Campus Life

5 Campus Safety Resources Every Student Should Know About

Safety on college campuses is important, and luckily the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has tons of resources to help students feel more comfortable living on and around the Syracuse University campus. It’s extremely important to be well-informed on the services the University offers—it’s always good to be prepared!

Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Classes

DPS is hosting self-defense courses for women during the entire month of February. The R.A.D. program operates on a national level, and courses held at the University will be taught by nationally certified instructors. Classes will be held every Sunday in February from 6-9 p.m. in the Skybarn on South Campus, and you can register by contacting Michael Patsos at 315.443.8778 or mpatsos@syr.edu. These courses are a great opportunity to learn about prevention, awareness and physical defense tactics, and will hopefully make you feel more comfortable walking around campus!

Orange Alert

Orange Alert is the University’s system for sending notifications to students in times of crisis. When an event occurs that threatens campus safety, students will receive a text, call and email with a short description of the event and further safety instructions. The University tests the Orange Alert system regularly, with an upcoming test scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9, at 12:25 p.m. If you wish to view or change your Orange Alert contact information, you can do so through the “Personal Profile” section on MySlice.

Orange Safe App

While many students have probably been told to download this app, most are probably unaware of all the great features they’d have access to with Orange Safe on their phones. One of these include On Campus BlueLight where, with a push of a button, a student can send their location to and call the DPS Emergency Communications Center. Additionally, students can utilize Safe Walk, which allows them to send their location to a friend who can then track them in real time. Those viewing someone’s location can also choose to call emergency services if needed. These are only two of the many helpful features on the app, and downloading it to your smartphone should make late-night walks home feel much less intimidating!

Safety Escort Shuttle

Parking and Transportation Services offers a safety escort shuttle for students who are unable to catch the Centro bus or the trolley. Shuttles can be requested through the Orange Safe app from 8 p.m.-6 a.m., which is extremely helpful if you ever find yourself stranded somewhere during the wee hours of the night! The only downside to this feature is that wait times for rides can be up to 90 minutes long; if possible, DPS recommends walking in groups of three or more in well-lit areas to avoid potential safety threats. It’s also important to note that the safety escort service is intended for safety, not for convenience.

Bicycle, Scooter and Skateboard Registration

Syracuse students are well aware that thefts can occur anywhere and anytime. If you want to rest easier with the knowledge that your modes of transportation are safe, register them with DPS. After the registration form is completed, an officer will assign a registration number to your vehicle, which will make it easier to track in the event it gets stolen.

Hopefully these resources will help you either prevent a potentially unsafe situation, or know what to do should you find yourself in one. Safety is arguably the most important aspect of living on a college campus, so practice protecting yourself and your peers. Stay safe out there!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

My Central Europe Study Abroad Experience

In the fall of 2021, I studied abroad in Wrocław, Poland, through Syracuse University’s Exploring Central Europe program. During my semester there, we explored themes based around identity, history and politics in the context of Central Europe, with particular emphasis on the 20th century. I was drawn to this program because it offered the unique opportunity to gain a truly comprehensive understanding of a country’s past and contemporary influences of its history.

Our professors taught a variety of uniquely interesting and engaging subjects such as Polish language, Central European history and Polish culture through film. Additionally, I was able to pursue my interest in environmental justice through virtual participation in a course offered at the University’s London Center called Climates of Resistance. Intersecting my two experiences, I was able to explore both of my passions through the ethnographic research projects we produced and published on Urban Labs.

What exceeded my initial expectations was our two-week signature seminar and weekend trips, which took us to each region and major city of the country. Our journey took us to the cities of Gdańsk, Lublin, Kraków, Warsaw and Berlin (a visit beyond Poland), in addition to excursions to smaller towns in Poland’s countryside, where we were hosted by foundations engaged in peacebuilding and reconciliation. These trips bonded our cohort as we collectively navigated rich new spaces while also reckoning with atrocities committed in the same places.

The staff that organized and taught this program were always available to answer questions, not just related to academics; they were genuinely invested in our well-being. Almost half of our program ate a plant-based diet, and our directors went to great lengths so that we could still experience the local cuisine despite our dietary restrictions, which was a concern I had pre-departure. Our phenomenal staff member, Anita, relayed information about activities and cultural events going on within Wrocław (vegan food festivals, museum exhibitions, comedy nights, etc.) that helped us become acquainted with the city as a whole. One of my favorite memories was when she had our cohort over to her apartment and taught us how to make pierogis from scratch!

