Exception to OSU Face Covering Policy for Fully Vaccinated Employees

To: OSU Employees

From: Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator

June 15, 2021

Dear OSU Employees,

OSU Safety and Success policies continue to adhere to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, as we work together to achieve Governor Brown’s goal of 70% of Oregonians 18 and older having received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 

We have identified a number of university employment settings where we are able to allow for an exception to OSU’s face covering policy in alignment with OHA’s Interim Guidance for fully vaccinated employees. Examples of such settings include: a space assigned to a custodian where no one else is present; an office environment that does not have frequent visitors; or a team meeting in a conference room. This exception is available to OSU employees until the Governor terminates the statewide mask requirement, which we expect to occur by the end of June, after which, OSU will modify or terminate its Face Covering Policy.

Interim Exception to OSU’s Face Covering Policy:

Upon showing their direct supervisor proof of being fully vaccinated, employees may refrain from wearing a face covering while working in their assigned work environment, except where face coverings remain required by OHA. If others not assigned to the work environment enter the work environment, all employees, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings.

Supervisors are required to allow fully vaccinated employees the ability to not wear a face covering if the above conditions are met. Supervisors are not permitted to retain proof of employee vaccination. Supervisors are also prohibited from sharing an employee’s vaccination status with others, unless required by someone in their own line of supervision or an office empowered by OSU to have a demonstrated need to know. Employees are not permitted to request proof of vaccination from other employees.

Supervisors may consult with the university’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety to determine if the environment for which they are responsible requires the use of a respirator as necessary personal protective equipment, due to a higher risk of potential COVID-19 transmission.

More information on this exception can be found on the COVID Safety & Success Public Health Policies & Strategies web page.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator