Saturday, October 7th – the first night that freshmen are allowed on Greek property – is almost here. At eight o’clock on Saturday morning, freshmen are officially allowed on sorority, fraternity, and all Greek live-out properties. This is the night freshmen have been waiting for all semester; however, it is important for everyone, especially freshmen, to be safe and responsible that night.
Vice President Alan Hill sent an email recently expressing the university’s concern regarding alcohol consumption on DePauw’s campus. Because of the increased number of hospitalizations and high BACs, DePauw has implemented new alcohol policies that are effective now and will be effective the night of October 7th. Vice President Hill wrote in his email that individual students under the age of 21 that are found possessing hard alcohol will receive a fine of $250. In addition to this, DePauw Student Academic Life staff and Public Safety officers will be conducting more frequent rounds on campus. Students who are caught with hard alcohol will not only be reprimanded on campus, but citations will also be issued to the Putnam County court system.
Of course, Saturday night is supposed to be an enjoyable night in which freshmen are able to meet and get to know other students on campus. It’s an exciting night for freshmen, and it is also exciting for other students who have not had to opportunity to meet many new students. Everyone wants to have a good time that night, and it is absolutely possible to do so while staying safe and being responsible. Girls, let us make it a goal to watch out for one another – whether you know the person or not, if you see someone that needs to go home, offer to help her or to find someone who does know her and can take her home safely. Never walk alone; always use the buddy system!
As Vice President Hill stated in his email, it is so important that we all look out for each other. He wants all students to remember the Indiana Lifeline Law and the DePauw Safe Community Initiative, which states that “students who call for help, stay with their peer and cooperate when officials arrive, will have amnesty from any citations or Community Standards charges.” If you know someone who needs help, get them that help. However, the best option is to hold each other accountable and make sure we are all being responsible while having a good time. If you and your friends decide to drink, consider alternating drinks with water. This will not only prevent you from high-risk behaviors, but it will also help with the hangover on Sunday! All great things!
So, throw on your favorite outfit and have an awesome time Saturday night, but make sure you are staying safe. A safe, responsible, and fun night will surely lead to more; however, an unsafe, irresponsible, and unfortunate night will only have negative outcomes. Let’s have fun and keep each other accountable this weekend! Freshmen, you are so close!