COVID-19

Face Covering/Mask Exemption Status Information

Students who are not able to wear a face covering or mask due to the impact of a disability or medical condition may qualify for exemption status.  To apply, go to the UCA Office of Accessibility Resources and Services website, click on the Face Covering/Mask Exemption Registration link, complete the online application and upload documentation.  OARS front desk staff will contact you and schedule an appointment with a OARS Team Member as soon as possible.   

In order for the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services to determine eligibility for the face covering/mask exemption, please upload documentation from your qualified professional (health care professional or mental health professional) that has the following information:

  • Student’s name
  • Diagnosis
  • How wearing a face covering or mask will exacerbate the impact of your disability or medical condition
  • A recommendation to be exempt from wearing face coverings or masks

Students seeking exemption status who are currently registered with and approved for accommodations through the OARS can call to schedule an additional accommodation appointment with their assigned primary advisor.  

If the exemption is approved, a letter will be sent to the student and their instructors.  

Students who are approved for the face covering/mask exemption will receive a card issued from the BearCard office with their name and the exemption status printed on the card.   Students may be required to show their card to gain access to events and buildings within the UCA community.  The card is only valid on UCA’s campus.  Students will also be  required to undergo COVID-19 testing on a weekly basis. UCA will cover the costs of all testing, and the testing will be conducted in consultation with the Student Health Clinic.

Students with questions or concerns can contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at 501- 450-3613.

UCA employees seeking face covering/mask exemption status may contact Human Resources at 450-3181.

Providing Accommodations and Access

Below are examples of approved classroom accommodations that may apply to current UCA instructional method settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Regardless of the type of instructional method setting, accommodation letters are emailed to faculty.  Faculty should review the accommodations listed in the students’ accommodation letter and discuss what accommodations may still be needed and how they can be provided. It is key for both the student and the faculty member to communicate regarding accommodations and barriers they may experience. As always, OARS staff is available to consult with students and faculty. Please email oars@uca.edu or call (501) 450-3613 to speak with an OARS staff member.

Classroom Accommodations

Attendance Accommodation: Attendance policies for current classroom structures may change how this accommodation functions.  However, if content is not recorded and available for viewing later or if there is an interactive component to the class instructors will need to work with students to discuss options for making up work or gaining access to the material. If you have questions about this accommodation, please contact Ms. Doris Pierce, Director for the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at dpierce@uca.edu.

Recording Lectures:  For more information on how faculty can record their lectures in BlackBoard Collaborate, Google Meet and Zoom, go to the Web Conferencing Tools tab under the Resources section of the CETAL website at https://uca.edu/cetal/

Live Captioning for Course Lectures:  Students approved for transcription services and students who are hard of hearing who utilize lip reading as their main mode of receiving lecture information in the F2F classroom may need live captioning for synchronous lectures provided through web conferencing tools. For questions regarding deaf and hard of hearing services, please contact Ms. Robyn Smith, Associate Director at rsmith@uca.edu

Online Access

As instructors develop their courses online, it is important to remember that UCA is still obligated to ensure that classes are accessible to students with disabilities. More information on how to provide online accommodations is available under the Faculty Resources tab.  Instructors who need assistance or who have questions about moving courses online can contact CETAL and should utilize resources created by the University. Instructors are encouraged to review the Center for  Excellence in Teaching  and Academic Leadership (CETAL) resources and OARS resources when creating accessible online content.

Additional Resources Available for Faculty and Staff: