Be safe. Have fun. Be healthy. University officials, in cooperation with the Town of Elon Police Department, want students to “Party Smart” at off-campus gatherings this year and will host two programs this week for students to meet local officers, learn the law and hear advice for hosting responsible social events.
“Party Smart”
DATE: Wednesday, September 3
TIME: 6-8 p.m.
LOCATION: Sheridan Place apartments
DATE: Friday, September 5
TIME: 3-5 p.m.
LOCATION: Corner of West College Ave. & Williamson Avenue
The program is co-sponsored by the Office of Judicial Affairs, the Office of Substance Education, Elon University Campus Safety & Police and the Town of Elon Police Department.
Free pizza and drinks will be offered at the workshops.
“Students can still have fun without going to extremes,” said Lauren Martin, coordinator for substance education at Elon. “You can still have parties and it can be safe where everyone has a good time.”
Advice includes the following:
• Keep parties small (25 or fewer guests).
• Know your guests.
• Designate a sober host.
• Have non-alcoholic beverages and food available.
• Keep noise levels reasonable.
• Talk with neighbors before the party.
• Pick up any trash afterward.
The number of alcohol-related offenses at Elon has dropped over the past academic year with fewer students missing class because of alcohol abuse, university leaders report. Program sponsors hope to continue that trend with additional opportunities to teach people ways to avoid problems.
“We’re trying to prevent students from making mistakes and being in positions in which they don’t want to be,” said Whitney Pack Gregory, coordinator of judicial affairs. “The sign on the keg that says ‘If you’re under 21 don’t drink this’ doesn’t cover you from a liability or legal standpoint.”
For more information on the “Party Smart” initiative, click on the link to the upper right of this page.