During my three months in Poland, I took my first solo-travel trip, met incredible people from across the world, and gained invaluable knowledge about myself and Central European history. This program is unique in both the academic and personal growth it encourages, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing either!

Exploring Central Europe is a theme-based program focused on history, memories and identities across borders. This fall-only program travels to several different locations throughout Poland and Central Europe, investigating cultural sites tied to World War II, the Holocaust and the Soviet rule. This program is a great fit for students majoring in international relations, policy studies, political science, communications and history!

Interested in Exploring Central Europe? Apply by March 15 to study abroad for the Fall 2023 semester!

Written By Sophie Creager-Roberts ’24, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences, Exploring Central Europe ’21

5 Things to Do Before You Leave Campus for Break

Winter break is almost here! As you finish up your classwork and get ready to depart campus for the semester, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Below is an overview of some of the important tasks to accomplish before you head out for break.

Provide an Anticipated Checkout Time on MySlice

Double-check your finals schedule and see when you can leave campus. Residential students must leave on-campus housing within 24 hours after their last final or by noon on December 17, whichever comes first. Keep this in mind when selecting a checkout time!

Prep Your Room for Time Away

As you pack up to leave campus for a month, don’t forget to remove all trash and any perishables from your dorm or apartment. You also need to unplug all appliances and defrost your mini-fridge, close and lock all windows, turn off the lights and lock your door when you leave.

Check Your Mail

Double-check that you have retrieved all mail and packages. Make sure that you have rescheduled or postponed the delivery of any packages set to arrive during the break. This is especially important if you live on South Campus, as packages will otherwise continue to be delivered right to your apartment door over break.

Move Out Entirely If You’re Relocating Next Semester

If you’re relocating to another housing assignment or otherwise not returning to campus next semester, it is essential that all personal belongings are removed when you depart campus. Anything left behind in your room or apartment after you leave will be considered abandoned and will be donated or disposed of. Make sure to update your address for your mail and deliveries. Once your belongings are moved out and you’re ready to leave, turn in your key(s) to your residence’s main desk staff.

Plan Your Spring Return

Residence halls reopen for the Spring 2023 semester on January 13 at 9 a.m. This is the earliest you can return to on-campus housing, so it’s important to plan your return trip around this date!

You can visit the Student Living website for the complete list of winter departure requirements. The Peel wishes you a safe and happy winter break!

Written By Charlotte Shea ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Meet the Pet Therapy Pups

Finals week is upon us, and for most that means spiraling into a bottomless pit of anxiety. Lucky for us, however, we have a group of four-legged friends at the Barnes Center at The Arch to help us through it! Consider this your inside look at the most popular Pet Therapy pups, because we all need some good boys and girls in our lives right now.

Marcy

Therapy dog MarcyMarcy is a 6-year-old black lab who usually visits the Barnes Center on Wednesdays with her handler, Sue Ellen. Marcy is an active dog who loves hiking, frolicking in the snow and playing with her beloved soccer ball. When her therapy vest goes on she becomes extremely mellow, making her the perfect pup to relax with! When she’s not at Syracuse University, you can find Marcy at the airport providing support to anxious travelers, or in elementary schools listening to children read her stories. Fun fact: She is named after Mount Marcy, the tallest mountain in New York!

Clayton

Therapy dog ClaytonClayton is basically a celebrity around the Barnes Center—he even comes with his own business card! He can usually be found in the Pet Therapy room Wednesday evenings with his handlers, MaryAnn and Tom. He is a 6-year-old golden doodle who is absolutely beloved by Syracuse University students. His energy lights up the room, and his friendly attitude makes him the perfect dog to cuddle with after a particularly stressful day! You can follow Clayton on Instagram at @claybae3.

Jake

Therapy dog JakeJake the poodle is the prince of the Pet Therapy program. He is 12 years old and has spent six of those years working as a therapy dog. When he’s not doing therapy he can be a little stubborn, but as soon as he puts on his vest, he loves nothing more than working a crowd! Jake’s favorite activities (aside from providing comfort to students) include going on walks, cuddling and playing with his brother, a poodle mix. Jake is quite the Instagram influencer with over 13,000 followers, and he can always be seen decked out in Syracuse University swag! You can follow him at @poodlejake.

Blue

Therapy dog BlueThis adorable hound mutt has only been coming to Syracuse University since September, but he has already made a big impact on students! Blue is 3 years old and was rescued from Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in north Syracuse. Despite originating from Texas, Blue absolutely loves playing in the snow during the winter season! He is not afraid to give you a big kiss on the nose, and he would probably hang out with college students all day if he could.

The Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy program works alongside PAWS of CNY and Pet Partners of CNY to bring these comforting canines to Syracuse University students on a regular basis. The Pet Therapy room is located in Room 103 of the Barnes Center, and those interested in attending a session can find dates and times on the University Events Calendar.

The Peel wishes you good luck on all your finals, and don’t forget to pet a dog this week!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

End-of-Semester Stressbusting Events

Finals week is the culmination of all the work students have been putting in throughout the semester. It’s the most challenging point, but it’ll be over before you know it—we promise! In the meantime, we’ve put together a list of events to help prioritize de-stressing and relaxation amid the chaos that the end of the semester often brings.

Study Session (Dec. 7)

Join the LGBTQ Resource Center and Pride Union at a study session to help prepare for final exams and projects! The study session starts at 7 p.m. in 500 Hall of Languages, and snacks will be provided. You can register for the event through the University Events Calendar.

Undergrad Nights: Leisure Reading and Toys (Dec. 7)

Stop into the Underground Club Bird from 7-9 p.m. in the ETC (the lower level of Bird Library) for a fun event aimed at de-stressing. The Dec. 7 event will be full of fun toys, snacks and leisure reading! Learn more on the Syracuse University Libraries webpage.

Pet Therapy at the Barnes Center (Dec. 7 and Dec. 9)

Drop into the Barnes Center at The Arch to meet some adorable pet therapy dogs for the perfect de-stressing activity! The Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy program is in partnership with PAWS of CNY and Pet Partners of CNY. All Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) I.D. card holders are welcome to attend! You can learn more about the pet therapy program on the Barnes Center’s website.

End of Year Formal (Dec. 8)

Join Orange After Dark in a celebration of all the hard work you put in this semester! Bring a date or your friends to the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom for plenty of food, photos and dancing. The event starts at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, and ends at midnight. No tickets are needed, just a valid Syracuse University I.D.

Late Night Movie Screening: “Don’t Worry Darling” (Dec. 9 and Dec. 10)

If you love to unwind by watching a movie, don’t miss Orange After Dark and University Union’s last Late Night Movie screening of the semester! Head over to Gifford Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, or Saturday, Dec. 10, to see the Florence Pugh and Harry Styles flick, “Don’t Worry Darling.” Late Night Movies are always free, and food will be provided! A valid Syracuse University I.D. is required to attend. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive a little early to nab a seat!

Pancake Breakfast (Dec. 10)

Join Orange After Dark for their last event of the semester! Take a break from studying to enjoy some fresh pancakes and participate in de-stressing activities. The event will take place from 9 p.m.-midnight in Goldstein Auditorium.

Other Finals Week Events and Services

Meditation Sessions

Hendricks Chapel is hosting near-daily meditation sessions through the end of finals week. Campus community members are also free to access the Barnes Center’s Meditation Room during open meditation hours for their personal practice. Meditation can be a great way to soothe your mind and de-stress if finals week has you feeling overwhelmed!

University Libraries

The University Libraries will offer extended hours during finals week beginning Friday, Dec. 9. Bird Library will be open 24 hours from Friday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 15. Carnegie Library will be open until 2 a.m. from Friday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 15.

In addition to extended hours, Bird Library will be helping students relax and recharge throughout finals week (Dec. 12-15):

  • Free coffee will be available each day in front of Pages Cafe starting at 3:30 p.m.
  • Therapy dogs from Go Team Therapy Dogs will be in Room 004 from about 1-3 p.m. each day.
  • A “Positivity Station” will be by the New Books Area in the Miron Learning Commons, where students can find coloring supplies, a puzzle table, goody bags and a “Talk-Back” Board, where they can leave positive and encouraging notes for their peers.
  • Students can browse the Leisure Display in the New Books area.

Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

5 Ways to Keep Stress at Bay

As finals week approaches, it’s important to put the books down and relieve that stress! Implementing stress management into your daily routine is vital. Relieving stress can boost your mood, increase your immune system, help you sleep at night and more. Here are five tips to help keep stress at bay this finals week!

Spend Time Outside

The outdoors is an escape from the stuffy air inside. The winter can make it a bit more difficult to get outside, but luckily the Syracuse area offers several wintry outdoor activities. You can go ice skating at Clinton Square or check out the Holiday Nights event at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! If you don’t want to leave campus, there are five newly installed fire pits around South Campus; grab your friends and some marshmallows and enjoy the warm fire! It’s easy to get caught up in front of your laptop screen during finals week. Leave the screen inside and give your eyes and body a relaxing break!

