Dear Students,
As we approach the final weekend in October, it is important for the Institute to remind you of the risks you face and responsibilities you have associated with Halloween. While we want students to enjoy this festive holiday, we want to make sure you do so in a manner that is smart and safe.
There are many reasons to be extra cautious this time of year. On a regular basis, local and national headlines continuously report on the significant consequences related to underage and/or binge drinking.
Locally,
- Alcohol fuels group-think, which leads to physical assaults, riots, and other major incidents that have happened in Boston and on New England college campuses.
- Most arrests of college students are caused by behaviors linked to alcohol use.
Nationally,
- 1,825 college students annually lose their lives to alcohol-related injuries.
- This includes but is not limited to accidents, physical assaults, drunk driving, asphyxiation, and alcohol poisoning.
- At least 50 percent of college sexual assaults are associated with alcohol use. *
To avoid placing yourself or others at risk, please review and follow these guidelines:
- Understand that drinking or possessing alcohol under the age of 21 years is against the law.
- Understand the risks of underage and binge drinking—including but not limited to injury and inability to make safe decisions.
- Understand the importance of friends traveling together, staying together, and leaving together.
- Understand the importance of knowing where you are and where exits are located.
- Understand the importance of knowing the safety risks of being in large crowds.
- Understand the importance of not gathering on porches or decks that could collapse.
- Understand the importance of not taking beverages from other people or leaving your drink unattended. Drugging through drinks can happen to you or someone you know.
- Understand the importance of not walking alone, especially at night.
- Understand that use of mobile devices can make you unaware of what’s going on around you.
- Understand the importance of complying with Boston Police should they arrive at a party/location where you are.
- Understand that long-time residents of Mission Hill and other local neighborhoods want to celebrate Halloween, too. They shouldn’t have to deal with disruptive and illegal college parties or poor behavior.
If you lease an apartment in the neighborhood,
- Understand your responsibilities as a leaseholder and the risks you assume for allowing underage drinking to occur in your place of residence. Possible consequences include separation from the Institute, arrest, criminal prosecution, and civil proceedings.
- Understand your inability to control attendance at your residence during parties, and know that you are responsible for what happens there.
While Wentworth understands the excitement and celebration that surrounds Halloween and the need for you to enjoy weekends, it is committed to providing you with information to help you avoid putting yourselves, your friends and others at risk of injury and the consequences of illegal or irresponsible behaviors.
It is also important for you to know the resources and services available to you on and off campus, should you or someone you know need assistance:
Non-confidential:
- Department of Public Safety, 617.989.4400
- Boston Police Department, 911
- Office of Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Annamaria Wenner, 617.989.4410
- Title IX Coordinator, Vice President for Human Resources, Margaret Card, 617.989.4192
Confidential:
- The Center for Wellness, 617.989.4390
- Wentworth’s Anonymous/Confidential Reporting Line: EthicsPoint Online:
- ethicspoint.com or 855.353.9143
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, 24 hour Hotline, 800.841.8371
- Samaritans Suicide Prevention, 24 hour Hotline, 877.870.4673
Each Friday, I end my week by sending the following simple tweet, “Be safe. Be smart. Take care of each other. And, always, make me proud.“ I thank you in advance for doing this not only this weekend, but every day.
All my best,
Dean Wenner
*http://www.campussafetymagazine.com/article/Sexual-Assault-Statistics-and-Myths