The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is preparing to deliver some 60,000 cloth masks to its students, instructors, researchers and staff.
The masks, coupled with a policy that requires the use of facial coverings, are part of the university’s multi-layered approach to health and safety as it prepares for a return to in-person, on-campus instruction for the 2020 fall semester. Every member of the campus community will receive two cloth masks — one red, one black. Details on how the masks will be distributed are below.
Students
Mask distribution to students is divided into three categories — on-campus (University Housing and fraternities/sororities); athletes; and all others.
Students living on campus will each receive a welcome kit from the University Health Center during move-in. The kits will include two facial coverings.
Student athletes will receive the masks directly from the Athletic Department.
All other students can pick up the masks at the Nebraska Union, Campus Recreation Center and the Recreation and Wellness Center from Aug. 10-31. Starting Sept. 1, the Nebraska Union will be the only distribution point of masks for students. A valid NCard is needed to receive the facial coverings.
Students are being asked to sign the Cornhusker Commitment, a document that outlines a desire to take steps to protect themselves and the greater community. Faculty, staff and alumni are also encouraged to voluntarily sign that they are committed to following COVID-19 health protocols.
For more information on masks for students, contact Ryan Lahne at ryanlahne@unl.edu or 402-472-8166.
Instructors/Researchers/Staff
Distribution for all university employees is being organized through 19 individuals who are responsible for delivering facial coverings to departments/units prior to the start of the fall semester. Deliveries to organizers are being completed this week.
Those individuals and the areas of responsibility are listed below. For information on receiving masks, contact the individual responsible for your college, department or unit.
Colleges/academic units
- Architecture — Kathlene Bateman
- Arts and Sciences — Alecia Kimbrough
- Business — Amanda Colborn
- Education and Human Sciences — Melanie Kellogg
- Engineering — Jeremy Kallas
- Fine and Performing Arts — Carla Tisdale
- Graduate Studies — Chris Stoppel
- Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (includes Nebraska Extension) — Troy Pabst
- Journalism and Mass Communications — Haley Hamel
- Law — Cynthia Harris
- Raikes School — Julie Perez
Other units
- Athletics — Matt Davidson
- Business and Finance — Jordan Malone
- Office of the Chancellor (includes Institutional Equity and Compliance, University Communication, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Sheldon Museum of Art, ROTC, Alumni Association, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Van Brunt Visitors Center) — Julie Kroese
- Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor (includes Academic Services and Enrollment Management, Big Red Business Center, Center for Transformative Teaching, Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics, Senior International Officer, Undergraduate Education and Student Success, and the Nebraska Public Policy Center) — Chris Stoppel
- Research and Economic Development — Becky Zavala
- Student Affairs — Josh Overocker
- University Libraries — Regina Flowers
- University Television — Julie Thomsen
Offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and following federal, state and local health recommendations, masks and the facial coverings policy are among a number of public health protocols in place for the university’s fall semester. Additional measures include offering hand sanitizing stations at entrances to campus buildings; observing social distancing guidelines; regular hand washing with soap and water; focusing cleaning in key areas; preparing flexible instruction plans; extending acute care (including access to COVID-19 testing) to students, faculty and stff through the University Health Center; and working with TestNebraska to create a dedicated COVID-19 testing facility on campus.
Learn more about the university preparations for the fall semester.
