Major Campus Events

These guidelines for events (indoors and outdoors) larger than 30 people have been developed by the Public Health and Safety Advisory Group and approved by the Fall Planning Steering Committee. Events of 30 or less do not need special approval but must follow all of the Health and Safety Guidelines for the campus.

Until further notice, there should not be any indoor events with attendance larger than 30 in a singular space. The university continues to monitor the health metrics in Greenville and on campus to determine when indoor events larger than 30 will be allowed.

Approved gatherings of more than 30 must address the following questions in the planning process. Until further notice, the planning process below should be followed for outdoor events larger than 30.

1. Briefly describe the nature of the proposed activity (e.g., academic program, athletic event, social activity, etc.) and indicate the sponsoring organization.
2. Briefly describe the intended audience/participants in the proposed event. For example, is the event intended only for current students or employees? Primarily for members of the community? A mixture?
3. Why does this event need to be in person? Have you explored other creative ways to facilitate this event in smaller groups or virtually?
4. What is the location where the event is to be held, and will it be indoors or outdoors? If on-campus, list names of all facilities/buildings/classrooms involved, and include the maximum capacity of the venue. If outdoors, is there a plan for inclement weather?
5. What is the anticipated maximum group size? According to the State of South Carolina, attendance may not exceed 50% of the certificate of occupancy issued by the fire marshal–or 250 persons–whichever is less. Furman has adopted 250 persons as the maximum until further notice. Exceptions for events larger than 250 persons must first be approved by SAT before undergoing an additional review to comply with the procedures and protocols of the Department of Commerce.
6. What measures will be put into place to screen participants for potential COVID-19 infection (e.g., proof of completion of LiveSafe App, standard questions upon entry, passive temperature checks, etc.), and what measures will be taken to ensure compliance?
7. What are the protocols for ingress and egress (e.g., directional signage, distancing, separate entrance/exits for students and community, etc.)?
8. What are the physical distancing and face-covering requirements to be employed, and what measures will be taken to ensure compliance (e.g., physical distancing markers, signage, security, etc.)?
9. What is the availability of restrooms, and how will physical distancing and disinfection be controlled in these facilities during the event?
10. How will protocols and safety expectations be communicated with participants (e.g., announcing requirements for face-coverings, physical distancing, self-screening procedures, in advance)?
11. How will the room/space/facility be cleaned and disinfected after use?
12. Who is/are the responsible individual(s) to enact and enforce compliance with the above-outlined protocols?
13. Does this event adhere to Furman’s Use of University Space Policy?

Developed by Furman’s Public Health and Safety Advisory Group and approved by the Fall Planning Steering Committee

Opening Convocation will not take place in the traditional way on the day before classes start. Conditions permitting, we will wait until our second-and third-year students return to campus in September to host an alternative event outdoors to celebrate the campus community being together.

Each Fall we invite you to experience our campus. This year, we can’t be together, but that won’t stop us from being connected. Please join us for Furman University’s Virtual Family Connect, a weeklong (September 21-26) way for families to learn about their student’s home away from home. Participate in daily online lunch and learn sessions, hear from President Davis, and enjoy a virtual 5K Fun Run.

The Commencement ceremony for our spring and summer 2020 graduates is currently scheduled to take place on October 31. We will continue to monitor the health metrics in Greenville and on campus and will provide updates on the Commencement website as plans are confirmed.

Homecoming is currently scheduled to take place on November 6-8. Continue to monitor Homecoming 2020 for updates or any changes.

The university will closely monitor the evolving circumstances related to COVID-19, along with rapidly developing scientific knowledge and medical resources, to determine the appropriateness for adjustments and contingencies. For general questions about the fall semester, please email furman.focused@furman.edu.