COVID Guidance
Office and Finances Update
In-Person Activities Paused Effective Tomorrow
What a Remote Learning Period Means for the SA
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Event Guideline Clarification
March 8, 2021
Hi All,
I am sure that you all saw the most recent B-line from President Stenger about opening back up some types of in person events. I wanted to clarify what this means for us. As always, keep checking that link I sent the other day as all of this is subject to change as the administration makes new decisions. For the time being, we will be approving in person events that do not have elevated respiration rates or extra risk, such as dance rehearsals, vocal rehearsals, or other athletic/movement based events. Classroom style events like GBMs will be approved. I am under the impression that in the event the numbers continue to trend down we will be able to start approving events with higher degrees of respiration. For now however just keep a look out for more announcements from the administration.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Event Guidelines Update
March 3, 2021
Hi all,
I have been getting a lot of questions about in person event policies. Based on President Stenger’s B-Line announcements, in person activities are currently not allowed. I have been getting most of my information from B-Lines as well, and I don’t have a great sense of when this period will end. I am attaching a University website link below that is updated daily with cancellations and policies. I will be trying to figure out more info about when these restrictions will be lifted later this week, but for now you can reference this website. I am sorry that I don’t know much more, there are not clear metrics right now for how the University is reacting to numbers. I will continue to do my best to update you all when I can.
Best,
Maggie
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Event Guidelines Update
February 22, 2021
Hi all,
I wanted to give you a quick update as a bunch has changed since my last email regarding in person event cancellations! The governor announced on Friday that in-person pauses will no longer be triggered by 100 cases, but instead by a rolling average of 5% positivity. This means that we are no longer imminently at risk of going on pause. I have gotten the green light from University admin to continue to approve events in the same manner that we were before. I will still be meeting with the Health Group this week to make sure that our current guidelines are up to date and accurate, especially for performance based groups, so I will of course keep you all updated. Sorry for all the confusion! Let me know if you have any questions but for now it is back to business as usual.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Event Guidelines Update
February 18, 2021
Hi everyone,
Over the span of yesterday afternoon into today President Stenger’s office has issued new guidance for events for this semester. I have a lot of emails and questions sitting in my inbox that I have been intentionally not answering until I was able to meet with the necessary administrators to get clarity on the information, so I apologize for that. I still do not know much, and it is apparent that there are many new ideas and policies that will need to be approved by SUNY in the coming week before I can get concrete guidance to you for the upcoming semester. However, it is likely that there will be more restrictions than the SA was originally under the impression that there would be. I will do my best to share with you now what I know so far, and keep you updated as I learn more over the next week. I do apologize that there are not concrete answers yet, but I am doing my best to get them.
For the time being, President Stenger has decided to cancel all “activities that involve movement (such as dance and other sports) that are indoors.” This is a result of the rise in cases, and the University nearing our 100 case threshold. A lot is up in the air and it is still unclear if the University will actually go on pause at this 100 case threshold, or if the 100 case threshold will remain the threshold for the duration of the semester. However, until we hear more from SUNY he has asked that we at least limit indoor in person events. It was stressed to me that this is not permanent, and that it is reactionary based on the number of cases that we have on campus.
The types of events that he wants limited temporarily are those with excessive movement or increased respiration rates such as almost any type of rehearsal or physical activity. I am going to meet with the Health Group soon to discuss these types of activities going forward, when the University is not on alert due to case numbers. For now I really cannot tell you much more.
I know that was a long read, but the TLDR is that for at least a week or maybe more, we are going to have to reject a lot of in person event requests. I think I will have a better idea of what this will all look like by tomorrow or Monday and will keep you all updated accordingly. I really do apologize for the inconvenience that this is causing to your organizations and I will do my best to get you accurate information as quickly as possible. Please feel free to email me with any questions (even though it is possible I will not have answers right now)! Stay safe!
Best,
Maggie
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Adjustment to Off Campus Event Policies
February 16, 2021
Hello,
After speaking with some administrators, we have decided to adjust our policies for off campus events for the semester. All events will still need to be approved on B-Engaged as usual, and we will likely be slightly stricter with approving off campus than on campus events. However I know that there are limited spaces on campus and wanted to make sure that we are supporting your operations in any way that we can. Please read the policy below and let me know if you have any questions.
Off Campus Events: Limited off campus events will be allowed for SA orgs on a case by case basis. Any SA org event taking place off campus must adhere to all guidelines set by the University and the SA, including the maximum event capacity of 50 people, and all mask and social distancing requirements. You may not use off campus venues or locations to have events that would otherwise not be allowed to happen on campus. The guidelines for event approval are the same; an event that would not be approved for an on-campus location (for reasons other than lack of space) will not be approved just because it is now at an off-campus venue.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Spring Guidelines for SA Groups
February 3, 2021
Hello,
First I want to remind everyone to sign up for the virtual fair that we will be holding on B-Engaged February 15-19 here! This is especially important if you did not participate last semester. You can sign up here!
Next I wanted to share with you our finalized Spring guidelines for in person events. These guidelines are almost exactly the same as last semester, so in general we will be running basically the same. Notably, the current event cap is 50 people for outdoor events, and the covid capacity for the room for an indoor event (Note: LH001 is currently the only reservable space that can fit 50 people).You can find a list of the reservable rooms here. I have also gotten a few questions about whether or not restrictions will change as the semester progresses and vaccine rollout increases. This is of course possible however we will not know until we know. I will send more information throughout the semester with updates as I get them, but for now plan conservatively with the following guidelines.
- General event policy: All in-person events will have a strict approval process. Every in-person gathering must be approved on B-Engaged. This includes meetings and rehearsals that you would not usually submit to B-Engaged. All in-person gatherings need to follow proper social distancing guidelines. Events will be rejected on B-Engaged if it is determined that proper social distancing cannot be followed, or that the event could easily be virtual (such as an e-board meeting).
- In-person events: In-person events must be limited to students, faculty, and staff of Binghamton University with a maximum attendance within the social distancing restrictions in place at that time. Events cannot draw large crowds or encourage community members to travel to campus. It is the responsibility of the meeting organizers to ensure that social distancing is followed at events.
- Performances: Performances with audiences will not be permitted. Live-streamed performances where performers are not able to be socially distant or wear masks will also not be permitted.
- Event Approval/Room Reservation Process: Any virtual event may be uploaded to B-Engaged as usual, with a zoom link attached. All in person events must also first be uploaded onto B-Engaged. My office will be approving and denying events based on safety and necessity to be in person. You will need to fill out a section for each event that asks questions about social distancing, and why the event cannot happen virtually. Every gathering that occurs on campus must be uploaded to B-Engaged, even if it is the type of gathering that your group does not usually upload or advertise. Once your event is approved on B-Engaged, you may then reserve a room on B-There. You may be contacted by the building manager to discuss the safety of your event.
- A cappella/Vocal Organizations: These guidelines will apply to any event where singing takes place, and should be read carefully by all vocal performance organizations. The guidelines are linked here: https://www.binghamtonsa.org/covid-reopening-guidance/
- Off Campus Activities: SA Organizations may not host any event in an off campus location. All events that would usually be hosted in an off campus venue must happen on campus. Very few exceptions may be made for this rule in extenuating circumstances, such as religious services or other events that require a specific off campus location. SA Organizations may however attend local institutions in their official capacity, such as to conduct volunteer work. All distancing guidelines at these off campus locations must be followed.
- Office Use: SA Organizations with allocated space will still have limited access to office spaces. These spaces should never be used to congregate or hold events. The spaces should be seen more as a storage or prep area, and should only ever be entered or used by executive board members. Organizations found to be improperly using space risk the loss of access to that space for the semester.
- Sanctions for Violations: Groups reported to have violated any SA or University COVID guidelines risk loss of SA privileges such as office access, room reservation ability, or financial account access.
Please feel free to email me with any questions!
Best,
Maggie
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Last Day for In-Person Events 11/16
November 9, 2020
Hi Everyone,
The University just released their Fall Exit plan, detailing how the semester will wrap up in terms of testing and COVID. The plan details that all in-person extracurricular activities will stop after November 16th (Section 3: Campus In-Person Activities Wind-Down). This is new information to the SA, so we have been approving events past the 11/16 date. If you have had an event approved after this date we will unfortunately be revoking said approval. We encourage you to continue to have virtual programming after 11/16 as we will still be approving virtual events. Please find the University’s full plan here.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: SA Office Reopening
October 26, 2020
Hi everyone,
After two weeks of going on pause the SA Office officially reopens today during our normal business hours, 10-5. We still are not taking walk-in appointments but feel free to come any time for package pick up or other administrative needs. We will also be approving in person events on B-Engaged again for today forward.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: On-Pause Update
October 20, 2020
Hi everyone,
We have still not received any update from the University on if/when the On Pause period will end. Given that our tentative opening date is Monday, we will begin approving in-person B-Engaged events submitted for October 26th on. I would like to stress that this does not mean we are confirming that these events will be allowed to happen, we are simply aware that in person events take extensive planning and would like to expedite the process in the event that in person activity is allowed to start next week. I will be in touch as we learn more and get confirmation on our reopening date.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
Office and Finances Update
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Jacob Eckhaus, Vice President for Finance
SUBJECT: Office and Finances Update
October 7, 2020
Hi all,
As Maggie promised earlier today, here are plans for the Office and Financial Policies:
The SA Office
The office will be closed to the public until the university unpauses. In consideration for organizations who may need to pick up packages or rejected vouchers, our Assistant Director Matt will be in the office from 1pm-3pm on Mondays and Thursdays. If you need to pick something up you will need to wait outside the office and he will bring it out to you. Please do not show up to ask if something has arrived, as you will be sent emails as packages arrive or vouchers are rejected.
Office hours will continue to be virtual only, but will switch to an appointment only format with exception of the VPF office. VPF office hours will continue to be 12-4pm every day. The same zoom link will be used and it can be found on binghamtonsa.org in the header.
Changes to Financial Policies
Vouchers and contracts should now be left in the black dropbox bolted to the wall on the right side of the office door. This will also be the way to deposit any paperwork or documentation that myself or Ornella may need. If a voucher is rejected, you will be able to pick it up at the aforementioned times (1-3pm M/Th).
Purchase Orders can be picked up at that same time as well. You will get an email when your PO is ready to be picked up. As with packages please do not show up unless you have gotten an email.
We are currently in the process of switching Fundraised Profit Supplement Forms to an online form. When this is ready to go live, I will send out an email with the information you will need.
As with Maggie’s email earlier, all Prior Approvals for events which have had their approval rescinded will also be voided.
Please do not hesitate to email any questions you may have; this is uncharted territory for all of us and our goal continues to be the ongoing safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the greater Binghamton community while assisting you in making the most of your college experience during this time.
Best,
Jacob
In-Person Activities Paused Effective Tomorrow
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: In-Person Activities Paused Effective Tomorrow
October 7, 2020
Hi everyone!
- We will be un-approving all currently approved in-person events on B-Engaged from October 8th to October 25th today. If you would like to resubmit a virtual version of these events we encourage you to do so!
- You should not be using your office and lounge spaces at all during a remote learning period. If absolutely necessary, you may have one e-board member in your office at a time if you need to retrieve things or drop things off. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that even before this remote learning period, and after the remote learning period ends, guidance does not allow for you to be frequently using your office spaces. If you are found to be congregating in your allocated spaces at any point during the semester, you will risk losing access to your space or losing the privilege to have a space allocated to you in the future.
