Dear Southwestern Community:

Beginning March 12, Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) will strongly recommend but no longer require masks indoors on campuses—except in instructional settings where masks may have been required before the pandemic; i.e. dental, paramedicine, nursing, etc.

When our students enrolled in winter 2022 term courses, we know many elected to take in-person classes because there was a mask mandate in place at the time. This requirement helped many people feel more comfortable about returning to the classroom. While the mask mandate will be lifted as of March 12, we encourage you to support those who wish to continue wearing a mask as planned and consider continuing to wear your mask indoors until Spring Break.

Travel

When staff, faculty and students travel on approved College business per College policy, everyone is required to follow the COVID restrictions in place with transportation entities and in the communities and institutions visited.

Respectfulness

The Governor in collaboration with health experts are lifting mask mandates and the declaration of emergency. However, we know that people have different health needs and personal concern around the virus. Please be respectful of others who may choose to continue personal masking.

After March 12, Southwestern encourages and fully supports anyone who is uncomfortable being in indoor or outdoor spaces around others to continue their own personal masking. We want all individuals who work, study and visit our campuses to feel welcome and safe.

After March 12, free masks will remain available to students, employees, and community members who wish to continue wearing masks or are in a higher risk category. Masks are available in the following locations: Administrative Services, Security, Human Resources, and various locations throughout campus as you enter buildings. The College also has a limited supply of KN 95 masks available for staff and faculty.