As of March 2024
The following guidance has been updated to reflect the CDCs latest guidance on respiratory illness and Yale University’s updated approach. It has been expanded to include flu and RSV. People testing positive for COVID19., Flu and RSV will still be contagious. By following the new guidance, you are less likely to pass the infection on to anyone else. Prevention strategies like staying up to date on recommended vaccines, covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and making sure you clean your frequently touched surfaces can also help.
If you have symptoms of a virus, fever, cough muscle aches etc. stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both. However:
If your symptoms are getting better, and stay better for 24 hours, AND you have not had a fever AND are not using fever reducing medication you are less likely to pass your infection to others and you can start getting back to your daily routine.
It is recommended that you take a COVID test.
Use the following added prevention strategies over the next five days:
Wear a well-fitting mask.
Practice good hygiene (hand washing and sanitization).
Keep a distance from others until you are no longer symptomatic.
If a fever returns, stay home until the fever ends.
Masks will be available in DGSD buildings and rehearsal rooms.
Please wear a mask if you have symptoms.
If you have COVID19 when you return to your normal routine, you should wear your mask through day 5.
Anyone who develops symptoms is recommended to do a rapid COVID test. Anyone over the age of 50 who develops symptoms is strongly recommended to do a rapid COVID test.
Rapid antigen tests are still available at these locations and from outside the Safety Office until the end of term.
If above testing for COVID-19 is negative and significant symptoms persist, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider. They should remain at home until they no longer have a fever and are feeling better.
Let your Chair/faculty/supervisor know. Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both:
Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
If your symptoms are getting better AND you have not had a fever AND are not using fever reducing medication you may return to normal activities.
Mask for 5 full days.
Avoid large gatherings where you cannot keep your distance from people.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
The CDC is no longer recommending any specific action for close contacts.
Vaccination against COVID19 is strongly encouraged.
HIPAA Reminder: A person’s test result is confidential unless they give permission to share that information publicly.
https://campushealth.yale.edu/ for university guidance on masking, testing, and health guidelines. Please note that this is the Yale University site, and that on our production we will be following additional DGSD/Yale Rep guidelines as well as AEA guidelines.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/updated-respiratory-virus-guidance.html for full CDC guidance.
Also see below the policy:
David Geffen School of Drama values the important community building that occurs at social gatherings and parties. It is understood that all DGSD events are conducted in the spirit of inclusivity and are in line with the School’s values. In recognition of DGSD’s duty of care to all of those attending a DGSD party, these guidelines have been created to ensure that party organizers are aware of all the preparations necessary for a safe event.
The following procedures apply to any gathering or party held in one of the DGSD buildings on the Yale University campus. A party is defined as any optional, social gathering of more than 10 people. Impromptu gatherings will be held to the same standards.
All DGSD events, meetings, and gatherings must adhere to Yale’s updated COVID-19 safety guidance. All in-person gatherings must also observe occupancy restrictions as posted in all DGSD/YRT spaces.
A named, competent person is to be responsible during all hours of the party. A competent person is expected to do the following:
Be able to give first aid or organize a first aid response.
Ensure attendance is limited to venue capacity (e.g., RSVP mechanism, attendance clicker…etc.)
Ensure the event ends on time and that the building is left secure
Ensure any incidents are reported and dealt with correctly
Ensure the event runs safely
Abstain from the use of alcohol or other substances, throughout the entirety of the event, that would impair their judgement and ability to support the safety of the event.
APPLICATION: An application must be submitted through DGSD info at least 3 weeks in advance.
LOCATION: Locations must be arranged and reserved in Spacebook in advance. The space must be accessible and appropriate for the number of people and the set up. The Cabaret, the Kondolean Studio, the August Wilson Lounge, and the Ex Lounge are the most popular accessible locations for all-school parties. Other accessible locations may be considered. Organizers should avoid spaces that are actively in rehearsal and refer to the production calendar for potential conflicts. If the Kondolean Studio is proposed, ensure the Organizer(s) have coordinated its use with the Production Manager for Studio Projects (C. Nikki Mills), in addition to the space request via Spacebook.
HOURS: Convenient & inclusive times for parties are 10:00pm until 1:00am; clean-up will be from 1:00am until 2:00am. The building in which the party is held, must be empty and secured by 2:00am.
ATTENDANCE: DGSD students, faculty and staff, and their invited guests only. Non-DGSD guest names must be submitted in advance of the party to party organizers. Guest list must be tracked and submitted to Associate Dean (Chantal Rodriguez) and Director of Theater Safety and Occupational Health (Anna Glover) following the party.
CAPACITY: Capacity for DGSD/YRT spaces will be determined for each use.
SECURITY: Customer Service Safety Officers (CSSO’s) will be hired to provide security for the party. CSSO’s can be delegated some of the responsibilities of the competent person (i.e., First aid and building security). Yale Police will be notified of the event and may be hired as additional security personnel as necessary. Once the event form is submitted, Shane Quinn will book the CSSO for the party.
