As Halloween approaches, Ohio University students and administration have started preparing for the festivities with rules and regulations to keep everyone safe on Halloween weekend.
With the influx of people coming to campus in the next few weeks, Associate Director of Housing and Residence Jillian Phillips said the department has made several adjustments to ensure student safety and satisfaction.
According to Phillips, there is a one guest limit per resident, and all guests must be pre-registered. There is a $50 guest fee for non-OU students visiting.
“It covers costs for wristbands, which help monitor guests and ensure safety, as well as supplies for activities,“ Philips said. "Most importantly, the funding allows us to increase staffing during this busy time."
Phillips said this provides better support and supervision for residents and guests. For additional security, she said the university will also lock most exterior doors.
“These steps are intended to help manage the number of people on campus while ensuring we have enough staff available to provide support and assistance,” Phillips said. “We want to ensure that all students living in residence halls have a safe and fun Halloween weekend.”
Lincoln-Johnson Complex resident adviser Alyssa McHugh said she plans to discuss these regulations with students and address any concerns they may have by next week.
“If you're going to have fun, be smart about it,” McHugh said. “Just making sure that while you're in the dorm that you're following the student code of conduct because bigger repercussions can happen.”
During Halloween weekend, OU residence halls will have increased staff available from Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. to October 28 at 8 a.m.
Campus partners like the Dean of Students office and OU Police Department will also have a heightened presence and be ready to assist with any concerns or emergencies.
For those who prefer to stay in during the weekend, however, many halls will host fun programs and events, including spooky movie nights, costume contests and game nights.
Phillips added students can ensure a successful and fun Halloween weekend, either in or out, by wearing the student-designated wristband, keeping an ID and phone on-person at all times, staying close to friends and having a backup plan in case of separation.
In addition to Housing and Residence Life regulations, Transportation and Parking Services will also create designated parking lots for Halloween weekend guests.
Gina Fenorchito, a freshman studying pre-nursing, said she respects the university’s attempt to protect students and looks forward to experiencing her first Halloween as a Bobcat after hearing about it from others.
“I'm looking forward to having a great time with my friends and being able to experience the OU Halloween, but I will also be taking those precautions and following all the regulations and rules,” Fenorchito said.
Fenorchito said despite OU being considered a party school, it is who students surround themselves with that decides how their experience will go.
Along with a reminder to not touch the horses, Philips also said students should have fun, make lasting memories and use good judgment.
