Communications

Date: Mar 1, 2010

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Subject: Spring Break Safety, Including Haiti Travel Warning

Dear Students:

As many of you plan to leave the Grounds this week for home, service trips, and popular Spring Break destinations, I am writing with several important safety reminders.

TRAVEL TO HAITI STILL STRONGLY DISCOURAGED

Last week, the State Department issued the latest in a series of travel warnings for Haiti. All non-emergency government personnel have been ordered to leave, and citizens are being urged not to travel there. Conditions in Haiti remain dire. Food, water, housing, and transportation continue to be in short supply. The potential of additional aftershocks is very real. Poor sanitation and general destruction of the earthquake-struck area pose numerous health and safety risks. The State Department points out that while the desire of volunteers to help is well-intended and commendable, their presence right now only adds to the burden of an already difficult situation.

Because of our concern for students’ safety and in light of this warning, the University is asking students not to attempt to travel to Haiti. To read the latest advisory regarding Haiti from the State Department, please see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_4632.html

Cash donations continue to be the best way to help Haiti. Various student activities here at the University, such as concerts and other fundraisers, have raised more than $86,000 to contribute toward relief efforts. My thanks to everyone who has joined, and continues to help, in these efforts.

TRAVEL ABROAD

If you will be traveling abroad during Spring Break, be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws of the country or countries you will be visiting, especially with regard to alcohol usage. Also, make certain you take with you all necessary documents, such as your passport.

The State Department’s travel page offers a wealth of information, country by country, about safety and security, entry and exit requirements, embassy locations, and more. Please see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

SAFETY IN GENERAL

Safety is part of personal responsibility, whether traveling across town or around the world. The following precautions are good to take at any time, but especially when visiting an unfamiliar area:

• Do not walk or jog alone after dark. If you have no choice, then call a friend and let her or him know your route and what time you expect to be home.
• Do not leave a friend alone, especially if he or she has been drinking and may not be thinking clearly. Alcohol is often a factor in sexual assault and other crimes.
• Lock your car when driving and after exiting it.
• Know how to get help. If you are in a safe situation, offer help yourself, but if your own safety is uncertain, call on authorities. If you are on the Grounds, never hesitate to call 911.

I hope each of you will enjoy a restful and most of all – safe – Spring Break.

Sincerely,
Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer