I. Purpose

The University of Colorado Boulder (“CU Boulder”) will host in-person, on-campus activities, events and gatherings in accordance with applicable campus policies and public health guidelines, including those promulgated by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Boulder County Public Health, with the goal of providing safe and meaningful experiences for members of the university community.  This policy is supported by the Event and Activities Approval Guidance document that outlines the campus event approval process to ensure the safety and well being of community members and property.

II. Definitions

Public Health Order: Any order issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or Boulder County Public Health that regulates activities permitted of citizens.

Educational Activities: Classes, labs, recitals, performances, and other educational programs that are required by academic units in furtherance of degree or program completion.

Research, scholarship, and creative work activities:  Seminars, guest speakers, exhibitions, performances and large gatherings related to research or creative works.

Work Activities: Any activities undertaken by persons in the course and scope of their CU Boulder employment.

Intercollegiate Athletic Activities: Athletic practices, games and other activities undertaken by the CU Boulder Athletics Department under protocols approved by appropriate public health authorities and any guidelines, requirements or special permissions promulgated by organizations governing intercollegiate athletics, including the PAC-12 and NCAA.

Sport Club/Recreational Activities: Athletic practices, games, and other activities administered by CU Boulder Recreation Services and not subject to the guidelines, requirements or special permissions associated with NCAA or PAC-12 intercollegiate competition.

CU-Sponsored Events: Any activities sponsored by CU Boulder that are not (1) Educational Activities; (2) Work Activities; (3) Intercollegiate Athletic Activities; or (4) Sport Club/Recreational Activities. CU-Sponsored Events may be hosted by CU Boulder academic or non-academic departments, programs or other units, CU Boulder Recognized Student Organizations, or CU Boulder Recognized Social Greek Organizations.

Gatherings: Any gatherings of CU Boulder students, faculty or staff that are not: (1) Educational Activities; (2) Work Activities; (3) Intercollegiate Athletic Activities; (4) Sport Club/Recreational Activities; or (5) CU-Sponsored Events.

III. Policy

  1.  All activities, events, and gatherings that take place at CU Boulder must comply with campus policies, Event Management Form (EMF) submission and approval, Events and Activities Approval Guidance, additional supporting safety documentation as requested, and state and local Public Health Orders in effect at the time.
  2. Educational Activities must comply with state and local Public Health Orders related to higher education and any applicable campus requirements, including the Events and Activities Approval Guidance.
  3. Research, scholarship and creative works activities must comply with state and local Public Health Orders related to higher education and any applicable campus requirement, including the Events and Activities Approval Guidance.
  4. Work Activities must comply with state and local Public Health Orders.
  5. Intercollegiate Athletic Activities must comply with state and local Public Health Orders in addition to the protocols applicable to intercollegiate athletics. Athletic activities must be approved through the campus event approval process, and any requirements promulgated by organizations governing intercollegiate athletics, including the PAC-12 and NCAA.
  6. Sport Club/Recreational Activities must comply with state and local Public Health Orders and the campus event approval process (below).
  7. Gatherings must comply with state and local Public Health Orders. 
  8. CU-Sponsored Events must comply with state and local Public Health Orders, must reserve space through the campus Event Management System (EMS), and must complete the campus endorsed event management form (EMF) as required.  EMFs must be submitted at least 10 business days before an event.
    1. CU-Sponsored Events Approval Process for On-Campus Events: All event and/or activity hosts must follow the Event and Activities Approval Guidance document and timelines, including completing the campus endorsed EMF and any additional documents and confirming availability and contracting of required resources before hosting a CU-Sponsored Event.
    2. CU-Sponsored Events Approval Process for Off-Campus Events: Event and/or activity hosts are responsible for following all venue and location rules, policies, and guidance, as well as the campus’ Events and Activities Approval Guidance as it pertains to CU-Sponsored Off-Campus Events.
    3. Public Health Guidance: All CU-Sponsored Events are encouraged to follow public health guidance and can reference the Events and Activities Approval Guidance document for strategies.
    4. Appeal Process:  Exemptions from Public Health Orders cannot be granted by CU Boulder. The appeals process can be found in the Events and Activities Approval Guidance.   

V. Resources 

Events and Activities Approval Guidance: https://www.colorado.edu/policies/event-and-activities-approval-guidance 

Revised Effective Date

October 5, 2021

Effective Date

November 11, 2020

Approved By

Philip P. DiStefano, Chancellor