Frequently Asked Questions: Instruction Spring 2023

The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 is available on the University’s 4Maryland website. 

For all US residents:

Tests are available at the University Health Center while supplies last. No appointment is necessary, and you will need to show your University ID card.

Tests may also be available at no-cost through your health insurance. 

Effective Monday, August 29, wearing a mask will not be required while indoors in most situations, including classrooms. However, wearing a KN95 mask is recommended while indoors for added protection.

• Masks are required for anyone who is positive or has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with the virus. 
• Masks continue to be required in all patient care areas, including the University Health Center and clinical care settings provided by University entities.
   

KN95 masks are still available free of charge to all members of our campus community.

• The Stamp Student Union Information Desk has masks available to all students, faculty and staff.
• Staff and faculty can also work directly with their supervisor in order to get masks.
• Departments can order KN95 face masks for employees from Procurement. 
   

Students who test positive should: 1) report their positive test results at return.umd.edu; 2) follow the isolation instructions for people who test positive; and 3) notify their instructors that they need to isolate and cannot be at school in person. The Prince George’s Health Department may follow up with formal contract tracing of positive individuals.

Faculty and staff who test positive should: 1) report their positive test results at return.umd.edu; 2) follow the isolation instructions for people who test positive; and 3) notify their supervisors that they need to isolate and cannot be at school in person. The Prince George’s Health Department may follow up with formal contract tracing of positive individuals.
Instructional faculty should refer to the guidance for short term absences issued by the Provost’s office. 
Non-instructional faculty or staff: If the employee's supervisor has approved the position as telework eligible, and the employee feels well enough to work, they can telework.
Non-instructional faculty or staff who are in positions that are not telework eligible, as defined by their supervisor, and/or staff who do not feel able to work will need to use Sick Leave.

Instructors may request that masks be worn in instructional spaces, but cannot require masks be worn or otherwise impose their own masking policy that differs from the University’s masking policy. In making a request for students to wear a mask, instructors should be considerate of the power imbalance between students and instructors. 
 

Faculty may request reasonable accommodation and should consult the Office of Faculty Affairs standard procedures for requesting such Accommodation. 

Student instructors or staff instructors should consult with their undergraduate or graduate program directors as appropriate and Accessibility & Disability Services (students) and University Human Resources (staff) for the Accommodation process.
 

A need to cancel an in-person class is not necessary, unless directed to do so by University or Prince George’s County health officials.  Should there be a need for a temporary shift, please adhere to the guidance for short term absences.