NDSU Changes Masking Guidelines

(Fargo, ND) -- Just weeks after issuing a strong "recommendation" to wear masks, NDSU has changed it's face covering policy days before the fall semester begins.

In a statement released from the College, President Dean Breciani announced a mask mandate for all students in indoor classes.

The release reads as follows:

“As indicated in my prior campus update, we have been closely monitoring COVID-19 developments, and unfortunately, the number of cases in our area continues to climb.  Last week, Fargo Cass Public Health issued a news release (see text below) indicating that Cass County changed from a “substantial transmission” designation to a “high transmission” designation.

NDSU will continue to strongly recommend that all people wear masks in indoor spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained.  However, effective with the start of classes next Monday, masks will be required in all classroom settings whether such classes are credit, non-credit, training sessions, etc.  Faculty members who are able to maintain social distance from students may remove their masks during the class for purposes of being more easily heard.

In addition, individuals should feel authorized to kindly ask other people who are visiting their work space (e.g., offices, cubicles, etc.) to wear a mask.  People who are asked to wear a mask in a work space should graciously agree.  A great deal of NDSU’s success in dealing with COVID-19 so far has been based on our community members’ willingness to be considerate to other people.  This compassion will be necessary until this pandemic is truly over.”

Shortly after the statement, a student-led group announced a petition on Change.org to have a "personal choice" in whether they wear masks or not.