Rhode Island Colleges, Universities Adjust Mask Policies

RHODE ISLAND — With Rhode Island's public mask requirement lifted and the school mask mandate set to end Friday, several colleges and universities in the state adjusted their mask requirements on campus.

Nearly all schools relaxed their policies to make masks optional in some settings, though most still require masks in classrooms. Here's a look at the latest updates from each school.

University of Rhode Island: Optional

Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, masks will be optional everywhere on campus except in classrooms, auditoriums, studios and laboratories. Masks will also be required on campus public transportations and in Health Services buildings.

The university strongly encouraged all students to get a COVID019 test before leaving for break, and before returning to campus after.

Read more here.

Providence College: Optional

Masks have been optional everywhere except classrooms and clinical settings since Feb. 16. Professors have the option to require mask-wearing if they choose to.

"I am confident in making this change now, because conditions are improving; because the case rate among faculty, staff, and students has declined significantly; and because we have extra safeguards in place here at PC," College President Kenneth Sicard said.

Read more here.

Salve Regina University: Optional

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, masks became optional in campus buildings, except for clinical settings. Instructors can choose to require masks in the classroom if they choose.

The university asked all students to carry a mask with them at all times, in case one is required in a certain setting.

As part of the shift, dining halls returned to full capacity, though grab-and-go options are still available to students who want them.

Read more here.

Brown University: Still required

Students are still required to wear masks in most settings on campus. Instructors who are up-to-date on their vaccination may take their masks off while teaching.

Masks are optional in indoor recreational and athletic facilities, as long as the person is up-to-date on their vaccination.

Read more here.

Rhode Island College: Still required

Frank Sánchez, the college's president, opted to keep the school's mask mandate in place until at least March 21, based on the recommendation of RIC's Steering Committee. Sánchez cited the higher chance of COVID-19 transmission in a campus setting, as well as the upcoming spring break from March 7 to 11 as the reason for the extended requirement.

"I am heartened by the continued decline in case numbers nationally and statewide, and if these trends continue, we can certainly begin to ease up on some of our campus mitigations and enrich our college experience," he said in a message to the community.

Read more here.

Johnson and Wales: Still required

The university still requires mask-wearing, regardless of vaccination status, in all campus buildings.

Read more here.

Roger Williams University: Optional

As of Feb.28, the school moved to "level 3" COVID-9 response, meaning masks are optional in moat indoor settings. Masks are still required on shared public transportation, in classroom settings and for people who have a vaccine exemption or have not received a booster in large events or the fitness center.

Read more here.

Community College of Rhode Island: Optional starting March 14

CCRI students will have the option to remove their mask on campus starting March 14, the first day of classes after spring break. The school strongly encouraged those who have not yet gotten their COVID-19 vaccine or booster to continue wearing a mask.

"While we are pleased to relax some of our COVID-19 policies, the ongoing impact of the pandemic to our college and community requires us to remain flexible and make modifications as circumstances change," said Alix Ogden, the vice president of administration and external affairs. "We will continue to reassess these policies and share further changes with our community."

Bryant: Optional

As of Feb. 4, masks are only required in classrooms, meeting spaces and shared offices where social distancing cannot be maintained. Free surgical masks are available from dispensers around the campus.

Read more here.