Dear Students,
 
With Monon Bell weekend approaching, I want to share with you some reminders and safety information concerning high-risk alcohol use and sexual assault. As students traditionally view Monon Bell as a “big party weekend,” Student Services is making extra efforts to encourage students to deliberately think about the decisions they make in social settings. Primarily, we want to make sure you have considered how you will act and to remind you to make safe, healthy and intentional decisions. 

Here are a few things that we hope you consider:

  • Look out for your friends and for their safety and ask them to look out for you as well. Go out in groups and stick together. Let your friends know that you “have their back” and ask them to do the same for you.
  • If you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Set a limit before you start drinking. Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from others if you do not see them poured or mixed
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If something does not feel right, it probably is not right.  Trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation! If you are walking home with your friends and become uncomfortable by something, immediately get to a blue light and call Public Safety for an escort.
  • Just because you may normally feel safe in Greencastle and on DePauw’s campus, do not develop a false sense of security.  Many “outsiders” to our community come to campus during this weekend.  If someone is acting suspiciously or is making you feel uncomfortable, immediately contact Public Safety at 765.658.4261.  
  • Know your resources!  Please know that if you or your friends need help, you can call resources that will assist you.  Please take advantage of these resources.
    • RESOURCES FOR POTENTIAL ALCOHOL POISONING - If a friend has had too much to drink and they are vomiting, get help. Do not put them to bed and hope they will “sleep it off.”  Some students do not call for help because they are worried about getting themselves or their friends in trouble. Please do not concern yourself with this as the most important thing is the safety of your friend. If your friend needs help, get help by calling Public Safety at 765.658.4261. Your RA or AM can also be contacted to help get Public Safety’s assistance.
    • RESOURCES FOR SEXUAL ASSUALT - If a friend has been sexually assaulted, know that they have very good on-campus resources available to them. You can help your friend by either calling the RA, AM, or the Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate (SASA) at 765.658.4650.  If you forget this number, call Public Safety at 765.658.4261 and ask them to connect you to the SASA. A SASA is someone who can present all of the options available to your friend. She will not pressure your friend to do anything, and she will keep their conversation private. Your friend will be able to talk with her and share his or her feelings as well as begin to resume control of the situation. The SASA will be able to share with your friend that they can seek a free, confidential medical examine at health services at anytime, talk with a counselor at anytime, speak with the Dean of Students to receive ongoing support for all matters including academics and/or report their assault to Public Safety.

We thank you for your assistance in helping us spread this important message!  If you would like more information, please contact Student Services at 765.658.4270. 

Julia Arnold
Director of Housing