Get Some Exercise

Exercise is great for the mind and the body. According to an article by Harvard Health Publishing, exercise reduces the level of adrenaline and cortisol in your body (the stress hormones) as it stimulates the production of endorphins (the chemicals in your brain that are natural “mood-lifters”). The Barnes Center at The Arch is offering several different exercise classes through the end of the semester, including yoga, Barre and weightlifting, so be sure to register for a class through the Wellness Portal if you’d like a stress-relieving workout!

Hang Out with Friends

Spending time with your friends is a great way to decompress during the end of the semester. Some of my favorite things to do with friends include having a movie night, baking or having a paint night! Recently, I’ve gotten into following Bob Ross painting tutorials. They’re relaxing, easy to follow and the end result is always beautiful! If planning a formal hangout isn’t in the cards for your end-of-semester schedule, even just getting to talk with friends can help you de-stress, so be sure to make some time for them during this stressful period of the semester!

Make a To-Do List

To-do lists help get everything out there. There are no surprises or shocks about what needs to get done. Just the act of writing everything out on a piece of paper can help eliminate some pent-up stress. Typically I take a post-it note and write out all my assignments for the week. I’ll leave the note on my laptop and cross off each assignment as I finish it. This motivates me to get work done as well as helps me de-stress because I can see exactly what I’ve already accomplished and what’s left for me to do.

Try Different Study Methods

If your current study method of choice isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to explore other options! Study groups are a great way to connect with classmates and brush up on any information you might be confused about. Or you can give the Time-Lapse Method a try! Grab your phone, open the camera and record a time-lapse of yourself doing your work or studying for 15 minutes straight. This eliminates the ability to use your phone while you’re working, so it simultaneously keeps you focused and motivates you to get your work done faster.

I hope one of these tips helps you destress for finals week! As stressful this week may be, make sure you take some personal time. Good luck and happy (almost) break!

Written By Tessa Hodinger G‘23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Top 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Fall 2023

Do you want to study abroad, but you don’t know when to do it? As you make your pros and cons list for what you want out of your experience, consider this list of five reasons to study abroad in Fall 2023!

Attend a Fall Semester Exclusive Program

Some study abroad programs are only available during the fall semester!

  • The Central Europe program, which recently traveled through Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, only runs in the fall.
  • Engineering students in their second year can spend time in Strasbourg studying courses like Calculus III and Statics during the fall semester.
  • Computer science majors can take courses toward their major in London during the fall semester, where courses like Automata and Computability and Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms are offered.
  • Drama majors can take advantage of the London center during the fall semester, where the Acting at Shakespeare’s Globe program is offered.

Again, these programs are not offered in the spring semesters—they are fall-exclusive programs and courses!

Experience Great Weather Abroad

Travel to Chile during the Syracuse fall semester and land in the Chilean spring! In Santiago, September, October and November make up the spring months—you’ll have your own spring during Syracuse’s fall season and be back in time for the Spring 2024 semester on campus!

The temperate weather in our European Center locations, including Madrid, Florence and Strasbourg, are the perfect transition back into the academic year. Prepare to bask in the sun for a few additional weeks!

Take Advantage of Fall 2023 Grants and Aid

Afraid that studying abroad costs too much money? Fear not! Studying abroad can be affordable, and Syracuse Abroad is committed to making international education possible for all students.

You’ll keep your institutional aid when studying on a Syracuse Abroad program, so the cost of studying abroad is quite similar to a semester on campus. Plus, there are dozens of grants and scholarships available to help offset additional costs and program fees, such as study abroad grants, fall-only supplemental aid, named scholarships and more! Stay tuned for exclusive grants available for Fall 2023 programs—more information will be made available on the Syracuse Abroad website!

Explore a Fall Internship Opportunity

Get ahead of the curve by studying abroad and doing an internship in the fall! Find a mentor through an internship in London, make professional connections at an internship in Madrid, or find a host organization to work with in Florence or Santiago. You could even intern at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, an opportunity exclusive to Syracuse University students!

Interested in hearing more about past internship opportunities? Connect with Syracuse Abroad Alumni (Global Ambassadors) who have done internships and studied abroad at our Centers or through the World Partners program!

Extend That Feel-Good Summer Mindset!

