Mask Up, Mavs!
One of the most effective tools we have in the fight against COVID-19 is also one of the most readily available: face masks. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear a face covering when on university property.
- published: 2020/11/04

When you wear a mask, you show that you care about other Mavericks in the UNO and Omaha communities.
One of the most effective tools we have in the fight against COVID-19 is also one of the most readily available: face masks.
As case numbers rise across the nation and the state, the importance of wearing face coverings to slow the transmission of the COVID-19 virus is even more significant today than it has been at any other time during this pandemic.
This message from UNO Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., highlights the ways in which the UNO campus must make efforts today to avoid increased risk and spread of the virus in the future.
As a reminder, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear a face covering when on university property.
And, in addition to wearing face coverings, it is equally important to screen for COVID-19 symptoms, which can be done through the 1-Check UNO app, available on iOS, Android, and on the web
If you believe you have acquired COVID-19, or have been in close proximity to someone who has testes positive for COVID-19, please make the UNO Health Security Office aware through this form.
Learn More:
How to Obtain Face Coverings, Office Supplies
UNO's Interim Face Mask Policy
How to Care For Your Face Coverings
How to Obtain Face Coverings and Cleaning Supplies
For the Fall 2020 semester, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has made several personal protective equipment (PPE) and supply options available to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Face Masks
- Face Shields
- Hand Sanitizer and Sanitizing Wipes
- Ordering Additional Supplies
- How to Order or Print Signage
Face Masks
Two “Maverick Strong” reusable face masks have been provided to all UNO students, faculty, and staff. Reusable masks should be put on, taken off, and cleaned in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Students
All new and returning UNO students were able to pick up their Durango Days Welcome Bag and UNO face masks during Durango Days.
Faculty and Staff
Check your mailbox or with your office manager to collect your masks. Most face masks for faculty were delivered to department mailboxes across campus in late June.
New faculty and staff members will receive their masks along with their MavCARD, while supplies last.
If you are a faculty or staff member who needs a mask and have not received your masks, are missing masks, or have any other questions related to the UNO-branded mask, please email unombscbizoffice@unomaha.edu.
Please be sure to include the following information in your email:
- Department
- Building
- Room Number
- Name of Individual(s)
- Role of Individual(s) (ex: employee, student worker, adjunct faculty, student, etc.)
Masks Available for Purchase
Members of the general public who would like a Maverick Strong mask can also purchase one from the UNO Bookstore.
Face Shields
UNO has purchased a limited number of face shields available for distribution to faculty and staff. Priority is given to in-person instructors and employees working in an open area. Those interested in obtaining a mask can complete a request form here.
Some departments and units have already placed bulk orders. Please check with your department or unit lead to ensure they did not already submit an order for your face shield.
If face shields are used without a mask, they should wrap around the sides of the wearer's face and extend to below the chin. Some people may choose to use a face shield instead of a mask when sustained close contact with other people is expected for short periods of time.
Hand Sanitizer and Sanitizing Wipes
Hand sanitizer stations are located in strategic locations across campus. These freestanding sanitizer stations are commonly located near building entrances and exits. Disinfecting wipes will be provided for classrooms and labs this fall.
UNO Custodial Services will refill these freestanding sanitizer stations and replace disinfecting wipes in classrooms as needed. Departments and units are responsible for ordering supplies through eSHOP for their areas.
If you purchase your own hand sanitizer, the CDC recommends checking the product label to make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol.
Disinfecting wipes have been provided for all classrooms and labs. Students should be prepared to wipe down their area before and after attending class.
Ordering Additional Supplies
To order now, please use eSHOP by using the form titled "COVID-19 Supplies Order Form." The goal is to fulfill orders as soon as possible. Due to high demand, there may be a delay in order fulfillment.
To plan for the semester, please use the "COVID-19 Fall Planning Form" in eSHOP to estimate future campus departmental needs. This will help maintain inventory.
