Party hearty, but party safely
Ann Delaney
Issue date: 2/2/06 Section: News
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So the weather is getting colder, snow and ice are beginning to cover the sidewalks leading to the bar, and if you live in an off-campus house you are probably thinking, "Hey, we should throw a party!"
With house parties playing a large role in Wittenberg's social scene, this doesn't seem to be too out of the ordinary on campus, but how do you throw a fun, yet safe, party without ending up a statistic or having to meet with the chief of police or dean of students the next day? Easy. According to Carl Loney, Wittenberg's Chief of Police and Director of Security, students should "take a proactive approach."
This "proactive approach" includes many ways that students can safely celebrate and indulge while protecting themselves, their guests, and their belongings while also complying with university guidelines and security officers. Loney stressed that security's main purpose is that they are "here to serve" and, contrary to what some students may think, they are not out to spoil everyone's fun but to "protect the safety and welfare of the students."
One main thing to keep in mind that Loney strongly stressed is "do not be too over-trusting." Loney said that most of the dangerous incidents that occur during house parties have to do with individuals not associated with Wittenberg. These people, whether coming back from the bars or just off the street, "tailgate" Wittenberg students and find it easy to take advantage of students, who often have overindulged or let their guard down. These incidents include assault, vandalism, and theft.
Some ways to prevent people you don't know from entering your party include asking for Wittenberg IDs at the door and keeping your party under 50 people so you can control your guests and be able to know mostly everyone there.
Mark Holt, head of security's Prevention Program, said, "If things get too out of control, you always have the right to break the party up." Holt also mentioned that if you are too scared or nervous to ask someone to leave your house, calling security to come and assess the problem is always an option.
With house parties playing a large role in Wittenberg's social scene, this doesn't seem to be too out of the ordinary on campus, but how do you throw a fun, yet safe, party without ending up a statistic or having to meet with the chief of police or dean of students the next day? Easy. According to Carl Loney, Wittenberg's Chief of Police and Director of Security, students should "take a proactive approach."
This "proactive approach" includes many ways that students can safely celebrate and indulge while protecting themselves, their guests, and their belongings while also complying with university guidelines and security officers. Loney stressed that security's main purpose is that they are "here to serve" and, contrary to what some students may think, they are not out to spoil everyone's fun but to "protect the safety and welfare of the students."
One main thing to keep in mind that Loney strongly stressed is "do not be too over-trusting." Loney said that most of the dangerous incidents that occur during house parties have to do with individuals not associated with Wittenberg. These people, whether coming back from the bars or just off the street, "tailgate" Wittenberg students and find it easy to take advantage of students, who often have overindulged or let their guard down. These incidents include assault, vandalism, and theft.
Some ways to prevent people you don't know from entering your party include asking for Wittenberg IDs at the door and keeping your party under 50 people so you can control your guests and be able to know mostly everyone there.
Mark Holt, head of security's Prevention Program, said, "If things get too out of control, you always have the right to break the party up." Holt also mentioned that if you are too scared or nervous to ask someone to leave your house, calling security to come and assess the problem is always an option.
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