Increase in Gathering Sizes

Dear Students: 

I’m pleased to inform you that, as a result of low case counts and increasing vaccination rates within our community, University leaders and public health experts have agreed to raise the limits on gatherings to 25 people indoors (up from a previous limit of 6) and 75 people outdoors (up from 25).  The increases are effective immediately.

It’s important to remember that gatherings of any size – indoors or outdoors – are only permitted if the gathering space allows all attendees to remain at least six feet apart at all times.  All other University policies remain in effect, including the expectation that masks will be worn when you are around others. 

This change is possible because members of our community have worked to limit the spread of the virus by wearing masks, staying physically separated, complying with testing requirements, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible.  As a result, we believe it is now safe to gather in larger numbers, but only as long as we all continue to follow these public health measures as strictly as we have all year. 

We know that clubs, organizations, teams, and groups of friends have found it difficult to connect with each other under the limits the University has put in place to keep our community and the people around us safe.  We hope this change offers University students greater flexibility as we head into the final stretch of the academic year.  Please use this new flexibility responsibly, with an understanding that the threat of the virus has not yet passed and many of your peers are anxiously awaiting the opportunity for an in-person element of Final Exercises next month.

Thank you for the consistent patience and perseverance you have demonstrated throughout this unique and challenging period for our community.

Sincerely, 

Allen W. Groves
University Dean of Students