#ShieldUpArgos: UWF promotes use of face coverings with ‘Why I Wear a Face Covering’ social media campaign
The University of West Florida has launched an initiative to promote the use of face coverings at UWF locations and in the community. The series of social media postings features quotes and photos from UWF leadership, faculty members, staff and students to encourage others to be a part of the shared responsibility of protecting others. In the posts, Argonauts share why they are wearing face coverings with #ShieldUpArgos.
“I wear a mask because I don’t have the right to get you sick,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders.
Employees and students across the UWF community shared the same sentiment that what matters most is protecting others, as well as being a role model.
“I wear my mask because I value the people in my community, and I hope they will return the favor,” said Dr. Kim LeDuff, UWF chief diversity officer and vice president for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs.
Senior Sam Brown creatively put a spin on a popular movie quote from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“Life moves pretty fast,” Brown said. “If you don’t stop and put a face covering on, you could miss it.”
A disposable or cloth face covering is required at UWF inside all shared indoor spaces and in outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.
- Examples of shared indoor spaces include classrooms, laboratories, hallways, shared offices, open offices, restrooms, conference rooms, lobbies and lounge areas, retail spaces, museums, libraries and dining facilities. Anyone using a dining facility should cover their face until they sit down to eat and then put the face covering back on immediately after.
- Face coverings may be removed when inside of private building space, such as a single-use office or residence hall room.
As part of the Returning to UWF Plan, the University is providing every student with one free reusable cloth face covering.
To view face covering pick-up locations, dates and times, visit the Face Covering Distribution webpage. Students must have a valid UWF ID to pick up their face coverings. For students who have not yet received a valid UWF ID, please contact the Nautilus Card office to make an appointment to obtain your ID.
UWF Housing and Residence Life will provide face coverings to residential students during the move-in process.
Face coverings for faculty and staff are available through each division’s COVID-19 Logistics Liaison. For a list of liaisons, visit the Return to Campus Resources webpage.
Cloth face coverings are also available for $4 in vending machines located in high traffic areas on campus.
Starting Monday, August 17, students at UWF’s Fort Walton Beach location can pick up their free face coverings from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday in Building 2, Room 201.
For more information about the face covering campaign, visit UWF Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more messages from peers, faculty and staff on why they wear a face covering.
