Park modifies masking policy nationwide
PARKVILLE, Mo — For the first time in about two years, masks are not required at Park University campuses throughout the nation.
Unless otherwise required by federal, state or local mandates, Park University will only require face masks in classrooms and University-sponsored transportation, effective March 7.
Park University President Shane Smeed explained that a significant part of the decision came when Platte County’s community level was removed from the high category in late February.
According to the COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review, the reported cases 7-day average dropped by nearly 38% while the daily hospitalizations 7-day average dropped by nearly 30% when the University made the announcement.
“The classrooms were a place that we felt like it was important to continue to have masking this semester,” Smeed said. “Outside of the classroom, we would utilize the data that we had coming from the CDC, the county as well as our medical hospital partners.”
This decision was made in consultation with local authorities, medical professionals and Park’s shared governance. As part of the shared governance, Smeed said that many faculty favored keeping masks as a requirement in classrooms.
“Park is like the absolute last place that still requires masking,” said Silvia Rodriguez, junior business analytics major. “This decision is long overdue. Park is literally the only place where I have worn a mask over the last few months.”
With masks still required in classrooms, there is still a significant step to take before everything is back to normal.
“Being in the classroom with masks, I see that as a barrier,” said Dr. Andrew Johnson, professor of psychology. “I cannot wait for the time when we don’t have to have masks in the classroom.”
While he understands the reasoning behind masks, he believes masks interrupt learning.
“Masks provide a physical layer of distance. For some students, I see that manifesting in the classroom.”
Johnson explained he has noticed that students are engaging less in class. He believes masks have even allowed students to not answer direct questions to them. “With a mask off, that’s a little bit more difficult to do,” Johnson said.
Other negative effects Johnson has witnessed have included comprehension issues for international students who aren’t as proficient in English as native speakers as well as the social aspect of communication.
“We are social creatures. We use a number of the cues in our face to understand what people are saying. When we talk, it's not just the words; it's the intonation of it; it’s the inflection; and also what our faces say,” Johnson said.
It has been more than two years since COVID-19 caused Park University to shut down in-person learning for the Spring 2020 semester. For the 2020/21 school year, the University required masks all over campus. For the first seven months of the 2021/22 school year, the University required masks when inside any building.
The most recent modification to the masking policy, requiring masks in classrooms and University-sponsored transportation, is the closest Park has come to getting back to normal.
Smeed is hoping that the Fall 2022 semester is more like pre-pandemic semesters, optimistic that the masks are made optional everywhere. For Park’s face mask policy to be completely lifted, Smeed said the trajectory will need to continue going in a positive direction.
“We have seen that there is a reduction in severe cases,” Smeed said. “As we review that, we will continue to discuss with our faculty, staff and students about the comfortability of going without masks in the classroom.”
Not everyone is on board with removing mask mandates since other COVID-19 variants are still lurking around.
“It is still very present in our world and a great worry,” said Isaac Walton, a freshman mathematics major. “We haven’t had the new variant hit, so I’m still going to be wearing my mask until the coast is clear. It may be another few months, if not years, before I am comfortable sharing such a confined space with other unmasked people.”
For those still wary about returning to in-person learning with the possibility of no mask requirements next semester, Park will still offer distance education options.
“We want to continue to create spaces for students to be comfortable learning,” Smeed said. “Not only in a face-to-face environment but also in a virtual environment.”
