Stony Brook University is canceling all events through at least May 15, according to an email from Student Engagement and Activities.
All in-person student events are canceled or must be conducted virtually, Melissa Scuccimarri-Pastor, associate director of the Department of Student Engagement and Activities, wrote in the email. Those events include programs, performances, practices, training, tabling, lectures, off-campus trips, competitions and tournaments.
“We know that this decision may create questions and concerns for you regarding event logistics, funding and vendor relations,” Scuccimarri-Pastor wrote. “Please know we are here to support and assist you in working through this. Program advisors will be following up with their respective organizations individually to provide further support and answer organization specific questions.”
She suggested that clubs meet online instead and continue to keep in touch via social media or other online platforms, such as SBEngaged.
Clubs can host elections and distribute information through SB Engaged. Scuccimarri-Pastor recommended that students look at page 27 of the Recognition Guidelines for Registered Student Organizations or the Organization Tool Menu Walkthrough to learn how to make the most of the platform.
The Student Activities Center will be closed this weekend until further notice, and all 25Live reservations will be canceled. Scuccimarri-Pastor said that if students are interested in hosting their meetings virtually, they can fill out a google form for help from Student Engagement.
Clubs that hold large-scale traditional events — traditional, defined as an event that’s been hosted for at least three years in a row — can submit a request to reschedule the event for the 2020-21 academic year. Students must fill out the Large Scale Event Rescheduling Form by 8 a.m. on March 30 to be considered. According to the email, the form excludes trips and meetings.
Student Engagement also launched the Student Organization Event Expense Tracker to compile student organizations’ financial losses from COVID-19 measures.
“If your organization had a reservation that was cancelled by the University, please take a few moments to fill out this form,” Scuccimarri-Pastor said. “Please indicate all paid expenses lost, whether personal, from a University account (i.e. FSA, USG, GSO), or other club bank account.”
The university can’t guarantee that all costs will be recouped, but USG-funded clubs won’t be penalized for not using all their funds by the end of the year.
Student Engagement is updating its website with additional resources and information, Scuccimarri-Pastor added. Students should check their emails for further updates from the Office of the Treasurer and their program advisors.
