UMaine System warns students about limits on party size
The University of Maine System posted new student guidance today making it clear that attending or hosting a party or function that exceeds Maine’s group-size limitations may be deemed a violation of the UMS Student Conduct Code for endangering public health and safety.
Students who host or promote prohibited events at any venue, including private residences, may face suspension or dismissal, according to a news release. The state limits gatherings to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors, with consideration for social distancing.
The code of conduct applies regardless of location and establishes protocols including group-size limitations and distancing requirements, face coverings, and gatherings.
Events subject to the code include on-campus functions, fraternity or sorority events, gatherings in public or open spaces, and parties and events hosted in private residences or venues. It also sets limitations for attending off-campus events.
“Off-campus parties jeopardize public health and our ability to educate students on our campuses,” Malloy said in the release. “The fate of the fall semester is in the hands of our students and many are stepping up to help lead our health and safety initiatives. We issued guidance on events and parties to make it clear right from the start that participation in our safety protocols is mandatory and extends to off-campus activities.”
The fall semester for Maine’s public universities begins Aug. 31. The system has established student and public health safety campaigns as part of its Together for Maine plan.
The plans’ principles represent the system’s commitment to serve students and the state with science-informed plans that each public university will use to reduce the spread of disease, accommodate vulnerable members of its community, respond to incidents of coronavirus infection, and protect each other and surrounding communities.
University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy and the presidents of Maine’s public universities are welcoming students back to campus by encouraging participation and student leadership in the university’s public health campaign.
The majority of residential students are expected to begin arriving next week as part of a carefully coordinated screening and move-in plan across the campuses.
The new student guidance on prohibited parties and events makes it clear that off-campus adherence to common-sense safety practices and state-issued group-size limitations is mandatory.
At the University of Maine, more than 4,000 students have signed the Black Bear Pact and student and greek organizations are working closely with Student Life on activity planning for the semester.
The pact represents a commitment to taking precautions. Faculty and staff are also asked to sign it.
"We have been working with our student population, including fraternities and sororities, to set expectations and foster engagement around our safety practices," said Robert Dana, vice president of student life and inclusive excellence at UMaine. "As students arrive and as classes begin we will be making it very clear that every member of the university must share a commitment to public health and safety no matter where they are. Together we are a strong community and the health and safety of our students and surrounding communities is our sole focus.”
The Healthy Huskies Initiative at the University of Southern Maine is an example of the public and student health planning and engagement that has been underway since April at Maine's public universities.
The initiative establishes principles for maintaining health and limiting the spread of COVID-19.
"Our students, their families and our community partners can be assured that we are doing all we can to keep everyone safe this semester," said Rodney Mondor, the dean of students at USM. "COVID can come from anywhere and protecting our universities requires us all to make responsible choices both on and off campus.”
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