COVID-19 Related Expectations and Non-Compliance

COVID-19 Related Expectations and Non-Compliance

While we expect every member of the UNL community to assume personal responsibility for their health and safety, we understand that missteps and oversights with compliance may occur. We understand that these “new norms” are significant in a person’s day-to-day activity and sometimes it’s just hard to keep up with the changes. In most cases, issues with compliance will be addressed with care, understanding, and information sharing. Our overarching goal is to keep our campus safe and healthy. We need your help. We need everyone to comply with all university COVID-19 related expectations for behavior.

All members of our university community are expected to protect themselves and one another by following the expectations outlined in the Cornhusker Commitment:

  • Practicing proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette (e.g., cover my cough)
  • Self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19
  • Supporting my overall wellness
  • Wearing an appropriate face covering
  • Complying immediately with university testing requirements
  • Maintaining appropriate physical distancing in daily interactions
  • Staying home if sick with COVID-19 symptoms or known close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 exists
  • Participating in testing and contact tracing as necessary and directed
  • Cleaning and disinfecting those areas under my control
  • Being supportive and sensitive to anyone around me who may be troubled or struggling

Behavioral Expectations

It’s important that the entire university community—faculty, staff, students, and visitors—acts in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those around them.

  • Wear a mask or cloth face covering:
    • In all UNL facilities as required by the university’s facial covering policy.
    • In all outdoor spaces when the space does not allow for appropriate physical distancing as required by the university’s facial covering policy.
  • Do not host or attend gatherings of more than 10 where there is woeful or willful disregard for public health best practices related to COVID-19.
  • When gathering with others indoors, students must wear facial coverings, maintain six feet of social distance, and practice frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer. If outdoors, you must wear a face covering if you cannot maintain six feet of social distance.
  • Comply immediately with requests from university officials addressing health, safety or welfare such as requests to wear a face covering, maintain physical distancing, participate in testing or comply with other applicable law, policy or order while on university property, inside a university facility or attending a university-sponsored event.
  • Students who test positive must self-report to covid19@unl.edu or text 402.266.6865 to learn about isolation housing options and support resources.
  • Non-compliance with university quarantine or isolation policies may be considered violations to the Student Code of Conduct.

Consequences for Non-compliance

A student may face formal conduct action which could include being charged with violations of the university’s Student Code of Conduct and sanctions ranging from a warning to separation from the university. Egregious, significantly threatening, and/or repeat violations may be addressed by the student being immediately suspended from the university on a temporary basis while the matter is addressed through the university’s formal conduct process.

What are the possible consequences students face for violating COVID-19 expectations?

Each situation is different and unique. Outcomes will depend on various considerations such as impact of the behavior, prior conduct history, demonstrated learning, and willingness to make necessary changes to behavior. Sanctions are designed to be educational in nature and intended to provide the student with an activity or intervention to increase their knowledge and perspective and encourage positive decision-making. Generally, outcomes of non-compliance could include the following:

  • A written disciplinary warning. The notice could include a reminder about university expectations and consequences for subsequent failure to comply. A record of the matter will be made and may be considered if there are subsequent issues of non-compliance.
  • An administrative fee of up to $100 posted to your student account.
  • Formal conduct action to include loss of privileges for a specified period of time, probation, expulsion from University Housing or suspension for the semester.

What consequences will students experience if they violate COVID-19-related expectations or laws off-campus?

Violations of the university’s expectations or local or state laws related to COVID-19 will typically result in a referral to Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS). SCCS will initiate the conduct process, and students who are determined to be responsible for a violation will be subject to sanctions, up to and including separation from the university. Any large gathering in violation of local ordinances will be considered a serious violation and will likely result in a suspension.

What if a Registered Student Organization (RSO) violates COVID-19 requirements?

Again, each situation is different and unique. For minor issues, the group may receive a written notice or be asked to engage in an informal meeting. For more significant matters, when warranted, the RSO may be issued a temporary suspension while the matter is investigated. Conduct action for RSOs may include probation, restriction or revocation of social privileges, or withdrawal of recognition. When appropriate, advisory, national, and/or governing bodies will be notified.

What consequences will students experience if they violate COVID-19-related expectations or laws in the residence halls?

Violations of the university’s expectations or local or state laws related to COVID-19 will typically result in a referral to Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS). SCCS will initiate its conduct process, and students who are determined to be responsible for a violation will be subject to sanctions up to and including loss of housing or separation from the university. Any gathering exceeding the residence hall guest policy (typically only two guests per resident) will be considered to be a serious violation and will likely result in a loss of housing, at minimum.

Given the risk of transmission and importance of strict compliance, no individual who has failed to comply with the university’s COVID-19 related expectations three (3) times, for any reason, should expect to continue to remain enrolled or affiliated with the university. Refusal to comply with health and safety guidance and directions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct will result in immediate suspension.