How to Order or Print Signage
Print signage materials are available for campus to print and display as needed. These materials include reminders on social distancing best practices; handwashing; cleaning and disinfecting areas such as lab spaces; and more. Signage provided will be updated as public health guidance and campus needs evolve.
Print signage can be printed on standard 8.5x11” paper (preferably in color for legibility).
Additional signage needs that can’t be printed in-house, such as floor and window decals, can be ordered through UNMC Printing Services.
It is recommended that orders be placed at least two weeks in advance, though turnaround times can vary based on materials.
UNO's Interim Face Mask Policy
Any time you wear a face mask, you not only protect yourself from the virus, but critically, you are protecting those around you.
Put simply: When you wear a mask, you show that you care about other Mavericks in the UNO and Omaha communities. Seeing Mavericks on-campus and around the Omaha area wearing their Maverick Strong masks demonstrates that we are working together toward a common goal and looking out for those around us.
- What Constitutes a Face Covering
- Requesting Alternatives
- Wearing and Caring for One's Facial Covering
- Additional Protective Measures
- Compliance
What Constitutes a Face Covering
There are no universal design standards for facial coverings. However, the covering must extend from the bridge of the nose to below the chin.
- Reusable cloth facial coverings are acceptable, as are disposable paper masks.
- A face shield is an acceptable alternative only if the individual can maintain appropriate social distancing at all times.
- Regardless of the type used, a mask should not be designed with an exhalation valve.
- Neck ‘gaiters’ and bandanas are not acceptable substitutes for cloth masks and should not be used.
Requesting Alternatives
Individuals whose unique and individual circumstances require an alternative face covering, as indicated by a medical professional during patient care, may request one. To request an alternative, students should contact the UNO Accessibility Services Center. Staff and faculty should contact UNO Human Resources.
Wearing and Caring for One's Facial Covering
Each individual is responsible to care for their own facial covering. Disposable facial coverings are to be discarded as ordinary refuse after a single day’s use. Reusable cloth facial coverings should be washed regularly. Reusable face shields should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and hot water after each day’s use. Facial coverings that are visibly soiled or in poor condition should not be used.
Additonal Protective Measures
This policy on facial coverings complements other important community and self-protection measures which are to be consistently practiced by all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. These measures include:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Before coming to the UNO campus, self-monitor for any potential COVID-19 symptoms using evidence-based screening, such as the 1-Check COVID mobile app (on Android and iOS devices).
- Wash hands frequently throughout the day and should specifically do so after contacting high-risk surfaces such as sinks, toilet handles, doorknobs and the like.
- Refraining from touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Practicing social distancing, by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.
- Assist in environmental cleaning by promptly washing surfaces that might have been contaminated by bodily fluids (e.g., one should disinfect their desk if they happen to sneeze on it). If the ability of the individual to accomplish such cleaning is limited, contact environmental services personnel.
Compliance
Compliance with this policy is for the protection of those with whom you will be in contact when on campus. Any employee, student or visitor who fails to abide by these guidelines may be asked or directed to leave the campus space.
Employees and students who are directed to leave a campus space for failure to comply with these guidelines may be taken off duty and/or subject to disciplinary action. For non-emergency COVID-19 concerns, including compliance with the face covering policy, please report your concerns to the Behavioral Review Team using the Report Now link.
How to Care For Your Face Coverings
UNO's Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is actively monitoring the rapidly evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and providing regular updates to the UNO community as the situation changes.
As UNO safely resumes in-person teaching and learning this fall, campus leaders and five working groups composed of students, faculty, and staff continue to assess and provide guidance in the areas of academics, facilities, student services, communications, and events/athletics. We are committed to your health and success this semester.
- Fall Forward Website
- COVID-19 Health Reporting
- 1-Check UNO Campus Screening App (Download or Access)
- All Recent Announcements
- Interim Face Covering Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions (Students, Faculty, and Staff)
- Keep Learning (Resources for Students)
- Keep Teaching (Resources for Faculty)
- Keep Working (Resources for Faculty and Staff)
- Information Technology Services (ITS) & COVID-19
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.
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