2021-2022 Campus Events Policy

The purpose of this policy is to set forth the updated parameters for hosting both internal and external meetings, events & visits on campus for Summer 2022. This policy is subject to change if/when circumstances related to COVID including updates in guidance from federal, New York State and City occur.

TC is eased event restrictions as of Tuesday, May 10, 2022 so that members of the community can plan events with less limitations. The following restrictions are now lifted:

• Capacity limits on event spaces have been removed
• External guest capacity of 50 has been removed*
• Masks are optional for events below 200 guests. If an event has more than 200 guests, masks are required.

However, the requirements below will be maintained for events this Summer:

• All external guests will be required to show proof of vaccination. For events with more than 200 guests, the event planner will be asked to collect the proof of vaccination in advance and share the list of attendees with Public Safety.
• All external guests will be required to complete the visitor Daily Health Screen and show at the Public Safety desk on arrival.
• Registration and check in is required at events where there are external guests
• All guests must follow the College policies and procedures.
• Ensure a meal plan that considers overall health and safety and does not require attendance at an event with food service i.e. a working lunch.

*External guests are individuals who are not TC/CU ID card holders

As the College strives to strike a balance between being gracious and hospitable while still respecting differing comfort levels among event guests, below are guidelines and recommendations that will be useful to TC’s event planners.

• TC strongly recommends that event planners order individually wrapped menu items. AVI has greatly expanded its wrapped and boxed offerings and will work with clients to create an exciting menu that also meets health & safety considerations. Please contact Jay Lebet, AVI Catering Director as you begin to develop your catering requirements. Jay can be reached at jpl2200@tc.columbia.edu.
• For clients who prefer to order a non-boxed buffet, it's the College’s great preference that servers are hired to distribute food. If that is not possible, below are guidelines for guests to follow:
  • Guests must wear masks while at a buffet.
  • Guests will be asked to distance while serving themselves; the rule of thumb is 2 guests per 6 foot table at any one time.
  • Guests are asked to wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking.
  • Clients will be able to order gloves and sanitizer for buffets if desired.
• Conferences and other all day events and meetings are encouraged to not have “working” meals”. Ideally, guests should be able to eat in a different space (i.e. the cafeteria, the courtyard etc.) to maximize distancing while guests have their masks off while eating.