Get all your pandemic-related decorum questions answered here.
By now, we’ve gotten used to navigating a pandemic world on the home front, but what about now that many members of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community are returning to campus? What’s the right thing to do when being approached by an unmasked colleague? How does one handle a crowded elevator? Have handshakes gone the way of MapQuest print outs?
Etta Kitt is here to answer the UMB community's questions about tactfully treading through these situations and more. Have a question for Etta? Submit questions at umaryland.edu/ettakitt. You can even remain anonymous if you wish. She looks forward to hearing from you!
Etta Kitt will also make an appearance on "The UMB Pulse" podcast starting Sept. 16. Her appearances are part of a new series of partial episodes that feature updated campus guidance, events, and advice from Etta Kitt in the Decorum Forum. Answers will also appear in the COVID-19 Recovery Recap.
You can find Etta's previous answers to questions here.
Here’s a look into what has come into the mailbag already.
QUESTION:
A co-worker frequently comes into my office without a mask on. How do I politely tell her she is not following our policy? I don’t want to hurt her feelings.
Signed,
Tip-Toeing Through Life
ANSWER:
Dear TTTL,
Feelings schmealings! Our policies are put in place to help keep our UMB community healthy and safe. The cooperation of everyone makes this possible. Try “Hey, time to mask up my friend! It’s not only the IN thing to do, it’s policy!” It will take some time before everyone gets used to the new landscape on campus, and that is expected. Ease into it!