RUL 04.21.01 – Personal Safety Requirements Related to COVID-19

History: First Issued: July 21, 2020. Last Revised: May 26, 2021.

Related Policies
POL 04.20.07 – Occupational Health and Safety Policy
POL 11.35.01 – Code of Student Conduct
REG 11.35.02 – Student Discipline Procedures
RUL 11.31.01 – University Housing Disciplinary Procedures

Additional References:
Protect the Pack – COVID-19 Resources
NC Department of Health and Human Services – Guidance for Higher Education
COVID-19 Orders and Directives
Student Conduct Summary of COVID-19 Community Standards

Contact Information:
Vice Chancellor of Academic & Student Affairs (919-515-3443)
Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources (919-515-2446)


1. Purpose

At NC State, we are committed to protecting the Pack as we work and live through the COVID-19 pandemic. This rule sets forth the personal safety requirements and expectations for complying with the Protect the Pack Community Standards, and other practices and guidance implemented by NC State, in order to promote a safe and supportive environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

2. Community Requirements and Expectations

2.1 Protect the Pack Community Standards.

Every member of the Wolfpack has a vital role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our campus community safe. All members of the university community are expected to follow the Community Standards.

2.2 Other NC State Policies, Rules and Guidelines

Students, staff and faculty must follow and comply with all health and safety guidelines and other requirements that are provided or implemented by NC State in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as all local and state laws and ordinances.

3. Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to follow Community Standards requirements for: (i) wearing a face covering, (ii) gathering limitations and protocols, (iii) following directions given by university officials and public health authorities, including but not limited to those related to testing, contact tracing, and adhering to isolation and quarantine requirements or (iv) complying with all local and state laws and ordinances, as well as failure to follow any other university policy, rule or guideline relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be considered a violation of university policies subject to applicable administrative and/or disciplinary action.

3.1  If a student refuses to comply with the Community Standards in a classroom or laboratory setting, in addition to possible disciplinary action, the student may be required to leave the class or lab setting. In such a circumstance, the absence may be treated as an unexcused absence.

3.2  NC State faculty and staff who violate this rule may be subject to disciplinary and/or administrative action in accordance with established personnel policies.

3.3  Visitors who violate this rule may be asked to leave university-owned or university-leased property.