College urges Halloween safety in shadow of missing student

October 29, 2:06 PMDC Parenting College Students ExaminerSuzanne Mims

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The recent disappearance of a Virginia Tech student is haunting students at campuses across the state -- and their parents.  The  student, Morgan Harrington, was last seen at the University of Virginia where she attended a Metallica concert with friends.   UVA's Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer, Patricia M. Lampkin, sent an email this week to students urging caution on Halloween and said:

"The disappearance more than a week ago of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington reminds everyone that no community is safe from potential harm. While many questions remain about Ms. Harrington's disappearance, law enforcement officials continue to search for her and for clues since she was last seen at John Paul Jones Arena. Her disappearance is being treated as a criminal case. Halloween marks a time when your safety is of special concern to me and many others..."

Since Halloween falls on a weekend this year, it is expected to be a bigger party event.  It is a longtime Halloween tradition in Charlottesville for students to head down to The Lawn and The Corner and to parties in full costume regalia.  Those costumes, however creative, could be the source of potential problems.  Lampkin warns, "Some people who want to cause harm may take advantage of being unrecognizable in a Halloween costume.  Stay in an environment where you can easily get help or move away from someone who is threatening your safety.  Be aware of your surroundings."

Melissa Fielding of the The University of Virginia Police Department has issued a note about Halloween safety precautions on the UVa campus. In an interview on Roanoke's WSLS Fielding said, "In light of the disappearance of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington, the school will provide an increased presence this weekend."  More officers than usual will be patrolling the campus on foot and in patrol cars this Saturday for the UVA football game and Halloween festivities.

Both UVA's police and student affairs departments urge caution.  Student Affairs Officer Lampkin wrote:

* If you go to a costume party, go with a group of friends you know and trust.

* Always carry a photo ID, and make sure your friends carry identification and phone numbers with them in case they become incapacitated for any reason.

* Consider your costume, and avoid wearing one that inhibits your ability to see and move freely. Use special caution when crossing the street, and be sure motorists see you before you cross.

* Some people who want to cause harm may take advantage of being unrecognizable in a Halloween costume.  Stay in an environment where you can easily get help or move away from someone who is threatening your safety.  Be aware of your surroundings.

* If you are intoxicated, your impaired judgment places you at a much greater risk for injury, unwanted sexual contact, or a police citation. Set a drink limit for yourself and stick to it. (Or plan not to drink alcohol at all.)

* If you accept a beverage from someone, make sure that you know the individual, you have observed the drink being prepared, and you never leave it unattended. Exercise caution in any public setting with any beverage.

* Know that alcohol concentrations in beverages are not strong enough to kill the flu virus. Students at other universities have contracted H1N1 apparently from playing drinking games.

* Make a plan to get home safely. If you do not have a sober driver, use the UTS buses that run until 2:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. You can also call Yellow Cab at 295-4131, charge the ride to U.Va., and pay later - no questions asked.

For more information, visit the University of Virginia's Student Affairs website.

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