2021 University Covid Compliance Model

Title

2021 University Covid Compliance Model

Files

Publication Date

4-2021

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Type

Individual

Degree Type

Graduate

Department

Communication

Mentor

Lance Lippert

Mentor Department

Communication

Co-Mentor

John Hooker

Co-Mentor Department

Communication

Abstract

Universities across the globe are known for critically analyzing all types of information. Not only do Universities analyze information that has already been researched, but students and faculty continually produce new research to advance learning for current and future fields of study. Interestingly, the existence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19, for short) pandemic has thrown a wrench in the research process as officials are working with limited research about COVID-19 specifically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases information to the public once information is obtained regarding prevention measures to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19. The two most notable prevention measures are to wear a face covering (mask) on your mouth and nose as well as to maintain a 6-foot distance between other people (“Coronavirus Disease,” 2020). Although the CDC is a highly recognized organization whose information is deemed credible, their health recommendations regarding COVID-19 have been contested. Given the global COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has challenged health educators not only to understand how to protect oneself from the virus but also how to educate and inform the public regarding safety measures. The suggestions by the CDC have polarized Americans. While some believe that strictly enforcing wearing masks and maintaining a 6-foot physical distance is necessary to eliminate the threat of the pandemic, others argue that mandates are politically charged and infringe individual freedom. This debate takes an interesting turn on University campuses where students aspire to formulate educated opinions but lack a history of information regarding the best COVID-19 health practices during the pandemic. Rather, information from the CDC must either be accepted or rejected at face value to determine appropriate prevention measures. University officials at one mid-sized Midwestern University support the findings of the CDC and encourage their students to maintain masking and social distancing practices. However, given the severity of the current debate, simple enforcement is not enough. Rather, the University must get creative to encourage students to wear masks and participate in social distancing on their campus. While the University can discipline students when they fail to meet practices the city enforces, they may set their own guidelines for how students must behave on their own physical campus regardless of what the city implements.

2021 University Covid Compliance Model
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