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"Information Tables" during Covid-19

  • 1.  "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 06-29-2020 14:38
    Hi Everyone -
    In our building, we have 6 tables in two locations - in high-traffic areas - which can be reserved by student organizations (or departments) to promote their organization (member recruitment), an upcoming event, or to even hold a fundraiser.

    As we look at our plan to return to campus this fall, we have been discussing whether or not to allow groups to reserve and use these information tables, and we've talked about potential accommodations/modifications to allow for this to continue (plexi-barriers; relocation to a different part of the building, one-way entrance & exit from the area, etc.)

    We would love to hear what other campuses are doing in relation to information tables.  Are you continuing to allow organizations to utilize them, whether inside and/or outside of the building?  If so, please share any modifications you plan to utilize in order for this to happen.  I would also like to hear from those who have decided to suspend this service.

    Thank you in advance, and stay safe!

    ------------------------------
    Kristi Finger
    Assistant Director - Reservations & Outdoor Space
    University of Iowa
    Iowa CIty IA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 06-30-2020 11:00
    We will be suspending all inside and outside tables for both students and off campus vendors.  There is no way to keep everyone safe.  We will also have a limited number of students on campus so it won't be beneficial to the groups.

    ------------------------------
    Sarah Aikman
    Director, Student Union and Programming
    Northern Kentucky University
    Highland Heights KY
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-01-2020 07:44
    I thought about this issue with campus partners over the last few weeks and I have made a determination to suspend tabeling for fall 2020. We cannot safely implement the tabeling without proper social distance measures. Furthermore, most student organization events will be limited. I will revisit this issue in early 2021.

    ------------------------------
    Joe Lepone
    Director of Event Services and Runyan Student Center
    Earlham College
    Richmond IN
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-05-2020 17:44
    Hi Joe,

    Has your university developed guidelines to determine which/what type of student organization events will be limited?

    Linda Lee
    Assistant Director of Event Services
    Marquette University
    Milwaukee, WI

    ------------------------------
    Linda Lee
    Assistant Director; Event Services
    Marquette University
    Milwaukee WI
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-05-2020 20:18
    Hi Linda,

    I am working with the Office of Student Life to determine what type of student organizations events can occur this fall. 

    Currently, the only student organization events that cannot occur are events with singing and dancing. Singing and dancing will be prohibited as students will have more diaphragmatic breathing, which can actually generate more aerosols and easily spread COVID-19, even if a mask is worn. 

    As I work through this process, I am happy to collaborate or discuss further. 

    Joe


    ------------------------------
    Joe Lepone
    Director of Event Services and Runyan Student Center
    Earlham College
    Richmond IN
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-02-2020 11:31
    We are also making the same decision to suspend tabling in our Commons space in our student union. It will difficult to maintain 6 feet social distance in that space.

    ------------------------------
    Kathleen McGirty
    Assistant Director
    University of North Carolina–Greensboro
    Greensboro NC
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-06-2020 15:23
    To all:

    Yes our union is also suspending indoor tabling. However, what about tabling outside? Does anyone think they've found a way forward? I'm happy to share some preliminary concepts we're working on. I'd love for everyone to pick it apart if you're up to it.

    Ryan Gross
    Associate Director for Russell House Events
    University of South Carolina–Columbia
    Columbia SC

    ------------------------------
    Ryan Gross
    Associate Director for Russell House Events
    University of South Carolina–Columbia
    Columbia SC
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-06-2020 16:12
    Ryan,

    To be honest, I did not think about that option. Our campus lacks decent space for tabling but I could find a space. This could be a great way to students to still interact with each other during the warmer months while remaining safe. I would be happy to look at your concept. 

    Joe

    ------------------------------
    Joe Lepone
    Director of Event Services and Runyan Student Center
    Earlham College
    Richmond IN
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-06-2020 16:33

    To all:

    A little context: We have an actual street that runs in front of our union. That is a heavily trafficked area and it's a place where we typically place a lot of outdoor info tabling (think ten spots a day; multiple organizations).

    Please have at it. Where are our blind spots?

    Here is a diagram link.

    Tabling Activities
     

    • Tabling to allowed Monday – Friday, 11am – 2pm
    • Tabling permitted in the following locations: Davis Field and Greene St
    • Davis Field: Tabling will be limited to four clients per day starting August 19th
    • Greene St: Tabling will be limited to four clients per day starting August 19th
    • Tabling to be booked only ten days in advance
    • There will be a two-week rolling review of maximum number of tabling opportunities we can provide
    • No rain location can or will be provided. In the case of rain, clients will need to contact Event Services to reschedule
    • Non-essential visitors not allowed on campus. Tabling participation from client side must be limited to university community only. 

    Safety Procedures – Tabling 

    Safety precautions for tabling activities will mirror precautions for meetings and event inside the building, meaning:

    • 6ft personal diameter between clients and participants
    • Face coverings required for clients

    Additionally:

    • Maximum of two people per client/booking at one time
    • Flyer distribution allowed
      • Gloves must be worn for the duration of time and must be provided by booking org
      • Must take place in a person-to-person manner, no passive grab and go
    • Promotional items giveaway allowed (pending health review) under following conditions:
      • Gloves must be worn for the duration of time and must be provided by booking org
      • Act of giving away must be contactless, meaning items will not handed directly out to students. Must be placed on separate table by org and picked up by participant
    • Food sales or giveaways strictly prohibited


    ------------------------------
    Ryan Gross
    Associate Director for Russell House Events
    University of South Carolina–Columbia
    Columbia SC
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-06-2020 16:49
    Thanks Ryan.  This is really helpful.  Outdoor could be suitable for us through September but it gets a little chilly in Milwaukee!

