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Dear OHIO student,
I hope this note finds you well and enjoying a productive fall quarter. I'm writing to provide you with some important reminders about the upcoming Athens Halloween celebration this Saturday. Although this is not a University-sponsored activity, many of you and your guests may choose to participate in it.
History indicates that much of the high-risk behavior that occurs in Athens during Halloween is the result of guests who demonstrate less of a commitment to and investment in our community. I know from talking to many of you throughout the fall quarter that you love this beautiful institution and respect the City of Athens. I am asking for your help to encourage personal and civic responsibility to ensure a safe Halloween for you, your guests, and our community.
Here is some information that may be helpful:
Have a plan in place. Talk to your roommates or housemates about guests who are coming. How many are there and where will they stay? Decide together that you want guests to respect your home and the rules governing our community.
Talk to your guests. Let them know that you want them to have a fun visit and that you do not want trouble for anyone. Ask them to respect your home and to abide by the policies of the University and the laws of the City of Athens.
Confront those who cross the line. You know what type of behavior is appropriate or not. If your friend or guest is crossing the line, challenge them to act appropriately. If they are not making smart decisions, give them advice on how to do so.
Use good judgment in choosing a costume. The Athens and Ohio University communities take pride in being diverse and welcoming. Please avoid costumes that:
- are sexually, racially, or ethnically offensive;
- include anything that is, or could be used as or confused as a weapon; or
- impersonate a law enforcement official or simulate law enforcement activities
Get help for those who need it. Remember that being a part of the Ohio University community means that we help each other when we are in need.
- The Medical Emergency Assistance (MEA) program allows you to call for help for a fellow student who is in need of medical attention without the fear of university disciplinary action, so be sure to call 911 for help if you see someone who needs it.
- The Sexual Assault Advocate will be on campus and available during the Halloween event. If you or a friend need to talk to the advocate, please call 740-597-SAFE (7233).
- Lastly, it is a good idea to have the numbers of the Police Departments programmed into your cell phone in case of a situation where you may need help or advice, but it is not necessary to call 911. Ohio University Police Department Dispatch is 740-593-1911 and the Athens City Police Dispatch is 740-592-3313.
- You can also ask for help from any one of us who will be present at the Halloween celebration. Look for University faculty and staff in the green jackets around campus and uptown this Saturday.
Remember our code of conduct. Our student discipline system is based on the Student Code of Conduct. Students will be referred to University Judiciaries for misbehavior that occurs on or off-campus. Students living in residence halls will be held accountable for any misbehavior of their guests. As a reference, during the spring quarter fests, a total of 281 students were referred to University Judiciaries. Of those referrals, 20 students were suspended, and 19 others with serious cases chose not to come back to OHIO on their own. Of the cases that have been resolved, 198 students are now on disciplinary probation and will more likely than not be suspended for any additional behavioral violations.
Please remember that we all have a shared responsibility for upholding the standards of Ohio University and respecting the City of Athens. I know that you will continue to represent the University with pride this Halloween weekend and I appreciate your efforts to do so.
Sincerely, Ryan Lombardi  Dean of Students
The Division of Student Affairs
Creating Community, Cultivating Leaders
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