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Message about Halloween safety tips from Dean of Students and ASM

October 27, 2004

Dear UW–Madison student,

Halloween is now only days away! As you’ve been dreaming up and designing that knock-’em-off-their-feet costume, the city of Madison has spent months planning for a safe, fun and problem-free All Hallow’s Eve celebration on Saturday, Oct. 30.

But we need your help. You can help ensure that this year’s Halloween yields both wonderful memories and safe revelry for everyone by keeping in mind the following:

  • Ensure that your friends do not overconsume alcohol or other drugs
  • Always obtain clear consent from potential sex partners before romancing them
  • Refrain from participating in or escalating any potential ruckus or fray
  • Look out for your friends and help them stay out of trouble
  • Choose a creative costume that does not denigrate the racial, ethnic or cultural heritage of others
  • Cooperate with law enforcement officials or members of the Dean of Students staff who will be patrolling State Street and the adjacent blocks
  • If State Street isn’t your scene, there are many other sporting, music and Union events taking place around campus. For more information about keeping yourself safe on State Street or during other Halloween weekend events, visit: http://www.news.wisc.edu/10325.html

Finally, keep in mind that the anonymity you may feel from wearing a mask or costume does not negate your rights or responsibilities as a Madison resident or a UW–Madison student.

Students engaging in criminal behavior that impacts other members of the university community — on or off campus — can face sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion, both of which may affect your student status at UW–Madison.

The Student Advocacy and Judicial Affairs staff will review every case of student criminal behavior for possible application of non-academic misconduct under University of Wisconsin System Administrative Code, Chapter 17. Likewise, information about criminal behavior by friends or guests from other colleges or universities will be forwarded back to the student affairs staff on their home campus.

Also, please remember that the Madison Police Department, District Attorney’s office and the City Attorney’s office are planning to aggressively prosecute cases and that fines have been increased substantially.

Let’s help make this the best Halloween celebration ever and show the world that we know how to party hard, but party smart!

Luoluo Hong
Dean of Students

Emily McWilliams
Chair, Associated Students of Madison