Safety Tips
With the beginning of the semester approaching, we want to offer some safety related tips and information for students who may choose to partake in partying.
-Set a limit and pace yourself - Alcohol, cannabis and other substances can affect people differently. Before you go out, set a limit that works for you and keep track of the amount you are consuming and over what time period. Pace yourself and avoid trying to keep up or outdrink others.
-Use a designated driver or safe travel option - Designate a friend who will remain sober as the responsible driver or have a plan for safe travel options prior to going out. If your travel plan means relying on your phone, be sure you are fully charged and consider bringing a backup battery.
-Eat and stay hydrated - Eat a meal and drink plenty of water if you choose to drink. It's important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink water if drinking alcohol and alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
-Be aware of risks - Avoid combining alcohol with medication or other substances. This can increase your risk of accidental THC toxicity or overdose. Consider using drug test kits or carrying Naloxone (Narcan). For more information visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/narcan/.
-Be an active and positive bystander - We ask all Hawks to be part of keeping themselves, others and our community safe, whether on or off campus. We encourage all students to be mindful of their surroundings and look out for each other. If you see something, say something. Enlist the help of others to intervene if you feel you can't do it alone. Remember that if you are on campus, UPD is available 24/7, and if you are off campus at a business, restaurant or bar, you can ask the staff, bartenders, bouncers, and other bystanders for help or call 911. For resources related to sexual or interpersonal violence, please visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/titleix/.
-Respect your community - Be respectful of the community you are in whether you are living there or just visiting. You can be a respectful neighbor by being mindful of noise levels, picking up after yourself and keeping public spaces clean. As a SUNY New Paltz student you represent the University off-campus. If you are arrested off-campus, you may face disciplinary action on-campus. Please be aware that Social Host Law applies to anyone residing off-campus and is enforced by local law enforcement.
-Call for help if you or someone else needs it - Don't be afraid to ask for help! Drinking too much and experimenting with other substances can lead to alcohol poisoning, THC toxicity or overdose. Call the University Police Department at 845-257-2222 for on-campus emergencies and 911 for off-campus emergencies. SUNY New Paltz has policies in place that can protect students from sanctions when they call for help in an alcohol or drug-related emergency. In addition, a bystander or an individual acting in good faith that discloses a Title IX incident to SUNY New Paltz or law officials will NOT be penalized for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies. For more information visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/studentaffairs/good_samaritan.html.
We hope all students are safe and enjoy themselves.
For additional resources, please reach out to:
Student Wellbeing & Prevention Education
845-257-3028/ https://www.newpaltz.edu/student-wellbeing/
Psychological Counseling Center
845-257-2920/ https://www.newpaltz.edu/counseling/
Student Health Center
845-257-3400/ https://www.newpaltz.edu/healthcenter/
