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Fall 2021 Programming Guidelines and FAQs

This page covers information specifically related to the University Student Union facilities. Additional information regarding other campus facilities is currently being developed by the Matador Involvement Center.

This page will be updated frequently when new information becomes available.

This information is current as of September 14, 2021.

Information will be updated and revised in accordance with evolving health and safety guidelines.

At the University Student Union, we are excited to welcome you back for the start of a new academic year! Thank you for submitting your request for your reservation taking place during Aug. 30, 2021 – June 30, 2022. We are committed to providing mitigation practices that promote the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and campus community. With guidance from the Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), generally speaking, USU reservations will be limiting event attendance to 50% of space/room capacity. Further, all events must be planned in such a way to promote distancing between participants. Additionally, masks are required for all indoor reservations and for outdoor events with more than 5 attendees.

Event organizers are encouraged to continue to assess, based on current conditions, whether to adjust, postpone, cancel, and reduce the number of attendees to accommodate 50% capacity and distancing during the Fall 2021 semester. We encourage the continued use of remote technologies for meetings, lectures, and events to provide a safer environment for all members of our community. The USU will continue to implement, update, and revise this information as public health officials, state and local agencies, and University officials continue to publish new guidance.

On-Campus Programming in (USU Facilities)

Is On-Campus programming allowed?

On campus programming is allowed at 50% capacity. The calendar is now open for the University Student Union and requests can be submitted by visiting Mazévo. Requests can be submitted through June 30, 2022. To reserve non-USU facilities, please contact the Matador Involvement Center at 818-677-5111. For more information, please check out the Activities and Events FAQs on the Office of Student Involvement and Development webpage.

What types of events will be allowed in the USU?

All events are allowed and will be reviewed by the Reservations and Event Services (RES) and Operations teams to ensure that protocols are in place. Event and details of the event will be reviewed.

Can outside guests participate in our event? If so, what protocols are in place for guest attendance?

Yes, outside guests can participate in events. Visitors are required to comply with campus safety measures such as wearing face coverings and completing the daily health self-screening survey. Event organizers are responsible for monitoring this information and ensuring compliance.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can attend our meeting or event?

Yes, the 50% capacity limit will be based on the requested room setup and the specific room being requested.

What are the fall hours of operation for USU room rentals?

Fall Operating Hours*
Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meetings and events are permitted only during these operating hours.

*subject to change

When can I start making reservation requests?

The USU reservations calendar is currently open. Please check the USU RES website for more information. 

Can I contract outside vendors to provide services for my event (e.g. photobooth, DJ, etc.)?

Yes, at this time, outside vendors are permitted to provide services. Contractors who access campus are asked to ensure their employees comply with all campus policies prior to accessing campus. Visitors are required to comply with campus safety measures such as wearing face coverings and completing the daily visitor self-screening survey.

Is any equipment not available for use?

All equipment is available for use and is limited to availability. 

 

Are there any protocols for performers, vendors, and speakers for my event?

Yes. Visitors must complete the COVID-19 screening survey and have email clearance available to show their campus host. Visitors are expected to practice COVID-19 prevention measures including wearing a face covering. Please refer to CSUN’s COVID-19 procedures on the Matadors Forward website for up to date information. 

Do outside guests have to provide a negative COVID-19 test result prior to arriving to campus?

At this time, visitors are not required to provide medical information including COVID-19 test results. The daily Visitor Self-Screening Survey must still be completed.

Are vendor sales allowed at the USU facility?

Vendor sales are permitted in the USU facility in the designated locations. Vendors will be treated as visitors and will need to follow protocols set forth for visitors coming to campus.

Who can we contact at the USU during the day of our meeting or event?

Guests can contact the USU Building Manager on the day of their event. They can be reached at 818-859-8255.

Do I have to pay to rent a meeting room at the USU?

Student groups are granted two-hour meetings, twice a week, in the room's standard setup free of charge. All other events will have associated fees dependent on the space and equipment reserved

Will I have to pay if campus/USU cancels my event due to COVID-19?

Any events cancelled by the USU due to COVID-19 will not have any cancellation fees. Any deposits already made towards a reservation will be held as a "credit" to be applied to a future reservation.

Can I rent equipment from the USU to support my event somewhere else on campus?

Pending availability of the equipment and staff, pre-approved events on campus can rent select USU equipment for an event. Please contact USU Reservations for more information. 

Will the USU provide face coverings and hand sanitizer?

The USU provides hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in all meeting rooms. All event participants are encouraged to bring their own face coverings for use at the event. This request should also be communicated ahead of an event. In the event a participant arrives with no face covering, we highly recommend having masks on hand for distribution. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that all USU COVID-19 policies are being implemented. 


