In general, face masks are optional and welcomed across the University of Maine System (UMS), indoors and outdoors for all persons regardless of vaccination status. There are many important exceptions, including in classrooms, when face coverings will or may continue to be required. Those exceptions and many other details are included in the COVID-19 Guidance For Everyone.
Note: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing face masks in indoor public settings in areas where there is substantial transmission of COVID-19. To see which counties in Maine face coverings are recommended, consult this map from U.S. CDC (External site).
Face masks continue to be welcomed when individuals choose to wear them as a matter of personal choice. There may be certain exceptions related to security-sensitive circumstances or other matters when face coverings must be removed but, in general, the wearing of face masks may not be prohibited.
University face mask requirements may be revised as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, as public health best practices change or emerge, and based on current federal and state laws.
When or if face coverings are required to be worn as described above, they are to be of the type recommended by public health officials such as the U.S. or Maine CDC. Regardless of material or style they are to cover the nose, mouth and chin and be well-secured without gaps or openings. For more information about styles and types of face coverings, please reference the CDC Types of Masks (External Site) guidance.
Students in a higher risk category, or with severe illness or underlying health conditions or other applicable circumstances who may need disability accommodations in connection with this protocol should contact the disability or accessibility services office on their campus.
Employees in a higher risk category, or with severe illness or underlying health conditions or other applicable circumstances who may need disability accommodations in connection with this protocol should contact the University of Maine System Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at:
Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator
Address: 101 North Stevens Hall
University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754
Phone: 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)
Email: adacoordinator@maine.edu
The University’s face mask requirements are subject as applicable to the UMS employee progressive discipline policy, the UMS Student Code of Conduct (Board of Trustee Policy 501) and the respective associated disciplinary practices and provisions. These procedures also apply to anyone submitting false or fraudulent vaccination verification information.
Unless specifically authorized by the University to do so, students and employees, including faculty, may not conduct student conduct code or employee disciplinary policy-related face mask enforcement activities. Any member of a UMS university community concerned about a violation of the face mask requirements may report that concern by calling 207- 581-2681 or by selecting your campus using this online reporting tool (External Site).
The University asks everyone to aim for not mere technical compliance with the face mask requirement if confronted with one, but rather to meet the spirit and intention of the face mask requirement when wearing your own face mask.
Note: This University guidance is subject to change in accordance with the evolving circumstances of COVID-19.
Last Reviewed: August 2022