, posted on the GSCC Coronavirus website, published on all social media outlets and announced in all Blackboard courses. In addition, signage is posted on all building entrances, and stand-up signage is placed in strategic locations on each campus. The following policies are currently in effect and supersede all previous Gadsden State operation plans:
Policy for Students
Every student entering a Gadsden State campus is expected to wear a face mask or shield that covers the nose and mouth. Any student who is found on campus or in a GSCC building without a mask or shield will be asked to wear a mask. If the student does not have a mask, the College will provide a mask as long as supplies are available. Masks or shields must be worn to remain on College property without exceptions. Any student who refuses to comply with this policy will be asked to leave the premises and may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Non-Academic Policy.
Students will be advised of the available options for remote instruction in disciplines that are delivered completely online. Students in CTE and Health Sciences courses who refuse to wear a mask will be advised that failure to comply with the face mask policy in these programs may negatively affect their progression and completion.
Policy for Employees
All employees entering a Gadsden State campus are expected to wear a face mask or shield that covers the nose and mouth. Any employee who is found on campus or in a GSCC building without a mask or shield will be asked to wear a mask. If the employee does not have a mask, the College will provide a mask as long as supplies are available. Masks or shields must be worn to remain on College property with limited exceptions; i.e. employees working in a location away from others. (i.e. individual offices).
Any employee who refuses to comply with this policy will be subject to the College’s disciplinary process up to and including suspension pursuant to the Employee Code of Conduct and The Students First Act.
In addition to masks, students, employees and visitors to Gadsden State campuses are encouraged to practice social distancing (a minimum of six feet) whenever possible. If the teaching environment (CTE and Health Sciences) requires close contact, the faculty will be responsible for limiting close contact to less than 15 minutes.
This policy is based on guidance issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of the Governor of the State of Alabama, and the Alabama Community College System Chancellor. It will remain in effect until further guidance is issued.