Updated Event and Visitor Guidance

Given the increasing number of positive cases across campus, on January 19th, we shared a message with updates to event and visitor guidance. In that message, we identified the need to have event attendees provide a proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test result and also made the difficult decision to cancel third-party external events and event submissions. At that time, we promised we would reevaluate our event and guest guidance in March to identify if restrictions could be lifted or adjusted.

I am happy to share that, due to decreased case counts and the ongoing diligence of our students, faculty and staff in getting boosted and continuing to wear masks, we are now able return to a more traditional event planning and facilitation process now through Commencement weekend.

While we are confident that our ongoing mitigation efforts will continue to be successful, we also remain cognizant that COVID behaves unpredictably, and we may see upticks in case counts. With that in mind, please be aware that these updated protocols are subject to change. We will continue to lean on the guidance of our public health partners and will share any updates on changes in restrictions or processes should any new decisions be made by University leadership.

Please visit our Campus Visitor Guidelines page for detailed information. The major changes include:

1. Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test Result: Proof of vaccination or negative test will not be required for organized, indoor large events. Third-party event hosts holding an event on campus may elect to require a proof of vaccination or negative test for their external event, but this requirement should be clearly communicated to attendees in advance.
2. Masks: Beginning on March 26th, masks will no longer be required for indoor events. Hosts and organizers of on-campus events may elect to require masking for specific indoor events. This requirement should be clearly communicated to attendees in advance. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue to wear masks and practice physical distancing, unless outdoors and separated from people not of their immediate household by at least six feet.
3. Event Hosting: GUEST Services has opened submissions for external third-party event requests effective immediately.

Visitors to campus are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test for entry to campus, or wear masks in indoor settings, unless previously directed by campus hosts. Most buildings will remain closed to outside visitors and there are no restrictions or requirements for capacity limitations or physical distancing for on-campus events. It is because of your commitment to your and each other’s health and safety that we are able to make these changes. For more information on updated protocols and processes, please continue to visit our Zag On website.