
University Events Updates and Frequently Asked Questions
As our understanding of COVID-19 evolves, Seton Hall works to update our plans and policies appropriately. The following frequently asked questions will be updated as new information becomes available.
Updates and Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there any information available with regards to in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020?
- Will there be a parent weekend this year?
- How will club meetings be in the fall? Can we still get involved if we are studying remotely?
- Will in-person activities be available?
- How do I learn about activities that will be available?
- What are some examples of activities that will be available for students?
- Will all other (non-classroom) aspects of campus life continue in accordance with the original Restart Plan?
- What are the event protocol guidelines to follow during COVID-19?
Is there any information available with regards to in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020?
We are actively seeking guidance on those guidelines as they might apply to college commencement, and especially on advice on physical distancing. As you may be aware, we polled our students last month to get a sense from them on preferred months for a commencement ceremony, based upon the disease projection data available at that time. In short, we do not have a commencement date set, but the topic is a regular one at executive cabinet meetings, as we synthesize state and federal guidelines and regulations.
Will there be a parent weekend this year?
Seton Hall Weekend is currently scheduled for October 23 – 25. We are closely monitoring the state guidelines as they apply to events and will adjust plans accordingly with safety measures in place. We will provide an update later this summer.
How will club meetings be in the fall? Can we still get involved if we are studying remotely?
Student organizations and activities will be similar to classes and will be offered in a hy-flex model. Students will be able to be involved in person and online, making it be possible for everyone to be present.
Will in-person activities be available?
Social gatherings and in-person event capacity will be limited based on State guidelines (no more than 25 people or 25 percent room occupancy) for student engagement activities including community service and spiritual offerings. Gatherings, masked, in outdoor spaces will be encouraged and preferred for student programming and events.
How do I learn about activities that will be available?
Although physically distant, we are creating ways for you to remain socially connected and engaged through innovative digital, virtual, and limited in-person programming. Masks will be required in all public spaces on campus. Follow our Event Calendar or @hallstudents for more information. We will continue to recognize and celebrate the many Seton Hall campus traditions for our community throughout the semester.
What are some examples of activities that will be available for students?
We are planning on having activities that can accommodate all students' comfort levels. We will be hosting several virtual activities from 8/16- 8/28 including but not limited to virtual game nights, a virtual escape room, streaming speakers, hosting large-scale ice breaker activities along with campus traditions such as New Student Convocation and Blue Day on August 23rd. Many of our virtual events will also have in-person components for those that are on-campus. It remains important to our team to create opportunities for students to connect and interact with one another during those first few weeks at Seton Hall. We also have in-person activities currently planned, a majority of which are outdoors to adhere to CDC/State of New Jersey guidance as it pertains to physical distancing. Some examples of the in-person activities include: walking tours of South Orange campus tours, art stations, movie nights on the University Green and streaming virtual events (concerts, speakers, magicians).
Will all other (non-classroom) aspects of campus life continue in accordance with the original Restart Plan?
Yes, non-classroom aspects of campus life will continue in accordance with the original Restart Plan. Student Life activities and clubs will be permitted but will be guided by Governor Murphy's current limitations on indoor gatherings of no more than 25 people or 25 percent room occupancy. Masks will be required in all public spaces on campus.
Event Protocol During COVID-19
Ways to hold approved and finalized events to the campus community:
All events must be submitted to our University Calendar. Event content is pulled from the University Calendar for various communications, so it is essential to put all your events on the University Calendar. We encourage student groups to do the same. Events submitted to the University Calendar will be promoted in scheduled weekly sends.
Reserving a Room:
- 25Live Scheduling space is self-service via 25Live only with valid PirateNet credentials. Only recognized student Clubs and/or Organizations can access the 25Live system. Student groups contact your Seton Hall administrator if you require a sign-on.
- Current New Jersey Guidelines state "Attending a gathering, ceremony, or celebration is permitted, but different limits apply depending on the type of gathering and where it is happening."
Room Capacity: This data changes due to Covid-19 Protocols. Pease review current NJ guidelines for the most up-to-date data.
