Fall 2021 Event Planning

At this time, in-person events will be permitted at full capacity this fall. Some of the information below is from Cornell’s COVID Event Guidelines web page. Please be aware that this guidance may change if COVID-19 transmission rates increase on campus or within the local community.

Reserving Space and Registering Events

University departments may request space using the 25Live Scheduling System. Non-university users who would like information about reserving space, or holding events on campus, should email scheduling@cornell.edu. 

Student organizations may start requesting space for meetings and events for the 2021-2022 academic year after their registration has been approved by Campus Activities. Re-Registration and New Organization Registration is open now at Cornell's Campus Groups website. For more information, contact the Campus Activities Office at activities@cornell.edu

Room Capacity

Rooms can be filled to capacity and there are no special seating arrangements necessary. Whenever possible, please consider carving out a small area that allows for physical distancing that could be used by unvaccinated individuals, or by vaccinated individuals who may not feel comfortable sitting in close proximity to others. A Zoom or other online viewing option must always be available for business-related meetings to accommodate those who would otherwise be at risk.

Food and Drink at Indoor Events

For all indoor meetings and events, food and drinks should be limited. This guidance will remain in place through the end of September 2021, and could extend further into the academic year depending on COVID-19 prevalence.

Meetings lasting only a few hours should not include food or beverages. This includes coffee, cookies or other snack items that might traditionally be served before, during or after meetings. Individuals who bring their own refreshments should take their masks down only when drinking and immediately replace it.

If hosting a day-long event, meals can be provided, however, food and beverage should be pre-prepared/pre-packaged in order to avoid congregating around food stations. Individuals should wear masks until seated and put their mask back on directly after finishing eating or drinking. If possible, individuals should eat outside, distance while eating and avoid large groups.

Public Health Requirements

It is the responsibility of those organizing the event or symposia to ensure that attendees are aware of all necessary public health guidance; however, event organizers should not request to see proof of vaccination.

At this time, all faculty, staff, students and visitors – regardless of vaccination status – are required to wear masks when inside campus buildings or facilities. Unvaccinated individuals are also required to wear a mask when attending an outdoor event where physical distancing is not possible.

For additional information about Face Masks, including requirements for Meetings & Events, Dining/Food, Musical Instruments and Singing, and other information, visit https://covid.cornell.edu/prevention/face-coverings/