Halloween Message

from the Dean of Students

Dear Students,

Halloween is quickly approaching, and we know many of you will celebrate on campus and in the community. We hope you will make smart and safe decisions no matter how you choose to participate.

Don’t forget there are plenty of events on campus between now and Halloween, including spooky movies in the Damen Cinema and Dia de Los Muertos festivities! For on-campus residents, many residence halls are also planning special activities in celebration of Halloween; check with your resident assistants for details.

Here are a few tips to help our entire community celebrate in a safe and inclusive environment:

• Avoid high-risk behaviors involving alcohol. If you choose to drink, be responsible and check out these tips. If you are under 21, understand the consequences of fake IDs and underage drinking.
• Use 8-RIDE by calling 773.508.RIDE (7433) or using 8-RIDE Mobile. All available vans will be deployed from 6:30 p.m.-4 a.m. on Halloween weekend—on Saturday, October 27, and Sunday, October 28—and Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31.
• Travel with a group of friends, stay alert, and remember not all people in costumes or in masks are friendly—be aware of who is around you.
• Also remember that cultural, ethnic, and religious identities are not costumes, and choosing a costume that demeans or stereotypes others can cause real harm within our community.
• Respect peers’ decisions not to drink.
• Look out for each other, and remember Loyola’s Good Samaritan Policy.
• Be respectful of our neighbors and our neighborhood. If you are hosting a social gathering at an off-campus residence, be a good neighbor and a responsible host as is required by law.

As always, remember the Student Promise—care for yourself, care for others, and care for the community—and have a Happy Halloween.

Sincerely,

William Rodriguez
Assistant Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students