Current Limit | New Jersey Guidlines | |
INDOORS | 10 | General indoor gathering must be limited to 10 people. All attendees at indoor gatherings must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart. |
OUTDOORS | 25 | General outdoor gatherings must be limited to 25 people and social distancing must be practiced. |
For a complete & current list of guidelines and exceptions see NJ Indoor/Outdoor Event Guidelines |
Inviting Guests & Speaker(s): Have all attendees register/RSVP for attendance number data and safety measures if necessary. (Head count, contact tracing etc.) Have staff explain meeting/event logistics and safety procedures to attendees waiting in line and at check-in table. This may include check-in verification, face covering requirements, temperature scan, hand sanitizing, and re-admittance verification (wristbands, name tags, ribbons etc.), risk mitigation suggestions, add health screening questions.
Guests Should Know Before Hand:
- Guests should have and use their #CampusClear account before attending the event.
- Date, purpose and contact info for event. Brief summary of event.
- Check-in time and check-in procedures when they arrive Example: "Have your Student I.D. ready to swipe in."
- Face covering requirements: "All guests are expected to wear face masks on their nose and mouth at all times except when eating."
- Physical distancing protocol of 6 ft. or more during check-in, in-event, departure.
- Information on attending the event virtually.
Things Guests Should Know About Before Entering Room:
- Please note the location of sanitation stations such as hand sanitizer
- Food distribution process.
- Material distribution process.
- Activity or participation process. Example: "Only two people from the same household allowed in the photo booth together."
Speaker Tips:
- Provide sanitation stations such as hand sanitizer in green rooms and on stage
On-site Room Tips: Hand sanitizer should be readily available at the event. Consider adding signage to clearly mark check-in line, table, and check-in procedures. Check with staff of facility to ensure proper signage placement.
- Sanitation stations such as hand sanitizer
- Physical distancing guideline markers (6 ft. or more) such as stanchions/ropes/caution tape, tables, chalk etc. Ensure that your check-in line/cross traffic does not block hallways, stairwells, or wheelchair ramps.
- Material distribution process.
- Activity or participation process. Example: "Only two people from the same household allowed in the photo booth together."
- Know your ADA access points
Check-In: Have staff explain meeting/event logistics and safety procedures to attendees waiting in line and at check-in table. This may include check-in verification, face covering requirements, temperature scan, hand sanitizing, and re-admittance verification (wristbands, name tags, ribbons etc.), risk mitigation suggestions, add health screening questions.
- Sanitation stations such as hand sanitizer
- Use digital check-in whenever possible. Use online electronic payments, NO cash.
- Please have a person to count incoming and outgoing guests to keep the room capacity compliant
Food/Materials/Activities:
- Our university caterer Gourmet Dining (GDS) is aware of Covid-19 protocols. No external food is permitted. Food at events is not encouraged. But if you are having food you must follow the recommendations from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education - Restart Standards for all NJ IHE, regarding food - no buffet-style dining, no self-serve open food and beverage stations, no shared items (such as condiment bottles), use of disposable food service items (utensils, dishes).
- Consider sending out programs, agendas, and other paperwork digitally. Consider distributing giveaways that are factory pre-packaged and are handed out by staff who are wearing gloves. Attendees should pick up their giveaways as they leave the meeting/event.
- Activities should have an event manager to maintain compliance
Post-Event:
- For any cleaning needs, please contact Housekeeping at (973) 761-0710. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, contact Security at (973) 761-9300 and Security will contact Housekeeping for you.
Other Event Information and Contacts:
- Campus Map
- Public Safety security.request@shu.edu 973-761-9328 Public Safety Event Request Form
- Media Services of the Teaching Learning Technology Center (TLTC) provides and supports most technology and equipment needs
- Contact the Building Manager for assistance with toilets, temperature and other building issues
- Disabilities Support Services
- Technology Service Desk
- Parking Services
Student Event Information and Contacts:
- On-Campus Event Checklist
- On-Campus Events w/contracts Checklist
- Off Campus Events Checklist
- Fundraiser Tabling Events Checklist
- Contract Request Form
- Contract & W-9 Submission Form
Seton Hall's Health Intervention and Communication Team, HICT Contact Us Form and Frequently Asked Questions.
Complete the #CampusClear App every day! If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, or are concerned that you attended an activity without physical distancing and masking and may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact Health Services (973-761-9175).
Take and follow the Seton Hall Pledge – we are stronger together!
For large scale, University-wide events please click here and reach out to the Director of University Events, jennifer.osheal@shu.edu.