AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's president says there will be consequences for students not using COVID-19 safety practices on- and off-campus.
President Wendy Wintersteen sent an e-mail to the entire ISU community Friday, saying the school is enacting a policy requiring students to wear face masks and be six feet apart if attending a gathering on-campus or off-campus.
She says students could face discipline--including suspension from school-- if they don't obey the guidelines.
Wintersteen says large student parties and gatherings near the Ames campus last weekend are unacceptable. She says they put the entire community at-risk for infection.
Classes at Iowa State University started Monday.
President Wendy Wintersteen's statement:
Iowa State is committed to reducing the risk of COVID-19 to our community, which is why the university is implementing a new policy for social gatherings. Effective immediately, students who do not comply with health orders for student gatherings or violate rules for physical distancing and face coverings will be subject to disciplinary action through the student code of conduct.
I and other senior leaders did not make this decision lightly. The large student parties and gatherings we witnessed near campus last weekend were unacceptable and puts our community at-risk for infection. We know how important it is for our students to have an on-campus learning experience, and I encourage everyone to act responsibly so as not to jeopardize our ability to maintain that experience.
Graphic by Iowa State University