As COVID-19 is still prevalent on campus, the college is doubling down on informing Owls of the benefits of masks, but will not enforce said policy.
COVID-19 cases have been on the rise since the start of the semester, having reached 148 by Feb. 6. Coupled with 238 cases in the city of Keene and 632 cases for Cheshire County, according to the COVID-19 dashboard, the school lies in orange operational status. Owls have been required to wear masks indoors since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago. However, Campus Safety Director Chris Buckley said the school is more focused on correcting behavior rather than punishing it.
“The approach we’re taking is educational instead of enforcement,” Buckley said.
As a former Sergeant in the Vermont State Police, Buckley said “hardline enforcement sometimes works” but a warning can be more beneficial.
“A warning gives the opportunity to learn from the experience,” Buckley said.
Buckley added that masking on campus hasn’t been a problem, and everyone on campus whom he addresses to put on a mask, does so.
He added further that repeat offenders will be referred to the Office of Community Standards.
The Equinox reached out to Assistant Dean of Students Kathleen Dougherty for data relating to masking violations in the campus population. Dougherty was able to provide data for COVID violations which could include mask compliance, testing compliance and leaving quarantine or isolation.
In the fall, there were a total of 304 total summons for potential violations, with 230 having been found responsible. So far in the spring the Office of Community Standards has reported 14 total summons for potential violations, with 10 students having been found responsible.
Dougherty said she expects there to be less COVID-19 violations this semester compared to the fall, for a couple of reasons.
“Firstly, testing compliance is using a different warning system for those that miss their testing date, additional reminders and other methods before referring the student to Community Standards. Secondly, Community Living has been working with students to remind them of their expectations and giving warnings prior to referring them to the Community Standards process,” Dougherty said.
Public Health Professor Dr. Jeanelle Boyer said it’s especially important now to wear a mask with the high number of cases in the area.
“Masks are still really effective against Omicron,” Boyer said. “We want students to enjoy all aspects of college life as much as possible and the way to do that is by wearing a mask – over the nose and face, not just the chin.”
One of the primary locations where the school is looking to promote masking compliance is in the Spaulding Gymnasium, where students and staff can make use of the gym and the recreation center.
Director of Recreational Sports Lynne Andrews said her team at the recreation center has been receiving complaints from people about the lack of masks, and that on Monday, Feb. 14, her team will be handing out masks as people come in.
“We will take more initiative to enforce masking,” Andrews said. “We need people to return to being more proactive in mask wearing.”
She added that she has told many students to put on their mask correctly.
“Some are better than others, but others roll their eyes or grumble about it and pull it up a little,” Andrews said. “I’ve noticed it more with people playing basketball in the rec gym, because no one is really monitoring it.”
Andrews said one of the primary reasons they want to promote masking is so that everyone feels safe.
“Some people are uncomfortable with it and aren’t coming into the gym because of it, which isn’t fair,” Andrews said. “I hope people will realize that it’s not just about them but about the bigger picture.”
She added that in the past the gym staff, mostly student workers, have told students to put a mask on, but many of the students don’t respond well to their peers.
“They get pushback and attitude and it makes them uncomfortable,” Andrews said. “I don’t want them in a confrontation. This is a campus-wide policy, not just at the rec center.”
Andrews said students who do not properly wear a mask will receive an informal warning first, and if the behavior continues their access to the gym will be limited.
Hunter Oberst can be contacted at
hoberst@kscequinox.com
