Stanford Report, September 23, 2009

H1N1 flu concerns spur Stanford officials to cancel Full Moon on the Quad

Concerns about the spread of the H1N1 flu have prompted the cancellation of Stanford's annual Full Moon on the Quad.

The decision to cancel the event was made by Vice Provost for Student Affairs Greg Boardman, based on a recommendation from a committee comprising senior managers at Vaden Health Center, Residential Education, Student Life, and Student Activities and Leadership.

Traditionally, Full Moon on the Quad involves freshmen being kissed at midnight by seniors under the first full moon of Autumn Quarter. The event was tentatively scheduled for early October and was to have been sponsored by the Class of 2012.

In making their recommendation to Boardman, committee members cited the experiences with H1N1 flu at other colleges and universities that have opened for fall classes earlier than Stanford. They said their investigations revealed a correlation between social events and the potential spread of the H1N1 virus.

"Given that young people are considered at high risk for H1N1, it would be unconscionable for us to hold Full Moon on the Quad," Boardman said. "It is a popular event and a great tradition, but it is too risky given the prevalence and virulence of H1N1. We hope students understand that this is an unprecedented situation, and that we have a collective responsibility to look out for each other's welfare. This just isn't the year to risk Full Moon on the Quad."

Boardman said he also consulted members of the Infectious Disease Control Working Group, which is responsible for coordinating the university's pandemic planning. Group co-chairs Larry Gibbs, associate vice provost for environmental health and safety, and Ira Friedman, director of Vaden Health Center, supported the decision.

"Given the circumstances and the likelihood that Stanford will be affected by H1N1, Full Moon is a recipe for disaster," Friedman said.

Added Robyn Tepper, director of medical services at Vaden, which is already seeing and treating students with flu symptoms, "It would be irresponsible for us as a community to promote a campus event that would put so many students at risk."