COVID-19 Protocol and Guidelines

Will spaces be cleaned before and after use of the spaces?

The University Student Union cleaning and disinfection procedures for COVID-19 are directly aligned with the current cleaning and disinfection recommendations from the following sources: 

Current guidelines indicate that when no people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is enough to sufficiently remove viruses that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility. 

Cleaning supplies are provided in each meeting room for client's use before, during and after their event. 

Will any spaces be unavailable due to COVID-19 protocols?

Although there is planned construction in some of the rooms in the USU facilities, all other spaces in the USU are available for reservations.

Can food be served at our meetings and events?

Only pre-packaged food is permitted to be given at the conclusion of the event as participants are leaving and may not be eaten in the meeting room. Grab and go items and individually boxed lunches or meals are recommended options along with individual beverages. 

Do we have to wear masks at our meetings or events?

Yes. Currently, Los Angeles County Department of Public Heath (LACDPH) and CSUN require face coverings indoors for all individuals. The requirement for face coverings is based upon local and state public health guidelines as well as CSUN directives, which are monitored closely. Additionally, face coverings must be worn outdoors for events with more than 5 attendees. 

Can I require someone to wear a mask while attending my event? (Indoor & Outdoor)

Yes. The requirement for face coverings is based upon local and state public health guidelines as well as CSUN directives, which are monitored closely. Currently, Los Angeles County Department of Public Heath (LACDPH) and CSUN require face coverings indoors for all individuals.

Can I require those attending my event to provide proof of vaccination?

No. The CSUN campus requires all faculty, staff, and students to certify their vaccination status, and if approved by CSUN officials to be exempt for medical or religious reasons, CSUN faculty, staff and students must test for COVID-19 weekly. Visitors should follow the protocols outlined in the FAQs above. The Daily Health Screening must still be completed.

Can our guests (performers/vendors/speakers) use our on-campus testing facilities prior to an event?

On-campus testing facilities are for students, staff and faculty only. 

Regarding safety, what are my responsibilities as the event host?

  1. Consider the level of risk when deciding to host an event. 
  2. Communicate to event attendees the campus safety measures such as always wearing face coverings and completing the daily health self-screening survey. Event organizers are responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance.  
  3. Promote healthy behaviors and maintain healthy environments to reduce risk when any events and gatherings are held. 

 

Who should I notify if someone who attended my event/meeting tests positive for COVID-19?

In the event of possible exposure, and a positive COVID-19 test from a participant of an event in the USU, please report the case to the USU Reservations and Event Services as soon as possible — no later than 24 hours upon receiving notification. In addition, it is highly recommended that participants of the event who were in close contact with the confirmed case be notified as soon as possible. 

For more information on CSUN’s COVID-19 procedures including who to notify in case of a positive case, please see the Matadors Forward website or the CDC Notification Exposure guidelines.

If I learn a person who attended my event tests positive for COVID-19, what am I responsible for doing?

In the event of possible exposure, and a positive COVID-19 test from a participant of an event in the USU, please report the case to the USU Reservations and Event Services as soon as possible — no later than 24 hours upon receiving notification. In addition, it is highly recommended that participants of the event who were in close contact with the confirmed case be notified as soon as possible. 

For more information on CSUN’s COVID-19 procedures including who to notify in case of a positive case, please see the Matadors Forward website or the CDC Notification Exposure guidelines.

How will CSUN manage incident tracking and contact tracing?

For more information on CSUN’s COVID-19 contact tracing and practices, please see the Matadors Forward website.


Student Recreation Center (SRC)

What are the Student Recreation Center (SRC) and Oasis Wellness Center hours of operation for Fall 2021?

SRC Hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Please visit the SRC website for all area hours of operation

Oasis Hours (Tentative):

  • Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please visit the Oasis website for the most current hours of operation.  

Will reservations be allowed in the SRC?

SRC reservation request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Only activity deemed safe and appropriate will be considered for approval. All outside groups will also be required to follow all protocols including masking and completing the Daily Health Screening.

Who can make reservations at the SRC?

Reservations for the SRC will be accepted by:

  • Recognized CSUN Student Clubs and Organizations
  • CSUN Departments
  • Private/Off-Campus Individuals and Companies 

What protocols are in place for usage of the SRC and Oasis?

All USU Reservation Protocols are still in place. Please refer to the FAQs and Policies for further details. Additionally, all attendees will be required to complete the Daily Health Screening and wear a face covering while indoors.