Update to Cooper Union's Mask Policy for Spring 2022

New Mask Requirements

When we return to Campus next week, all members of the Cooper Union Community, along with anyone entering any of our buildings will continue to be required to wear masks at all times while indoors with limited circumstances.  

We will be following the CDC recommendations for masks.

Acceptable Masks:

  • Disposable masks (surgical or medical procedure masks)
  • KN95 masks
  • KF94 mask
  • N95 masks (these masks are primarily used by healthcare professionals)

At this time, everyone should consider double-masking or a higher-grade mask, such as a KN95 or KF94.

Using a cloth mask over a disposable surgical mask improves the fit and adds layers.

Masks that are No Longer Acceptable:

  • Masks with one-way valves or vents.
  • Bandanas, scarves, and face covering made with other repurposed clothing items.
  • Cloth masks, unless being used as a second layer over a disposable mask.
  • Do not wear two disposable masks. They are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit.
  • Do not combine a KN95 mask with any other mask.

A Good Face Mask Should:

  • Cover your nose and mouth. Don't wear your mask hanging under your nose or mouth or around your neck. You won't get the protection you need. Don't wear the mask on top of your head, or take it off and on repeatedly. Once it is in place, leave the mask in place until you are no longer in public.
  • Have a snug fit. Your mask should fit snugly against your face, including your nose, mouth, and chin. Make sure your mask doesn’t have any air gaps around the edges
  •  Have multiple layers. Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out.
  • Choose a mask with a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.
  • Try the "knot and tuck" method. Knot and tuck a disposable mask to improve the fit. 

Exceptions to Mask Policy:

  • While working alone in single occupancy spaces with their doors closed.
  • While eating.

The Health and Safety Committee

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.