DePaul University Newsline > Sections > Campus and Community > On-Campus Events Phase 4 Protocol

On-campus events: Phase 4 protocol

St. Vincent statue
(DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Now that the city is firmly in Phase 4 for reopening, DePaul University created the following guidelines for on-campus events and activities. It is critical to note that this is subject to change due to modifications to current guidance from city or state officials, or a shifting in phases.

The following information does not apply to in-person classes. Summer I and II classes will be held remotely regardless of class size or the current “Protecting Chicago" phase.

In accordance with recommendations from the Chicago Department of Public Health and DePaul's commitment to keeping the community safe, virtual meetings should be considered first and foremost. Departments considering an in-person gathering must be able to demonstrate why a virtual option is impossible.

Guidelines

If your department is considering an on-campus event or activity while in Phase 4, the following guidelines apply:

  • Consider virtual alternatives.
  • The gathering must be limited to 50 people or less.
  • All attendees must maintain strict social distancing guidelines of six feet apart or more.
  • A mask or face covering must be worn while on-campus. Exceptions include if you are in a room alone with the door closed.
  • If ANY of the following applies, individuals should stay-at-home and NOT come to campus
    • Recently tested positive or received medical diagnosis for COVID-19.
    • Came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
    • Awaiting COVID-19 test results.
    • Feel ill or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Attendees should refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention symptoms list the day of the event BEFORE leaving home.
  • The department sponsoring the event will be responsible for communicating necessary requirements on health screening prior to coming to campus, social distancing guidelines and face coverings to all attendees prior to the day of the event. The department must also maintain a list of attendees and contact information should it be necessary for contact tracing.

Request and approval process

To request an on-campus event or activity, please complete the form at least five business days in advance of the planned event. Conferences Services and the Community Health and Monitoring team will review the request within three business days.

The form asks for the following:

  • Description of the event or gathering, including a statement on why a virtual gathering is impossible.
  • Number of expected attendees.
  • Designated contact person who will be responsible for communicating guidelines with attendees and maintaining list of attendees.
  • Preferred location. Note: This process does not reserve the room or location. Regular room reservation processes apply AFTER this approval.

Criteria to approve an event includes:

  • Attendees will not exceed 50 per room
  • The room itself can accommodate the necessary social distancing
  • The activity allows for face coverings to be worn
  • The overall health risk associated with the activity. 

Adjustments may be necessary to ensure there is sufficient time before and after the event to clean the room and to ensure other events in nearby rooms do not create the potential for bottlenecking/crowding in one area.

Travel

Please refer to the CDPH's travel order issued and be sure to communicate with all event attendees that they may need to quarantine due to their recent travel. Every Tuesday, CDPH will update the list of states included in the order and will go into effect the following Friday.  

For more information or questions, please contact Kyle Janis in Conferences Services kjanis@depaul.edu.