Meetings and Events Guide

Health and Human Development guidelines for in-person meetings, programs, and events

Note that these guidelines are subject to change as University guidance evolves in response to state and local directives and the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We strongly recommend rechecking this page prior to planning any meeting or event.

These guidelines apply to:

• In-person meetings, programs, and events organized for any purpose by any HHD employee at any on-campus (regardless of whether it is HHD or non-HHD space) or off-campus location.  For off-campus meetings, Penn State and college guidelines must be followed in addition to any guidelines applying to the meeting site.
• In-person meetings, programs and events organized by non-HHD employees to be held in any HHD space. 
• Events organized or sponsored by organizations external to Penn State are not permitted on campuses.
• In general, meetings and events should be held remotely if feasible.

Update June 28, 2021: While the University continues to encourage virtual or hybrid-format events and meetings, the approval process for holding in-person events has returned to the individual or group that held event approval authority before the pandemic effective Dean’s approval is no longer needed. Review Penn State's guidance and procedures for hosting events and large gatherings.

Guidelines for event organizers

Event organizers must:

• Communicate Penn State’s masking guidance in advance of the event.
• Post visible acknowledgement of risk and masking requirement signs  at all events. The college has prepared sign templates for event organizers' use:
  • Acknowledgement of Risk sign: Color | Black & White
  • Masking Requirements sign: Color | Black & White
     

Event organizers should, when possible and applicable:

• Seek to reduce the risk of contact by using digital tickets, cashless concessions, and digital programs.
• Maintain a list of attendees and their contact information in the event that contract tracing must be undertaken.
   

Other pandemic event guidelines no longer apply.