New rules for students about social gatherings

Posted: August 7, 2020

Dear Students,

Seeing you back on campus is a healthy reminder that life can move forward in the middle of a pandemic. It is great to have you here.

But you – and we – need to remember that while things might seem familiar, there are safety measures that we must all follow so we can have classes on campus and stay in community together.

This coming weekend will feature upperclassmen moving in and will provide a moment of respite before the hard work of studies and labs begin Monday.

While it will be exciting to reconnect with all of your friends and to begin meeting those who are new to campus, the university expects that we will do this in a manner that is safe and responsible and is in line with the Gannon mission. The expectations are high and the tolerance for neglecting safety behaviors will be low.

Effective immediately, the university is limiting social gatherings at off-campus residences to no more than 15 people, including the residents of the home.

If a social gathering has more than 15 people in attendance, the event will be closed and could result in the suspension of the individuals renting the house and university sanctions for those attending.

Social gatherings of 15 or fewer people that are considered to be unsafe (no masks being worn, too many people for the space, etc.) will be broken up by campus police officers and participants required to meet with the student conduct office.

In on-campus housing, gatherings of larger numbers will result in immediate and significant disciplinary action for all in attendance.

Members of the Gannon Community are expected to adhere to all local, state, and institutional guidelines related to the virus. This includes social distancing, mask requirements and no large gatherings. 

One of Gannon’s core values as a Catholic institution is respect and dignity for every human. To minimize risk to each other and to the greater Gannon family, the university will be enforcing these restrictions, effective immediately.

The entire Gannon community – including you – has made sacrifices to have an on-campus experience this fall.

Given our current environment, it is a blessing to be here. Let’s not waste it.

Brian Nichols
Vice President, Student Development and Engagement