Face Mask and Physical (Social) Distancing Guidelines

To protect people from COVID-19, reduce the risk of being infected with the omicron variant or the possibility of new variants forming and possibly spreading it to others, NOC strongly encourages the use of masks indoors in public, especially in situations in which social distancing is not possible and for activities with close contact with others.

For institutions of higher education where all students, faculty, and staff are fully vaccinated, CDC recommends universal masking indoors in public in areas of substantial or high transmission in accordance with CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.

For institutions of higher education where not everyone is fully vaccinated, CDC recommends universal masking indoors in public for all persons who are unvaccinated regardless of level of community transmission, and universal masking indoors in public for all persons (fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated) in areas of substantial or high transmission.

We strongly recommend that you wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

At this time under Oklahoma law (EO 2021-16 and 70 O.S. 1210.189), we are not permitted to require the use of masks on campus.

To continue campus safety, all NOC students, employees, and visitors are strongly encouraged to practice physical (social) distancing, frequent handwashing, and continued cleaning and disinfecting routines.

Syllabus Policy

To maintain a safe learning environment, delivery format (e.g. traditional, online live, online, etc.) may be changed as needed to align with federal, state, or organizational criteria, and the face mask recommendations may be reinstated if needed to maintain campus safety.  If the course delivery has to be changed at any time during the semester, refer to the Blackboard page of this class for instructions.