University Housing and Food Service, CSU, Chico
Halloween Letter
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Greetings from Chico State! I write to you regarding the Halloween celebration period. Halloween activities in Chico have become a concern for both the city and university community. These concerns center on the sheer number of people who are participating in the celebration. Many of these individuals are visitors to Chico with no investment in our community.
In an effort to protect our residents, our facilities, and the Chico community from large numbers of out-of-town guests, we are continuing a “no guest” policy in on-campus residence halls and University Village complex. This policy has been in place for several years. This year the “no overnight guest” policy begins on Thursday, October 30, 2008, 8:00 p.m. and concludes on Monday, November 3, 2008. The on-campus residence halls will have staff members working at the front entrances 24-hours a day beginning at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 30 and continuing until 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2008 to ensure that only residents of the building are allowed to enter. We will also have increased staffing at our University Village complex. We hope that these measures, while it may inconvenience some residents, will help ensure safe environments for all students.
In addition, we are very concerned about the excessive use of alcohol by some residents during this period. It is apparent through the number of policy violations in our communities and the number of minor in possession (MIP) and open container citations issued by local law enforcement that many residents are making choices to engage in the drinking culture. That behavior is illegal for most students, but more importantly, potentially dangerous for those who are experimenting with significant consumption patterns. I ask that you speak to your student about their plans for the Halloween period. Ask direct questions about the choices they are making regarding alcohol or other drug use. Encourage them to make wise choices before they begin participating in Halloween activities. We want those who celebrate Halloween to enjoy it and to be safe.
The Residential Life staff continues to work toward educating our residents on the risks of alcohol and drug use, we continue to provide alternative activities, and actively enforce University policies. However, the culture is most impacted by the individual choices of the community members. Encourage your student to take an active role in the planning and implementation of alternative activities as well as encouraging others to do so. If you know that your student is experimenting with alcohol or other drugs, ask them to look beyond themselves to see how their choices do indeed impact others around them, as well as how they may be jeopardizing their health and perhaps even their future at the University.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Your student is going through a very significant developmental period in their life. We want to partner with you to be resources and supporters to them during this most important period.
I appreciate any efforts you will make to communicate with your student in the coming weeks about the value in making good choices. I also look forward to seeing you on campus if you will be joining us for Parents Family Weekend from October 10-12, 2008.
Sincerely,
David B. Stephen, Ed.D.
Director, University Housing and Food Service