Getting involved is a central part of offering a University experience that unleashes the potential of every one of our students. In Fall 2022, we will continue to offer the Fully Husky Experience, which will include in-person campus traditions such as Huskies First Four, Convocation, Main Street, Homecoming and more. On any given day or evening, there are a variety of activities in which students can participate. Safety protocols are in place to help minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
In 2022-2023, no event safety plans will be required to be submitted unless Stearns County is in a high COVID-19 Community Level (St. Cloud State will notify the campus if this occurs).
Based on current safety guidelines, the following types of events/gatherings are considered low risk and do not require a full event safety plan:
All events must still be entered on HuskiesConnect.
Food is allowed at these low risk events if it is pre-packaged, pre-plated or grab and go style. Organizers must also follow guidelines in food management policy.
When Stearns County is in a high COVID-19 Community Level, an event with one or more of the following characteristics will require a full safety plan.
All events, no matter what the risk level and what COVID-19 community level Stearns County is at, will be required to communicate the following safety and liability information to attendees:
Acknowledgement of Risk
St. Cloud State University holds as paramount the health, safety and welfare of every member of its community. St. Cloud State University, however, cannot guarantee a COVID-19-free environment. The risk of COVID-19 exposure is likely to exist in all public places where people are present. Students, faculty and staff who are present on the physical campus of St Cloud State University, may contract COVID-19; illness, injury or death is a possible result. St. Cloud State University is taking all recommended steps to mitigate this risk, but we cannot categorically guarantee you will not get sick. Minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infections (or any other spread of disease) at St. Cloud State University is a shared responsibility. Every member of our community – including you – must do their part to protect the pack.
Husky Health Check
We ask that everyone planning to enter campus help protect the health and safety of our community against COVID-19 by conducting a Husky Health Check before coming to St. Cloud State each day. The Husky Health Check is an overall self-evaluation of a person's current health.
The Husky Health Check will help individuals identify if they are experiencing the following:
Please stay home if you are feeling ill. Reduce your risk of catching or spreading illness, stay home if you feel sick and take care of yourself, even if your symptoms are mild. Avoid coming to campus and public transportation.
Physical Distancing
It is still recommended that students, faculty and staff recommended that students, faculty and staff stay at least 3, and ideally 6 feet apart in common areas and whenever possible. Common areas that may lead to close contact (within 6 feet) among other people, are areas such as weight rooms, group fitness studios, pools and saunas, courts and fields, walking/running tracks, locker rooms, check-in areas, parking lots and routes of entry and exit. In environments where students, staff, and faculty have designated areas to sit or be stationed, all are encouraged to maintain an environment where some extra spacing between people can be maintained.
More space is better. Staying at least 3, and ideally 6 feet apart in common areas and whenever possible is still strongly encouraged as it is a successful mitigation strategy against the spread of COVID-19.
Masking is better. While the mandate has ended, anyone who chooses to wear a mask should be supported for their decision to mask up. All people who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering while at St. Cloud State University.
Outdoors is better. Outdoor events pose a lower risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus than indoor events do. When outside, the air is naturally circulating and it’s easier for airborne contaminants to disperse.
The addition of food at an event can create some unique concerns at this time. One concern is the way food is served, as serve-it-yourself options often means all guests end up touching the same utensils or equipment. Guests also often congregate around food and may fail to keep a physical distance between themselves and other guests.
Recommendations for Events with Food:
Other Recommendations:
Carry-out Food Service (e.g. Carry-out Pizza, Bagels, Sandwiches):
If individually packaged meals or served buffet is not feasible, “carry-out” catering may be appropriate. First, check the catering requirement for your venue to ensure this is allowed (Note: in many campus locations, Chartwells is the exclusive catering option). Second, plan your carry-out food options and follow these safety requirements:
Outdoor events provide better ventilation and a greater capacity for distancing. Here are some things to consider when planning an outdoor event:
Performance events present both pros and cons during COVID-19. Some risks are more controlled in a performance setting, as guests can enjoy the show while seated. However, performers also spend significant amounts of time together, and must follow safety guidelines during all rehearsals, performances, and off-stage. In addition, singing and wind instruments may increase risk of transmission due to the way COVID-19 is spread. To mitigate risks during performance events:
This information is subject to change in response to the evolving conditions of COVID-19.
Revised:
7/27/2022