Benedictine College’s Murphy Recreation Center put a new mask policy into place on Jan. 25.
The new policy requires all individuals to wear a mask while inside the building, and allows Rec employees to address people who are not wearing masks.
Adam Gardner, the Director of Recreational Services, explains the reasoning behind the implementation of this policy.
“This semester has been noticeably worse than the fall when it comes to mask wearing,” said Gardner. “Wearing a mask in the Rec isn’t a new rule this semester. This policy simply establishes the process of what happens for the few students who may choose not to follow the rules.”
If a person is not wearing a mask, a Rec employee will ask them to put one on, implementing a strike system for those who refuse to wear a mask. If wearing a mask continues to be an issue, a first offense will result in a warning, a second will result in a loss of access to the Rec for two weeks. Further offenses will result in a loss of access for a month and then the remainder of the semester.
The policy was established after conversations Gardner had with the Student Conduct, Student Life and Residence Life offices.
Stella Corgan, junior, describes what it’s like to be working in the Rec under the new policy.
“I’ve worked a couple shifts already with the new policy in motion and have definitely seen a difference. People are more aware how serious we’re taking it,” Corgan said.
Recognizing that exercising and wearing a mask isn’t very comfortable, Gardner expresses the importance of adhering to the policies in place.
“I understand it isn’t ideal to wear a mask while working out, but we all have to play a part in maintaining the health of everyone on campus. My health is your health, your health is my health – we say it because it’s true,” Gardner said.
The Rec is open (by appointment) from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Students can schedule appointments here.
