Updated March 30, 2021
The campus operational posture is currently at Guarded.
The university community is working hard to enable students, staff and faculty to come together in new ways and make life on campus as rewarding as ever. With COVID-19 still a presence this semester, events and gatherings continue to be limited in accordance with guidelines provided by the governor and the university. This event guidance balances keeping our students, staff and faculty healthy and safe while providing opportunities for events.
Participation in campus activities and events for the spring semester is limited to UMass students, faculty and staff in accordance with guidelines provided by the governor and the university. Events with outside vendors will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
For events or activities on campus, all persons shall maintain social distancing (six feet away from other people), wear masks and wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
Capacity Limits
There are capacity limits for all in-person gatherings in accordance with Massachusetts and university regulations.
- Capacities for instructional classes/events are calculated differently for in-person events based on state regulations as well as the campus review and approval of classroom and lab activities. The public health capacity for classrooms is currently 40 or fewer people, depending on classroom size. For the convenience of those providing instructional classes/events, see this list of approved spaces for instructional events.
- All gatherings not related to instruction must follow campus capacity limits. Please refer to this guideline on the types of events and applicable standards for each type of event. The campus continues to monitor health and safety measures in conjunction with state guidance provide updates.
Procedures for Requesting Approval and Space for In-Person Events
Procedures for requesting approval and space are the same, regardless of capacity standards.
Extracurricular instructional activities
- University departments, including academic units, must complete the EHS COVID-19 Safety Management Plan at least two weeks in advance for approval. In addition, if an academic classroom is requested, a scheduling request should be submitted to the registrar. For other event spaces, follow event guidelines below.
- If a student or student group would like to host an instructional event, they must partner with a university department.
General/Social Events
- Outdoor events/activities must be submitted via the outdoor land use request (under O) at least two weeks in advance of the event.
- Indoor events/activities must be submitted via the EHS COVID 19 Safety Management Plan at least two weeks in advance of the event. In addition, to request Physical Plant support for any indoor event, including custodial, moving services, etc.) complete the indoor event support form (under I).
- When submitting a request, include your preference for space. Space is allocated pending approval by the campus in coordination with the scheduler of the location. Please view this link to campus spaces in compliance with current capacity guidelines can be found.
- If a student or student group would like to host a general/social event, they must follow the student event procedures noted below.
- With the goal of having all student-oriented events on one calendar, university departments and programmers can enter events (e.g., events at a dining commons) directly into Campus Pulse. See student events below for information.
Student Events or Established Student Organization Events
- Events and activities planned by students are submitted via Campus Pulse.
- Please also view the Program Approval Workflow for students and departments,
For questions related to student events, email sorc@sacl.umass.edu
For all other questions, email admfin@admin.umass.edu
