University officials and police are working with Champaign Police and Champaign officials to keep a lid on this year’s Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day event.
The promotion, sponsored by some local bars, resulted in significant property damage in the Lincoln Hall theater and Foellinger Auditorium and the death of a UI alumna in 2006. While “Unofficial” is not an event condoned or supported by the UI, university officials are taking steps to ensure the safety of students and faculty and staff members, to prevent damage to university property and to prevent disruptions to campus operations and academic instruction.
Police plan to increase patrols around campus buildings and in Campustown on Feb. 29, the first day of the expected two-day event. UI police will focus on safeguarding people and property. Campus officials plan to enforce a standing policy that prohibits students from bringing food and beverages into the Lincoln Hall Theater and Foellinger Auditorium. Students entering those venues will be asked to dispose of liquids prior to entry.
Under the Student Code, instructors can request that disruptive students leave class and report the names of dismissed students to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution afterward.
On Feb. 29, teams of staff members from Student Affairs and Academic Affairs will be walking through areas where disturbances occurred in prior years and will be available to assist instructors with problems. Team members will be identifiable as university officials and will be wearing university IDs.
If it appears that asking a student to leave class could provoke a confrontation, instructors are advised to avoid confronting the disruptive person and seek assistance from roaming staff members. The roaming staff members will document apparent Student Code violations and call University Police for help if necessary. If emergencies arise, however, instructors and students are encouraged to call METCAD at 911, or, from a campus phone, 9-911.
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