Nothing sounds better than starting a new school year overseas. Picture yourself enjoying three months of summer vacation, followed by three months in Italy, Spain, France or any of our other Centers or 60+ World Partner programs!

Take classes toward your major or fill some general education credits with classes like Arts of Spain in Madrid (which is partially taught in the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo Reina Sofia), Mediterranean Food and Culture in Florence, The Economics of Happiness in Strasbourg or Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone in Santiago!

For more information on fall programs, visit the Syracuse Abroad website! Rolling admission applications for Fall 2023 will open on Nov. 15 and will remain open until March 15, 2023.

Written By Courtney Conte ’23, College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse Madrid ’19

5 Student Organizations Dedicated to Career Readiness

The stress of finding a job after college is something no student wants to think about. It feels like every day we’re being bombarded with new pressures regarding networking, internships, resume building and interviews. Luckily, there are tons of services and organizations on campus that specialize in helping students feel ready for the working world and will offer you a personalized experience based on your career interests. Here are just a few!

Women in Communications (WIC)

WIC is a student-run organization that focuses on helping women thrive in the communications field. It often has guest speakers, networking events and workshops, and you can even get a professional headshot taken for your LinkedIn profile. This org is all about lifting up women and inspiring them to succeed as industry professionals.

The Real Estate Club

Interested in selling houses for a living? The Real Estate Club is where you belong! This club offers a variety of networking opportunities and experience in the real world. It gets active real estate brokers to give talks and lectures on their firsthand experiences in the field. If you join, you’ll be selling million-dollar homes in no time!

The Pre-Law Society

This organization aims to provide students interested in law with resources and pathways to a successful career. It has alumni panels, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and resume workshops and information on applying to law school. The Pre-Law Society is a great opportunity for connecting with peers and minimizing some of the pressure that a career in law typically brings.

Biotechnology Society at Syracuse University (BSSU)

BSSU has made it their mission to give students with similar interests a safe space to pursue the field of biotechnology. It aims to inform students on what a career in biotechnology actually looks like and helps students develop necessary skills to succeed in the workforce, like public speaking, leadership and teambuilding. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of their field of study, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) students are encouraged to join as well.

Entrepreneurship Club

Do you have an idea for a product or business you just know is worth a billion dollars? By joining the Entrepreneurship Club, you can make your concepts a reality. This club offers great real-world experience by pairing students up with local businesses to work on entrepreneurial projects. “Shark Tank,” here you come!

If you don’t want to wait until the Winter Involvement Fair to join an organization and get a jump-start on your future, you’re in luck! Career Services is hosting Career Readiness Week at Syracuse University from Nov. 7-11, and there are tons of events that will help you prepare for the future. These include talks on resumes, money essentials, self-advocacy in the workplace and more. It’s a great opportunity to hear advice from professionals and get a sense of where you are on your career journey.

The Peel wishes you luck on all your future career endeavors!

Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Three A Cappella Performances to Get You in the Halloween Spirit

In the mood for some music with hints of spookiness? We scoured the performances of Syracuse University’s a cappella groups and found a few to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Otto Tunes – “bury a friend”

Otto Tunes takes on this eerie Billie Eilish song written from the perspective of the monster under her bed. (Psst…want to see Otto Tunes IRL? Their 10th Annual Cockappella fundraiser concert is Saturday, Oct. 22. Oy Cappella and the University at Buffalo’s Buffalo Chips will also be performing!)

Check out the lyrics to “bury a friend” on Genius. 

Groovestand – “Superstition”

Groovestand performs this Stevie Wonder classic about the scary things that come with believing in superstitions.

Check out the lyrics to “Superstition” on Genius.

Orange Appeal – “Monster Mashup”

Orange Appeal brings a different spin to this Halloween classic by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, “Monster Mash.”

Check out the lyrics to “Monster Mash” on Genius.

Interested in more a cappella year-round? Stay connected to all six groups on campus: Oy Cappella, The Mandarins (invitational on Nov. 4, 8 p.m. in Hendricks), Orange Appeal, Otto Tunes, Main Squeeze and Groovestand (invitational on Nov. 5, 8 p.m. in Hendricks).

Wise Tips for Staying Safe This Halloweekend

BOO! Oh, goodness! Is it that time of year again already? That’s right, folks! Halloween is almost upon us and with that comes Halloweekend! This is my and my friends’ favorite weekend of the Fall semester. Whether it’s dressing up, going out to party or just binge eating candy, it’s always a fun time of the year. But with fun can also come some scary situations, like those Halloween movies that start off as a prank and then turn rather…dark. Halloween can include a whole spectrum of activities, and some of those activities could range from staying sober to drinking and dancing. No matter your personal relationship with substances, it’s never a bad idea to carry some harm reduction strategies with you. Who knows? It might come in handy. So let’s do a quick reminder on how you can keep both your friends and yourself safe on All Hallows’ Eve.