    If anyone has any revised policies or information for fall event planning they are willing to share that would be great?  I am meeting with our Engagement & Inclusion colleagues this week to solidify some policies in terms of what types of events should/should not be occurring, capacities, social distancing, catering, etc.  The more information on best practices I can gather in advance the better.

    Linda Lee
    Assistant Director of Event Services
    Alumni Memorial Union 
    Marquette University

    ------------------------------
    Linda Lee
    Assistant Director; Event Services
    Marquette University
    Milwaukee WI
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-07-2020 10:38

    Hi Ryan,
    This is super helpful! I appreciate the share.

    At Temple, we only have 2 tables that we can place outside the Student Center for tabling and we normally have 15 inside. I have proposed that we only have 3 activity tables inside and space out the two that we have outside to be at least 6 feet apart. We have recommended that only 1 person be at the table, per org. 

    I'm curious if anyone has thought about having a plastic table shield for the tables at all? Are you planning on placing tape on the floor or stickers to enforce the 6ft distancing? 

    Thanks,

    Tina



    ------------------------------
    Tina Young
    Events Coordinator
    Temple University
    Philadelphia PA
    youngt@temple.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-07-2020 11:30
    Hi Ryan, 

    At ASU, we have weather that allows for tabling all year so we are working to decide if our outdoor tabling will take place this semester. We usually have about 40 tabling spaces with a lawn area bookable for larger events. If we have outdoor tabling, we have discussed only using every other tabling space in areas where tables would be lined up next to each other to allow for social distancing between tables. As you mentioned, student orgs behind the table will be required to wear a face covering. Other ideas were limiting each group to one person only behind the table and markings on the ground for those approaching the table to stand 6ft back. 

    I like the guidelines you provided. Have you discussed our cleaning of the tables and chairs will be handled? We currently have students pick up and check out their table and chair(s) from one of our student buildings and return when their tabling time slot has completed. We are not sure about how to regulate cleaning the tables between groups. Any thoughts? 

    If a student org does not bring gloves, how are you enforcing this? 

    Will you have anyone monitoring the tabling area to make sure orgs are following the guidelines and there are not crowds gathering? 

    Lastly, are you limiting the number of days organizations can book? We currently have a 10 date limit per organization due to high demand, especially in the first few weeks of school. In other words, are you thinking of only allowing each group to book a few dates at once to allow for other orgs to have the opportunity to table too?

    Thank you for sharing what your institution plans to do. It is super helpful as we consider how we will operate this sector of events.

    ------------------------------
    Amanda Behnke
    Event Coordinator
    Arizona State University
    Tempe AZ
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-07-2020 15:20
    We are also exploring the outdoor tabling - so I would definitely be interested in what y'all have brainstormed.

    Here is what we have tossed around so far:

    TABLING

    • Indoor tabling will not be permitted at this time
    • Outdoor tabling will be permitted with the following guidelines:
      • Those tabling must wear masks
      • Allow 6 feet distance with those who are visiting the table
      • Handouts should be limited as much as possible
      • Any items to be passed out should be pre-packaged and/or sanitized
      • Items should not be handled by multiple individuals after being sanitized
      • Providing hand sanitizer at the table is recommended
    We are trying to figure out if we can also provide some type of mobile barrier...but wind is a factor.

    Would love more ideas!



    ------------------------------
    Wendy Denman
    Executive Director
    University of North Texas
    Denton TX
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-08-2020 15:42
    We took the safe route and suspended our informational table reservations for the Fall at the University of Louisville.

    ------------------------------
    Glenn Gittings
    Director of Student Activities Center & Special Programs
    University of Louisville
    Louisville KY
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-09-2020 14:47

    We have also suspended tabling for the fall semester at Lindenwood University.

     

    ANGIE ROYAL  M.S.Ed. (she/her/hers)
    Director, Student Involvement
    Evans Commons Room 3040
    636.949.4983 (o) / 636.949.4129 (f) / aroyal@lindenwood.edu
     

    Lindenwood University

    REAL EXPERIENCE.
    REAL SUCCESS.
    lindenwood.edu
      

     
     Safe Zone Trained  

     






  • 16.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-09-2020 10:02
    Kristi - 

    At this point we are proposing that Information Tables indoors be suspended for the fall semester.  Weather permitting we will allow tables outdoors. We will continue to evaluate for the spring semester.

    Maria Ciski
    Director, Event Services
    Rhatigan Student Center
    Wichita State University
    Wichita, Kansas

    ------------------------------
    Maria Ciski
    Director of University Event Services, Rhatigan Student Center
    Wichita State University
    Wichita KS
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-09-2020 11:09
    Good morning, 

    We also have decided to suspend all vendor/info tables for the fall semester.  There was no way to guarantee a six-foot distance and keeping everyone safe.

    ------------------------------
    Chrissie King
    Assistant Director
    Rutgers University–Camden
    Camden NJ
    chrissie.king@rutgers.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: "Information Tables" during Covid-19

    Posted 07-09-2020 11:16
    We have suspended all tabling operations for Fall 2020 as well.

    ------------------------------
    Kevin Manson
    Anderson Student Center Director
    University of St. Thomas
    St. Paul MN
    ------------------------------