SORC staff are in the process of finalizing guidelines for Registered Student Organization activities for fall. In the meantime, we would like to share the following information with you to assist in your planning for the upcoming semester.
The University of Maryland is concerned for the health and safety of the entire University community, and continues to be in compliance with guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as those from state and local agencies. Even when these guidelines allow for events or gatherings, great care must be taken to limit and prevent the community transmission of COVID-19. Student wellness and safety is a priority, and as such we consider student organizations key partners in this endeavor. The nature of the disease is such that actions taken by an individual affect not only the well-being of that individual, but the well-being of every person with whom that individual has interacted with on our shared campus.
With a focus on reducing the density of the campus population for fall semester, in-person events and gatherings must be limited. Event organizers are strongly encouraged to prioritize alternatives to in-person gatherings.
- Virtual programming and activities should be the first option before considering in-person events and gatherings.
- If an event must take place in person, appropriate measures must be preserved, including physical distancing and mask wearing.
- The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides guidance for events and gatherings. This information can be found at considerations-for-events-gatherings.html.
- Local/State restrictions must be followed as related to the pandemic, as well as all University policies or procedures.
- No off-campus events or programs are permitted. Per the recent university notification indicating that spring guidelines around travel continue to be in place, no university funds can be used for travel.
- Please also be prepared that it may take longer for SORC to complete processes, including, but not limited to the processing of contracts and other financial transactions due to additional vetting that may be necessary to best ensure the safety of a program.
- Also if your group is interested in acquiring technology or software that is not already licensed by the University, SORC must work with the Stamp Technology Office which, if approved, may require at least a few weeks to make the purchase.
Our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and guidance will be updated as appropriate as additional information becomes available. Consequently, SORC may modify these expectations at any time and will provide notice in the event such modifications are made. Every effort to keep apprised of changes to the expectations, and to abide by them, is required.