UNC Charlotte Issues 8 Safety Tips for Halloween Weekend

Students at the University of North Carolina Charlotte will receive specific safety guidelines from the campus office as Halloween approaches. The office released a list of eight recommendations for the October 31 celebration, aiming to help the community plan for a safe weekend. The guidance covers everything from costume selection to digital presence.

The office urges students to select costumes that are creative without mocking specific cultures, identities, or personal tragedies. It advises against turning serious issues like sexual misconduct into jokes. The message emphasizes that a costume is never an invitation for unwanted attention or physical contact.

Transportation planning is a central part of the advice. Students are told to decide how they will return home before they leave their residences. The office suggests arranging a designated driver or using a rideshare service. It explicitly states that no one should drive under the influence or ride with an impaired person.

For those hosting gatherings, the office instructs hosts to follow all applicable laws and university policies. Hosts are asked to consider the safety of their guests and the impact their noise may have on neighbors. The guidelines also remind students to respect the property of those living around them.

The office places heavy emphasis on social interactions during the event. Students are encouraged to stay connected with friends and check in if plans change. If someone appears to be in danger, the advice is to seek help immediately. The office also reminds students to respect consent and speak up if they witness harassment.

Alcohol consumption requires specific attention in the guidelines. Those 21 and older are told to know their limits and avoid pressuring others to drink. If a student is concerned about someone who has been drinking, the office advises staying with that person and getting help. This responsibility extends to looking out for one another throughout the evening.

Digital habits are also part of the safety plan. The office warns that photos and videos can travel beyond their intended audience. Students are asked to ask permission before sharing images of others. They are also told to consider whether a future employer might see their posts and to think about how long those images may remain online.

The campus office ends its guidance with a reminder to leave any situation where a student feels unsafe. It closes the message by wishing the student body a happy Halloween.