Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

Traditionally, events have helped create a robust sense of campus life, and we anticipate that many UMBC groups plan to host events this fall. The Events and Activities Workgroup of the Fall Planning Coordinating Committee (FPCC) has worked to determine how to support events during the fall semester. As we approach the beginning of the fall semester, you will see many traditional UMBC events, including the Fall Opening Meeting and Convocation, conducted virtually. During the semester, most UMBC events are expected to be conducted virtually.

The Fall Planning Coordinating Committee (FPCC) has adopted Guidelines for Hosting Events for the fall 2020 semester. This document provides the framework and guiding principles for in-person event planning, as well as resources and tools to help ensure online events are dynamic, interesting, and engaging. These guidelines may change on short notice depending on external circumstances.

The FPCC’s Events and Community Engagement Work Group has curated resources to support campus stakeholders with planning virtual events, and in the near future will roll out a series of brown bag sessions and other resources to help our community with the transition to virtual event planning.

If an event cannot be hosted virtually, and campus stakeholders wish to seek authorization to host an in-person or hybrid event, they can submit an event exception request. The exception process, which will require about ten business days, is designed to determine the feasibility of hosting an in-person event, and to ensure that all possible precautions have been taken to manage risk and accessibility.

We are not encouraging in-person events, and not every event exception request application will be approved. As the semester progresses, we will actively monitor conditions and adjust the campus guidelines as needed. Even if your application is approved, you should have a back-up plan in case health and safety conditions change.