Dear Highlanders,

Congratulations on making it through the winter quarter successfully. We hope you are able to have an enjoyable and restful spring break.

With spring break right around the corner, your Health, Well-being & Safety team urges you to make spring break memorable by having fun and helping yourself, your friends, and others stay safe and healthy with these safety tips.



•    Don’t take chances if staying at a hotel. Lock the doors, and secure important belongings like passports and wallets in the safe. Avoid telling new acquaintances your hotel or room number. You never know who has innocent or dangerous intentions.

•    Use the buddy system. Do not leave a party with a stranger and establish a place to meet your friends in advance if you get separated. It’s best to take a friend with you. If for whatever reason you do leave without your friends, give them details about where you’re going and when to expect you back.

•    Create a code word. Create a secret signal or code word to let your friends know when you're uncomfortable and need them to intervene. 

•    Practice safe drinking. Take turns so that one friend in the group per night will plan on minimal drinking to help look out for everyone. Other good habits include watching your cup or glass, so others cannot drug you and only accept drinks that you’ve watched get made or poured in front of you. Don’t drink and drive; alcohol can impair your judgement and actions.

•    Situational Awareness. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Do not display your valuables (money, jewelry, etc.) in public.  Stay in well-lighted areas when possible. If you feel uncomfortable, move to a well-populated area.

•    If you need help, ask for it. If there’s an emergency, do not only rely on a bystander to call for help. Call for help yourself to be sure first responders or police know you need assistance.

 

We look forward to your safe return for the start of spring quarter.