FINANCES: The Organizer(s) is (are) expected to control expenses within the allocated amount, determined by Student Government (SDSG).
PRIVATE EVENTS: DGSD/YRT rooms may not be used for private events such as birthday parties, weddings, etc.
SPECIFICS
A set-up and clean-up crew must be designated.
A person will be assigned to monitor the main entry to the party location and to verify the identity of those arriving. One door should be assigned as an entry so that access is monitored. Wrists bands should be used to identify party goers. No unauthorized guests should be allowed to come into the party.
Additional security concerns may require the hiring of Yale Police for the Party. This expense must be paid for by the party’s budget.
The party budget will be charged if the party clean-up results in any expenses to the School due to custodial labor costs. (The typical post-party clean-up done by custodial Services is usually done within their daily schedule. Excessive cleaning or tight production schedules may result in charges for custodial labor; these charges will be passed on to the party’s budget.)
The Competent Person, with assistance from the CSSO, will make sure the party ends on time and will inspect and secure the building as the last person out of the building at 2:00 am.
If alcohol is to be served, everyone attending the party must have their ID checked at the door and when ordering drinks, for proof of age. No one under age 21 will be permitted to attend unless with prior approval of the Deans. Snacks and food must be provided as well as non-alcoholic beverages and access to water. [For Field Day and other family friendly events, attendees under 21 will be permitted]
Party organizers should review Bystander Intervention techniques as part of the event planning: http://cce.yalecollege.yale.edu/sites/default/files/bystanderintervention_brochure_color_4.pdf
It is the responsibility of the party organizers to monitor people leaving the party to make sure that they can get home on their own, and to make sure that people leaving the party have a plan for getting home safely.
The lighting, scenery, and décor to be installed in any DGSD/YRT facility must comply with applicable fire and building codes. Party organizers are responsible for inspecting the space for any potential hazards (i.e. tripping or overhead clearance) and marking them appropriately. The use of any items that have a naked flame or source of ignition such as candles are not allowed. Exits, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and smoke detectors cannot be blocked. Refer any questions related to fire code and building use issues to Director of Theatre Safety & Occupational Health, at least 2-weeks in advance of the event.
A person must be identified to be responsible for the use of any lighting, sound, and projection equipment borrowed or used for the party, including equipment already installed in the room of the event. This person must contact Don Titus and/or Mike Backhaus, respectively, at least one week in advance of setup with any requests. The party organizers are responsible for the appropriate use and safe return of all gear in good, working order.
It is the responsibility of the party organizers to ensure that anyone who has an accident at the party receives the appropriate medical attention and is either seen safely home or accompanied to hospital. All accidents must be reported using the correct channels which can be found on DGSD info
Grill use for outdoor events, weather permitting
If using the Student Government (SDSG) grill, contact SDSG representatives and follow the below guidelines:
Notify the Director of Theatre Safety & Occupational Health
Notify Yale Fire Code Compliance Staff and Yale Police of the event.
Contact the Cabaret Production Manager for the “fire watch, fire extinguisher”, from the Cabaret. It needs to be placed near the grill and someone needs to be assigned to the grill the entire time it is ON and hot.
Charcoal grill: make sure to douse the coals at the end and ensure that they are cold before leaving. Only use self-lighting charcoal.
PROCESS FOR APPLICATION
To submit the Event Request Form, enter your name below and verify that you have read and agree to this party policy. Verify that the space you would like to use is available through Spacebook. (While you should reserve the space as soon as possible, the event will not be confirmed until the Request Form has been approved)
The event form must include specifics related to each of the items noted above, and any other pertinent information/issues.
The form will be reviewed, approved and returned with any changes to the Organizer(s) at least 2 weeks before the party. Final approval will be given by Associate Dean Chantal Rodriguez.
Security & safety issues will be coordinated through the Director of Theatre Safety & Occupational Health. A tour of the venue must be coordinated with the Director of Theatre Safety & Occupational Health one week prior to the event.
The organizer(s) must make sure that all aspects of clean up and cleaning are completed.
Party organizers will email a report to Associate Dean (Chantal Rodriguez) and Director of Theatre Safety & Occupational Health (Anna Glover) following the party which will include the tracked guest list, and confirming that the event went smoothly or to discuss any accidents, injuries, or concerns.
If the party is located within 217 Park Street, you must notify both Stephen Davis, the Head of Pierson College, stephen.davis@yale.edu, and Jorge M. Torres jorge.torres@yale.edu, the Dean of Pierson College in advance of the party, so they are aware it's happening. Give them the cell phone number of the person attending and monitoring so that they can call if there are noise complaints from their students during the party. Please copy nadir.balin@yale.edu in this email.