Halloween Safety

Dear Students: 

We hope everyone is settling in to a great semester and enjoying this wonderful fall weather!  We’re reaching out to share with you some spooktacular events, as well as some tips and resources to keep you healthy and safe over the Halloween weekend. 

Halloween Fun 
It’s Family Weekend, so lots will be going on for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a sampling: 

Cavalier Marching Band Dress Rehearsal: Haunted Hooville Halftime Show 
Friday, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Carr's Hill Field 
Bring a picnic and a blanket and watch the UVA Cavalier Marching Band as they prepare for their Halloween-themed halftime show.  
 
The Great Rotumpkin 
Friday – Monday, 7 – 11 p.m., University Avenue Side of Rotunda 
The Rotunda gets spooky-scary as vignettes and haunting music cycle over the outside of the historic structure. Free food, games, merch, and other surprises. More information. 

First-Year Council Football Tailgate 
Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – noon, O-Hill   
Grab a gameday-themed meal from O-Hill Dining Hall, then join other first-year students and families for outdoor lawn games and fun before heading off to Scott Stadium for the 12:30 kickoff. 

Culturefest 
Saturday, 1:30 – 5 p.m., Amphitheater or Newcomb Ballroom (rain location) 
A longstanding Family Weekend tradition, celebrate cultural diversity at UVA with student-led CIOs. 

Celebrating Safely 
Because of the celebratory nature of Halloween and the possible anonymity of wearing a costume, some students find they may be using alcohol differently this weekend – either drinking for the first time or drinking more than usual.  We are heartened that most UVA students are responsible when it comes to alcohol use and doing their part to be active bystanders and intervening when they notice a potentially problematic situation. This is positive and absolutely critical to keep our community safe. Thank you. 

Remember PUBS 
Although the vast majority of students either don’t drink or are committed to drinking responsibly, we also know that students may come across someone who needs help.   
If you do need help, never hesitate to call 911 if you see even one of the PUBS signs or even if you are not certain it is an alcohol emergency.  

Puking while passed out 
Unresponsive to pinching or shaking 
Breathing is irregular, slow, shallow, or stopped OR 
Skin is blue, cold, or clammy. For people with darker skin, check for pale lips or nail beds. 

Call, Care, Cooperate
For details on how to help others in an alcohol emergency, check out the Call, Care, Cooperate resource from your Peer Health Educators. It’s important to know: UVA will not pursue disciplinary action (for personal consumption of alcohol or other drugs) against the person being helped and the person who asked for help. This applies to calling 911 or getting a RA/SR to help in a potential emergency situation.  

Safer Strategies   
Additionally, we encourage all of you to make decisions this Halloween weekend that protect your health and safety and do not negatively affect friends and others around you.  If you or your friends choose to use substances, consider these safer strategies: 

• Make a plan with friends and help each other stick to the plan. 
• Sip on and/or pace alcoholic drinks to one or fewer per hour. 
• Eat protein before and while drinking. 
• Stick to a drink limit. 
• Watch the drink being made and do not leave it unattended. 
• Avoid mixing alcohol with other medications/drugs. 
• Be aware that cannabis ingredient labels and serving sizes are often inaccurate, so side effects can be unpredictable. 
• Utilize all safety resources, such as UTS OnDemand and Safe Walk, as well as the UVA Ambassadors in vehicles and on patrol.  Also, don’t forget to download the TimelyCare app so you can access free, virtual mental health care if and when you need it. 

Finally, out of respect for all, please be sensitive to how others might perceive your costume.  

Thank you for taking responsibility for your own safety as well as that of other community members.  Have a fun and safe Halloween! 

Sincerely, 

Robyn S. Hadley 
Vice President and Dean of Students 
Chief Student Affairs Officer 

Dr. Christopher P. Holstege 
Executive Director, Student Health and Wellness