Ohio University prepares for Athens' Halloween event

By Jack Jeffery

Precautions are being taken across campus as Ohio University readies for the annual City of Athens Halloween Street Party the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 2. The University's focus remains on guarding the personal safety of students and protecting campus property.

Personal safety
With the influx of visitors from out of town, there is an increased potential for individuals to use anonymity to their advantage, and Ohio University students are urged to exercise increased caution this weekend.

In preparation for the weekend, University police department personnel are conducting approximately 20 training sessions with campus groups on personal safety and illegal activities to avoid during Halloween weekend.

Campus security
Law enforcement officers and staff members will patrol campus throughout the weekend and will be bolstered by officers from outside departments who will assist the Ohio University Police Department. Staff employees and volunteers include about 85 classified staff employees who will work Friday and Saturday night and approximately 70 administrators who have volunteered to work Saturday. Approximately 25 Ohio University Police Department officers will be on duty.

Parking
To reduce the flow of out-of-town visitors through campus, University parking lots will be restricted to vehicles with Ohio University parking tags and student vehicles registered with the Ohio University Police Department from 3 p.m. Friday until about noon Sunday.

Also, most campus parking lots will be limited to one entrance/exit. Parking for out-of-town visitors will be available at the county fairgrounds and other locations throughout the city.

Residence life
Each student living in a residence hall is allowed one guest, who must be registered with the residence hall. All guests will be given wristbands, which must be worn to enter residence halls. Ohio University students have the choice of wearing the wristband or showing their student ID cards. Residents are responsible for any damage caused by their guests.

Last year 4,543 guests were pre-registered, and 3,180 guests actually arrived for the weekend. There are 7,500 Ohio University students living in the 41 residence halls on campus.

Alternative events
The University is also planning a slate of social events for the weekend to offer students alternatives to the Halloween festival. A listing will be posted on University Web sites when complete.

Jack Jeffery is a media specialist with University Communications and Marketing.