UPDATED AUGUST 12, 2021
The following are guidelines for organizing, sponsoring, and hosting university events effective August 16, 2021, until further notice.
For the purposes of this guidance, 'event' is defined as a clinic, program, activity, camp, conference, or institute of any size. Any gathering of 50 or more people, even if not explicitly considered an event, also must follow this guidance. This guidance applies to events taking place in a university facility. The goal is to help ensure the health and safety of the UNL community and visitors. These guidelines reinforce key elements of the university's safety and risk mitigation efforts
Approval
No universal or centralized event approval process exists at this time.
Starting August 23, 2021, any event involving the potential of more than 500 people must be pre-approved by campus administration and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. Contact Conference Services staff to begin this process
Recommendations for Safe Events
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, event sponsors are expected to carefully consider the safety of those attending and the broader UNL and Lincoln communities. Below are risk mitigation strategies to consider incorporating into the event.
- Hold your event outdoors.
- Cap attendance, implement social distancing where possible, have multiple smaller events, and/or offer a remote/virtual component for those who may prefer to not attend in-person.
- Remind attendees about the campus face covering policy.
- Structure the event in a way that allows attendees to come and go throughout the event instead of requiring everyone to be there at one time.
- Require registration or RSVPs so you know how many people to expect for planning purposes.
- Allow extra space for attendees to physically distance themselves from others.
- Make hand sanitizer available, especially if the event includes shared items.
Indoor Events
Because indoor activities have a greater risk of transmission than outdoor events, organizers are expected to plan with the following expectations in mind:
- Compliance with the campus face covering policy is required.
- Faculty, staff, and students should have their Safer Community app checked for all indoor events starting August 16, 2021. Anyone with 'building access denied' status in the Safer Community app may not participate in the event. Visitors can be admitted without the use of the app.
- Attendance tracking is encouraged.
NOTE: Checking the Safer Community app for event access is distinct from use for building access. Only specially trained Wellness Attendants are authorized to monitor the app for building access purposes.
Outdoor Events
Outdoor activities have a reduced risk of transmission compared to indoor events and are strongly encouraged as an alternative to indoor venues whenever possible.
- The Safer Community app is not required to be checked for outdoors events.
- Compliance with the campus face covering policy is required.
- Attendance tracking is encouraged.
Visitors
Visitors are expected to follow the campus face covering policy. There are no further restrictions for visitors at events
Athletic and Arts Events
Athletic event protocols will be governed by Nebraska Athletics, Big Ten, and NCAA guidelines and policies. Programs held in specific venues such as the Lied Center, Carson Theatre, Sheldon Art Museum, and the University of Nebraska State Museum are expected to follow their specific approved venue policies and protocols.
These guidelines may change as COVID-19 conditions evolve and in keeping with corresponding federal, state, and local measures. Any university event can be canceled without notice at any time, even if previously approved, at the university's discretion in the interest of health and safety.