- The 25 person event capacity is Binghamton NY’s new gathering capacity, but it will not apply to SA chartered organizations during a remote learning period. For the SA, all in person is halted and no gathering or events will be allowed.
What a Remote Learning Period Means for the SA
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: What a Remote Learning Period Means for the SA
October 5, 2020
Hello,
As I am sure you all are aware, there has been a concerning rise in cases over the past week at Binghamton. As of right now, we are at 61 out of the 100 cases required for the University to move to remote learning for at least two weeks. In the event that this happens, I wanted to let you know what it will mean for SA chartered organizations. The following is hopefully common sense, but I wanted to clarify ahead of time. This does not take effect right away, it will only take effect if and when the University makes the decision to stop all in person activity. I do not yet know when/if this will happen but please consider the following and keep an eye out for messaging from the University.
- All in person events will be cancelled for the duration of the remote learning period. Any in person B-Engaged event approval that you have received for an event within the remote learning period is immediately void. You will need to cancel said event.
- Virtual events will of course still be allowed. We encourage you to continue to submit virtual events for approval and continue the virtual operations of your organization.
- We will not be revoking your keys to your allocated spaces, but you will not be allowed to go to your on campus offices at all during a remote learning period. If we receive reports that you are accessing your office at all during a remote learning period, you will risk losing the space.
- In the event of a remote learning period, the SA Office will close immediately. This means you will not be able to come to the office for mail pickup/drop off. If/when this remote learning period begins, more information will come out from the VPF about financial documents. We will still be available for virtual office hours and appointments.
If/when the University goes to a remote learning period I will send out another email letting you know that these policies are taking effect. Until then please continue to follow all COVID policies outlined by the SA and the University when having events for your club.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Jacob Eckhaus, Vice President for Finance
SUBJECT: COVID Financial Policies – Fall 2020
August 11, 2020
The policies listed below are specifically being implemented because of COVID and will function as temporary additions or modifications to the FPP. All policies are generalized and the VPF and VPF Office Staff reserve the right to modify any and all policies at their discretion. Please note other changes will also be made to the main body of the FPP and all treasurers should be sure to be familiar with those as well.
- Vouchers
- The voucher process will remain by-and-large the same as it has been in the past. All vouchers and related materials will be required to be turned in in-person. The trays for vouchers, contracts, and travel forms located inside the office have been moved closer to the entrance to allow treasurers to turn in vouchers with minimal human contact. All vouchers will now also require an attached B-Engaged printout showing the event or meeting in question has been approved. Rejected vouchers will be returned in the same manner as the past, unless the issue can easily be resolved via email. All questions about vouchers should be sent to the VPF Head Assistant Teresa Liu at vpfheadassistant@binghamtonsa.org.
- Travel Forms
- While it is anticipated at this point that the SA will not sanction or approve any travel which would necessitate a Travel Form, if a situation arises which does require one it will also need to be turned in in-person. All travel will still require Prior Approval, and will occur at the discretion of the EVP, VPF, and VPF Travel Assistant. All questions about travel should be sent to the VPF Travel Assistant Prachi Shah at vpftravel@binghamtonsa.org.
- Performance Contracts
- SA Performance Contracts will now be available virtually in the same format as a reimbursement voucher, and the link will be on the SA website. This will allow groups to virtually submit contracts for approval. SA Contract Riders will still require an in-person interaction with the VPF, as the nuances of signing a third party contract necessitate a more thorough process. All questions about contracts should be sent to the VPF Contracts Assistant Nick Erb at vpfcontracts@binghamtonsa.org.
- Tax Exempt Forms
- To best minimize interactions in the office, tax exempt forms have been moved to an online format similar to the reimbursement vouchers. This link will also be available on the SA website. You will no longer need to request Prior Approval for only a tax exempt form, although if the purchase falls under Prior Approval criteria it will be necessary to both submit a tax exempt form and a Prior Approval request (via B-Engaged).
