Message from Jim Dunsdon, AVP Student Affairs
Dear students,
Halloween weekend is a busy time on campus and in our community. If you’re looking to take part in activities, you can find a list of approved university events on the UVic Events Calendar.
As your plans take shape, please make safety the priority for you and your friends. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review campus supports, protocols and recommendations to help you have a positive and enjoyable Halloween.
First aid and emergencies
If you need emergency support, always call 9-1-1 first. If you’re on campus, after you dial 9-1-1, call Campus Security at 250-721-7599.
Emergency services will ask for your location. Download the UVic SafetyApp in advance for quick access to a campus map and other helpful information.
Residence staff, Campus Security and police will be on campus this weekend to help keep the community safe.
Restricted access to Residence
Guests are not permitted in the Residence Complex on both Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following day. This applies to all residence buildings, external walkways and stairs, outdoor residence grounds, the residence dining facility and parking lots 1 and 5.
Safer substance use
Plan ahead and follow Canada’s alcohol guidelines. Purchase and pour your own drinks and open bottled beverages yourself. Never leave a drink unattended and when in doubt, throw it out. If you think your drink may have been spiked, tell a friend or someone you trust.
If you use drugs, please get them checked to make sure they’re as safe as possible and don’t use alone. Student Wellness is hosting a drug checking pop-up outside the SUB (between the SUB and Cove) on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on safer substance use and UVic’s new drug checking pilot, please visit the Harm Reduction Centre webpage.
A culture of consent and care
Preventing sexualized violence begins with respecting one another and ensuring consent is practiced in all interactions. This means verbally asking before you touch someone and stopping if you do not get explicit consent to continue. Using alcohol, cannabis and other substances can impact how to practice consent in significant ways. Those initiating sexual contact or activity who are also under the influence remain responsible for asking for, and ensuring they have, consent for each contact or activity.
Learn about UVic’s core principles of consent and consent cues and communication.
Gatherings and neighbourly conduct
Unsanctioned indoor and outdoor campus gatherings are not allowed.
If you plan to spend time off campus in our local community, please arrange a safe way home, be considerate of your neighbours and abide by municipal bylaws.
Take good care this Halloween weekend.
Jim Dunsdon (he/him/his)
Associate Vice-President Student Affairs
University of Victoria
