Communications

Date: October 26, 2007

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President Chief Student Affairs Officer  <vpsa@virginia.edu>

Subject: Celebrating Halloween and other activities with safety and caution

Dear Students:

This coming week marks a time when student safety is of special concern to me and many others within our community. Halloween comes in the middle of the week, and a home football game takes place on Saturday, Nov. 3. You are dealing with the pressures of midterms and looking forward to the Thanksgiving break. The weather is changing, and darkness comes sooner in the evening.

All these factors, either individually or in combination, may pose situations where you or your friends take risks that you normally would not take. I encourage you to be smart, to think about your personal safety, and to take some simple steps to be safe, especially if you are celebrating.

A few reminders:

* If you plan to attend costume parties, go in a group with other people whom you know and trust.

* Recognize that alcohol influences decision making and judgment. If you are intoxicated, you place yourself at a much greater risk for injury, unwanted sexual contact, or a citation from the police. Set a drink limit for yourself and stick to it.

* Avoid wearing a costume that inhibits or restricts your ability to see or run. Some people may take advantage of being unrecognizable in a Halloween costume. Make sure you are in an environment where you can easily get help or get away from someone who is threatening your safety in any way.

* Use special caution when crossing the street or riding a bicycle. Do not let yourself be distracted by music or a cellphone conversation. Make sure motorists see you before you cross.

* Make a plan to get home safely. If you do not have a sober driver, know that the UTS buses run until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. You can also call Yellow Cab at 295-4131, charge the ride to U.Va. and be billed later that month -- no questions asked.

* Always carry photo identification and make sure your friends carry identification and phone numbers with them in case they become incapacitated for any reason.

Enjoy the weekend with your parents if they are coming for Family Weekend, and best wishes for a safe and happy week to follow.

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer