Masks will need to be worn indoors on campus at the beginning of the semester, regardless of vaccination status.

This was announced in a virtual meeting involving faculty, staff, and administrators Tuesday afternoon by President John Porter. 

“Lindenwood has been consistent in relying on county and state data to inform decisions surrounding campus policies and procedures,” Lindenwood Director of Communications Julee Mitsler said in an email. “Public health and other data strongly supports that universal masking substantially reduces the transmission of COVID-19.”

Porter cited the recent trends within the community in terms of low vaccination rates and with the Delta variant of the coronavirus as reasons behind this change. 

Those who are vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask outdoors. For unvaccinated 

individuals, a mask will have to be worn if they are unable to stay physically distant from others while on campus. 

Employees will be able to take off their masks inside their enclosed office, according to Porter.

During the first week of classes, which begins on Aug. 23, Lindenwood will be hosting an on-campus COVID-19 vaccine clinic for employees and students. 

“Lindenwood understands that not every student may have access to vaccines, particularly international students,” Mitsler said. “Therefore, we are hosting a vaccine clinic on campus during the first week of classes for anyone who wishes to get a vaccine.”

Students and employees will get to choose between either the Moderna 2-dose vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson 1-dose vaccine, according to Mitsler. 

“One of the major benefits to getting vaccinated is directly related to quarantine and isolation policies,” Mitsler said. “Lindenwood students or employees exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 who do not show symptoms, and can show proof of vaccination, will not be required to quarantine or isolate.”

Those interested in getting vaccinated can register on the Lindenwood website.