Know Your C.U.P.S.

Let’s do a quick refresher on the signs of alcohol poisoning. There’s an easy-to-remember acronym to keep in mind that consists of four uppercase letters and a smaller, quieter, yet still equally important one.

C Stands for… Cold and Clammy Skin

Yes, Syracuse is a cold city, but if you or your friends were partaking in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, feeling cold could be a symptom of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol is like hot apple cider, but only because it gives you the feeling of being warm despite the opposite actually occurring. As your liver metabolizes the drug, your core body temperature is steadily lowering, which in turn results in the feeling of cold and clammy skin. This can be hard to notice, especially if you’ve been standing outside in the cold waiting to catch a trolley, so keep a wary eye out.

U Stands for… Unresponsive

Usually, people think the “U” stands for “unconscious,” which could definitely be a sign of alcohol poisoning, but if you wave your hands in front of a friend’s face and they keep staring straight ahead, now that’s being unresponsive, not necessarily unconscious. You don’t have to shake them and rattle them around, but if your friend is looking directly through you as if you’re a ghost this Halloween… that’s definitely some cause for concern.

P Stands for… Puking

Throwing up is your body’s way of telling you to stop in an extremely physical and grotesque way. As it expels the alcohol from your system, vomiting can also cause both rotting and corrosion to your teeth. Think of it (“it” being alcohol, not puking) like candy—it can be great in moderation, but definitely not frequently, and even more so not in vast amounts.

S Stands for… Slurred Speech/Slowed Breathing/Seizures

Slowed breathing can be a sign that someone’s heart rate is slower than it should be. And when it comes to seizures…just call 911. Everyone’s body works differently, but just call 911 to be safe. Slurring words can make it awfully hard to understand someone. This can be particularly dangerous when it comes to consent, too. While an individual under the influence cannot legally give consent, there is an even larger risk of misunderstanding someone if their words are not clear, especially when there is a chance that the other person could be intoxicated as well. Either way, that aspect of shared understanding is immediately lost. (Got Consent? Be SU.R.E.)

(Silent) E Stands for… Erratic Behavior

Have you or a friend ever drank and you couldn’t even recognize one another? Were you all acting differently? Maybe more aggressive than usual, or even a lot more wacky? When alcohol affects your brain, the first area it affects is your frontal lobe, which controls your personality, your ability to make sound decisions and your ability to control impulsions. When you drink this is all toned down…and you can become someone even you don’t fully know.

Now you know the signs. If you see someone showing these signs of alcohol poisoning, call for help—911 or 315.443.2224.

Reducing Harm Via Harm Reduction Strategies

I swear I hate watching scary movies, especially those low-budget slashers, because I always think, “What are they doing?” They have no common sense! I know it’s a movie, but still! Regardless, make sure you don’t end up feeling like you’re in your own bad horror movie by following some simple harm reduction tips.  

First, have a (charged!) battery pack on you, or at least make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out. How can you call an Uber, or a Safety Escort Shuttle, or even call for help if your phone is dead? Along similar lines, definitely plan for a safe way home from wherever Halloweekend may take you so you don’t end up stranded and alone.  

Second, stay with a friend. Look after each other and travel together or within a group.

Finally, don’t ever let someone coerce you into doing something you don’t want to do, whether that’s drinking, hooking up or even just going out to a party. It’s always important to notice coercion and peer pressure, and to only partake in activities that you are excited about.

This is supposed to be a fun week and weekend, and following these harm reduction strategies will definitely help with that!

Halloweekend will be fun regardless of how you spend it, whether that’s indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, but I hope this article has given you some tips on how to keep your Halloween fun from turning frightful. If you want to learn more about alcohol safety and harm reduction strategies, check out the Wellness Leadership Institute to register for workshops and acquire some more knowledge, before or after your Halloween celebrations. Finally, if you see any suspicious behavior on Halloween weekend, you can call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 315.443.2224 to report it. 

Happy Halloween, everyone!! Make sure you’re spooky, scary, sexy and, most importantly, safe. 

Written By Wynter Chaverst ’23, College of Arts and Sciences, Be Wise Peer Educator