- Purchase Orders
- As it has in the past, the Prior Approval Request form on B-Engaged will still be the way to receive a Purchase Order. After it is approved, you will receive an email either with the Purchase Order itself or with instructions on where and when to pick up the Purchase Order in person.
- Prior Approvals
- The Prior Approval Request form will continue to be on B-Engaged and the specific criteria surrounding when Prior Approval is needed will remain as outlined in the FPP. However, a higher level of scrutiny will be applied to all requests for off campus events as these events involve interaction with individuals not necessarily a part of the Binghamton University community. As with all events, any off campus events not approved on B-Engaged will not receive Prior Approval.
- Invoices
- Invoice requests will function the same way they have in the past, as a B-Engaged form. In lieu of needing to pick up the invoice in person, it will be emailed to your organization email account. This will eliminate unnecessary person-to-person contact and should help to streamline the process.
- Finance Committee Discretionary Fund
- The VPF and Treasurer work closely to ensure that FinCo is operating in the scope most beneficial to our organizations and members. In order to accommodate for the bizarre situation we are in, the rules around qualifying for a discretionary fund allocation have been modified slightly to allow groups to present for COVID-related expenses or deficits. More specific guidelines related to this will be sent out by SA Treasurer Kelly Conway later. For any questions about FinCo or the discretionary process, please email Kelly at treasurer@binghamtonsa.org.
- Office Hours
- The VPF Office will not have in-person walk-in hours, and all in-person meetings will be by appointment only. In order to accommodate the large amount of questions the office receives every day, there will be a Zoom meeting room open during business hours where an assistant will be able to help with any questions you may have. More information about the specifics will go out with the COVID Reopening Plans from the EVP at a later date.
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Fall 2020 Guidelines Update
August 10, 2020
Hello,
I hope that you are all doing well and working on planning a safe and effective semester for your club. I have compiled some further details and clarifications on more specific COVID-19 Reopening guidelines below for you to follow moving forward. For now, I would suggest that you begin to upload events on B-Engaged for the first few weeks of school, especially if there are any events that you plan on spending money on. All events must be approved via B-Engaged before financial prior approvals will be given for the event.
The following guidance was developed using the most current information and guidance and will be modified appropriately as additional information is published by university, local, state, federal, and global public health authorities.
The Student Association is first and foremost concerned about the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and community members and, as such, this guidance is designed to err on the side of caution rather than subject any of our stakeholders and community members to risks beyond those deemed acceptable by the aforementioned authorities. As the risk for community spread becomes more clear in the weeks following students’ return to Binghamton, we hope to be able to relax some of these policies (e.g. Off Campus Activities) in order to more easily facilitate organizational activities.
Event Approval/Room Reservation Process: Your organization should be aiming to have the majority of your events virtually this semester. The process for having an in person event will be extensive. Your group should not be meeting in person regularly. Any virtual event may be uploaded to B-Engaged as usual, with a zoom link attached. All in person events must also first be uploaded onto B-Engaged. My office will be approving and denying events based on safety and necessity to be in person. You will need to fill out a section for each event that asks questions about social distancing, and why the event cannot happen virtually. Every single gathering that occurs on campus must be uploaded to B-Engaged, even if it is the type of gathering that your group does not usually upload or advertise. Once your event is approved on B-Engaged, you may then reserve a room on B-There. You may be contacted by the building manager to discuss the safety of your event.
Contact Tracing via B-Engaged: All gatherings must have attendance tracked on B-Engaged. It is encouraged that you use the RSVP feature for your events, as well as tracking and logging attendance at the event itself. This attendance will be available to your organization as well as administrators.
A cappella/Vocal Organizations: These guidelines will apply to any event where singing takes place, and should be read carefully by all vocal performance organizations.
