Dear Students,

This Saturday is Halloween, combined with a rare full blue moon, and Daylight-Saving Time.  And, there’s a pandemic happening.  It’s 2020, right?  Our goal is to keep everyone healthy and remain in-person on campus until Fall Break. To do these things, we need your help.

There are real risks on Halloween, such as spreading COVID-19, increased sexual misconduct and sexual assault, and other behaviors that go against our Principles of Community and the Student Conduct Code.

Off-Campus Life put together some tips related to hosting a gathering while also minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19.  Please remember that just two weeks after Halloween, many of you may be planning to be with family or friends over Fall Break. An outbreak of COVID-19 would impact your plans if you’re in quarantine/isolation or accidentally bring it with you wherever you’re going.

Our university Victim’s Assistance Team and Women and Gender Advocacy Center report that they learn of more sexual assaults than usual occurring during the week of Halloween. National statistics prove that more than 50 percent of all college sexual assaults occur in the fall (August, September, October or November). More than 95 percent of all sexual assaults experienced by students, including students here at CSU, are committed by someone the assault survivor knows.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Follow public health guidelines (physically distance, choose outdoor activities, and wear a mask, even when you’re with friends as even small gatherings can and do spread COVID-19)
• Halloween is not an excuse to grab someone’s body or engage in sexual activity without their consent.
• Consent is a clear, sober yes. “Slow down,” “I’m not sure,” “We should wait” are not consent.
• Halloween is not an excuse to engage in street harassment, such as making sexual, racial, or harassing comments to someone. (And, here’s a checklist about costume choices, too.)
• If you choose to drink, do so legally and responsibly. For your own safety and the safety of your friends, focus on moderation. Set a limit for yourself and stick to it. Alternate alcohol with water and eat before, during, and after drinking.
• Pour your own drinks and keep them in your possession at all times. Do not take drinks from other people.
• If you are concerned about a student’s welfare as a result of excessive alcohol or drug use immediately contact law enforcement, medical personnel, or University staff and you will qualify for a Responsible Action Exemption.
• Halloween is not an excuse to act without a filter or consideration of others, such as vandalizing property that is not yours or getting in a fight.
• If you see something that doesn’t seem right, do something. Trust your instincts. When you feel uneasy, get out of the situation immediately. Stand up for each other and help those who also may need to get out of a situation.
• Consider using the buddy system and travel in groups. It is also a good idea to carry a cell phone, stick to well-traveled areas, and use a flashlight after dark.
• Ask for help if you need it, and reach out to university resources for support for those who may be going through a difficult time. If you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed, it is OK to ask for help. To speak with a counselor, call 970-491-6053 or stop by the CSU Health and Medical Center during business hours, or visit health.colostate.edu for resources.
• If you are worried about a friend, please seek help through Tell Someone.

Make wise choices this weekend. And, remember: Rams Take Care, Rams Take Action.

Have fun and be safe,

Blanche
Blanche Hughes, VP for Student Affairs