The Office of Student Experience has a message on the topic of large gatherings for all students living on or near campus: Just say no.

“We are respectfully asking all of students to avoid any large gatherings or parties this fall,” says Ryan Flannagan, associate vice-president, student experience. “We know the first month of classes is that time of the year when students like to host and attend gatherings to celebrate the reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

“While we understand the desire to get together, this fall we’re asking all students to be aware of and to comply with public health directives on gatherings.”

Windsor-Essex is in stage three of the province’s re-opening strategy, and the region’s public health unit has provided the following direction:

• Indoor gathering limited to a maximum of 50 people, subject to physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside their households or social circles.
• Outdoor gathering limited to a maximum of 100 people, subject to physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside their households or social circles.

The key consideration is the requirement to social distance two meters. Students looking to host friends must keep this two-metre requirement in mind.

Herman Dayal, president of the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance, supports students socializing, but in ways that are consistent with the direction provided by public health officials.

“The fall semester marks an incredible opportunity to celebrate. However, it's important to ensure social gatherings are within the guidelines recommended, limiting the number of people present and practising effective sanitary measures,” he says.

“Instead of delivering its iconic tent parties for Welcome Week, the UWSA has chosen to deliver a blend of virtual and restricted in-person events. When we've all done our part to limit the pandemic, the UWSA will once again connect with students in person, and that’s a celebration we can't wait for.”

For further information on the Windsor Essex County Health Unit’s directives concerning the region’s phase three status, visit its COVID-19 info page.