Off Campus Activities: SA Organizations may not host any event in an off campus location. All events that would usually be hosted in an off campus venue must happen on campus. Very few exceptions may be made for this rule in extenuating circumstances, such as religious services or other events that require a specific off campus location. SA Organizations may however attend local institutions in their official capacity, such as to conduct volunteer work. All distancing guidelines at these off campus locations must be followed.
Office Use: SA Organizations with allocated space will still have limited access to office spaces. These spaces should never be used to congregate or hold events. The spaces should be seen more as a storage or prep area, and should only ever be entered or used by executive board members. Organizations found to be improperly using space risk the loss of access to that space for the semester.
Sanctions for Violations: Groups reported to have violated any SA or University COVID guidelines risk loss of SA privileges such as office access, room reservation ability, or financial account access.
As always, if you have any questions regarding planning a specific event for your group, please reach out to Laura at eventplanning@binghamtonsa.org. If you are looking for general guidance and counseling as to how to run your club this year, please reach out to Emily at studentliaison@binghamtonsa.org. If you have policy based questions and clarifications, please reach out to me at evp@binghamtonsa.org.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek
Guidance added 8/10/2020
- All of the following guidelines pertain to ANY event where singing is happening, not just rehearsals. This includes performances, auditions, and all other events.
- Rehearse outside when possible. While weather is still warm, indoor rehearsals will likely not be approved. Inside, open windows and doors and use ventilation strategies such as fans to blow air away from the singer(s).
- When singing is occurring, a distance of 12 feet must be maintained between all people.
- Face masks as well as plastic face shields will be required for any in person activities involving singing.
- Try to rehearse alone or in small groups like sectionals as frequently as possible. Rehearse in shifts or smaller sections, if possible, ideally in separate locations. Consider having a few representatives from each voice part and, if necessary, change the repertoire to accommodate. Your group should be doing primarily virtual rehearsals, with very few in person ones after material is learned.
- Shorten full group in person rehearsal times to about 30 minutes. There is no absolutely “safe” duration for rehearsal, so organizations should do everything they can to limit rehearsals to the shortest possible time period.
- Screen for symptoms, including fever, upper respiratory infection symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste. Take temperatures of singers prior to entering the rehearsal space. Remember that some infected patients will not have any symptoms.
- Get members of your group who are frequently rehearsing in person together tested for COVID as frequently as possible, ideally weekly. This is only guidance, as we cannot make this a requirement. Testing will be free of charge and conducted on campus throughout the semester for all students.
- Off campus rehearsals and gatherings are not permitted.
- Groups found to be violated these rules are subject to disciplinary action from the EVP office (applicable to all SA clubs who break COVID guidelines, not just a cappella)
(Some wording and all explanations and reasonings taken from “Safer Singing During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: What We Know and What We Don’t” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330568/)
8/12/2020 Update: We are still waiting for the University to share its updated Fall 2020 event approval and space reservation process with us. Once we receive that information we will be sure to both post it here and send it out to all SA Chartered Organizations. Thank you for your continued patience as we work to get this information for you.
This section is still in development and will be updated as soon as the new space reservation process is solidified with the University.
TO: SA Chartered Organizations
FROM: Maggie Koekkoek, Executive Vice President
SUBJECT: Fall update & COVID reopening guidance for SA chartered organizations
July 2, 2020
Hello,
I have been working with many University officials and have some updates on how our student organizations will be operating in the fall. I still do not have all the answers, but hopefully the points I’ve listed below will bring some clarity and help you begin to prepare for the fall semester:
Virtual versus in-person events: While current plans indicate that socially distanced in-person activity will be able to resume, we still encourage all groups to plan to conduct most of their activity in a virtual format out of an abundance of caution. As New York and the Southern Tier continue to reopen, attendance and capacity restrictions for events may be subject to change, thus potentially increasing or decreasing the options available to your organization for in-person meetings and events. If/when that happens, organizations will be welcome to change their virtual plans to in-person gatherings provided the organizers have a plan to meet all current safety guidelines at the time of their event. Due to the constantly changing situation, updated guidance will be released as we get closer to the fall semester and have a more concrete idea of what campus life and any corresponding social restrictions will be. Guidelines as they exist now are below for your reference to aid in planning and preparing for both virtual and in-person activity for the fall. My office will be here to help and will be sending out further advice as to how to do this effectively for your club.
Definition of proper social distancing guidelines: There must be 36 square feet of distance between each person (6 feet in all directions). “Anyone in a Binghamton University (or University affiliated) space (including buildings, grounds, shared laboratory areas, conference rooms, restrooms, elevators, parking structures, etc.) must wear a face covering or mask that covers both nose and mouth at all times, except when alone in a private room, private office, private vehicle, cubicle space when appropriate social distancing can be maintained, when in a more isolated area with no other people in proximity, or when exercising outside when appropriate social distancing can be maintained.” (University policy).
General event policy: All in-person events will have a very strict approval process. Every single in-person gathering must be approved on B-Engaged. If you are reserving a room for any gathering, it must be approved on B-Engaged. This includes meetings and rehearsals that you would not usually submit to B-Engaged. All in-person gatherings need to follow proper social distancing guidelines. Events will be rejected on B-Engaged if it is determined that proper social distancing cannot be followed, or that the event could easily be virtual (such as an e-board meeting).
In-person events: There will be no large indoor events this fall. The “events” discussed here should be small-capacity club meetings or gatherings that cannot be done virtually. In-person events must be limited to students, faculty, and staff of Binghamton University with a maximum attendance within the social distancing restrictions in place at that time. Events cannot draw large crowds or encourage community members to travel to campus. It is the responsibility of the meeting organizers to ensure that social distancing is followed at events. Organizations or individuals found to be violating social distancing measures may face consequences from the EVP Office or the Student Conduct Office.
Performances: Performances with audiences will not be permitted. Live-streamed performances where performers are not able to be socially distant or wear masks will also not be permitted. Performances involving vocal projection may end up having harsher social distancing guidelines.
Use of allocated space: Your organizations will have limited access to your allocated space, such as offices, lounges, and storage facilities. However, all proper social distancing guidelines must be followed in office spaces. Lounges should not be used to hold unapproved meetings. Organizations found to be violating the privilege of having allocated space risk losing access to this space for the remainder of the school year.
Use of reservable space: There is currently a process being developed to allow student organizations to reserve rooms and space on campus. More information about this will be coming soon. Space will be much more restricted and limited this year due to many factors, so it will be more difficult to reserve rooms for events. Old Union Hall and the Mandela Room will be unreservable for the entire fall semester.
Budgets: It is anticipated that all SA organizations will still have access to their budgets in the fall. All specifics regarding spending money will come from the VPF office.
SA Recruitment Week: SA Recruitment Week will be held virtually using a new software; updates are to come. This will allow you to recruit new freshmen, similarly to how you would have at U-Fest in the past. The link to sign up for a spot at SA Recruitment Week is here.
NY Regional Reopening Phases: Southern Tier Region is currently in Phase 4, which limits all in-person events and meetings to no more than 50 attendees. As campus has placed visitor restrictions on campus to limit the spread and protect the community, these gatherings must be composed solely of Binghamton University students, faculty, and staff.
Please note that all of the above policies are subject to change if any unforeseen circumstances or new guidance from the state or University arises. Nothing is certain during these times, but as of right now this is the most updated information that I have for you.
If you have any questions regarding planning a specific event for your group, please reach out to Laura at eventplanning@binghamtonsa.org. If you are looking for general guidance and counseling as to how to run your club this year, please reach out to Emily at studentliaison@binghamtonsa.org. If you have policy based questions and clarifications, please reach out to me at evp@binghamtonsa.org. Please allow ample response time, as it is the summer and my staff is not working regular hours.
Best,
Maggie Koekkoek