Halloween weekend can be one of the best times of the year for college students. While it can be exciting to celebrate, both positive and negative factors can contribute to the weekend’s frightful fun.
Prioritizing student well-being is central to Kent State University’s dedication to maintaining a safe, welcoming campus. As students prepare their Halloween plans and costumes across the Kent Campus, safety remains top of mind for campus leaders and emergency personnel.
For Sgt. Tricia Knoles of Kent State Police Services, the most effective self-defense strategy begins with awareness.
“Our main priority is the safety of our students and our community,” Knoles said. “The best self-defense for a person would be being aware of their surroundings. Don’t walk with your head down on your phone. I would say that is probably the most proactive thing a person can do.”
Being a Good Friend and Active Bystander
Looking out for peers is key to having a safe Halloween. Knoles encourages students to stick together and actively intervene if a friend appears uncomfortable or intoxicated.
“First and foremost, if you go to a party with your friend, you leave the party with your friend,” Knoles said. “Be a good friend. Stay with your friends, and if you go somewhere and see your friend is in a situation, try to get them out of that situation.”
Bystander intervention does not necessarily mean students have to confront someone directly to help. Knoles suggests using indirect excuses to get a friend away from an uncomfortable interaction, such as asking them to go to the restroom.
“I know sometimes students can feel intimidated to be persistent to get the person away,” Knoles said. “And if all else fails, and you think something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to call the police so we can come and check into it.”
Making Smart Costume Choices
When choosing Halloween costumes, students should plan for unpredictable October weather and avoid masks or accessories that obscure their vision and hinder awareness.
Knoles also advises students to avoid props that could be mistaken for actual weapons.
“Stay away from anything that could bear resemblance to a weapon,” Knoles said. “Carrying a weapon, even if it’s a toy, puts you in a position where an officer may have to make a split-second decision. We don’t get the ability to take the time to go up and touch it and see if it’s plastic or not.”
Knoles added that toy weapons are strictly prohibited on university property under the Code of Student Conduct.
“If it looks real, it’s going to look real to anyone, including a police officer,” Knoles said.
Alcohol Safety and the Good Samaritan Provision
Students should practice alcohol safety by being mindful when accepting drinks and being aware of how much they are consuming during weekend festivities.
“Don’t leave your drink sitting anywhere unattended, and don’t take a drink from any drink that you did not personally see being made,” Knoles said.
When social gatherings involve alcohol, the fear of disciplinary action should never prevent students from seeking medical help. Under Kent State’s Good Samaritan Provision, student health and safety always come first.
“If you or your friend has had too much to drink, and you’re afraid that there’s alcohol poisoning, do not be afraid to call 911,” Knoles said. “Our main priority is the health and safety of that person. If a student chooses to drink or take some sort of drugs and they’re under the age of 21, they don’t need to be concerned with if they’re going to get in trouble or if they’re going to get their friend in trouble if they’re calling for what they feel could be a medical emergency.”
Knoles noted that while students may later be referred to the Office of Student Conduct or educational resources, student health remains the immediate focus for emergency responders.
Getting Home Safely and Knowing Campus Resources
Before Halloween celebrations begin, students should establish a plan for the evening. Knoles recommends using ride-share services, keeping phones fully charged, sharing destinations with friends and avoiding walking alone at night.
“Taking a Lyft or an Uber is definitely preferable to driving with someone who’s been drinking or driving or walking while you’re intoxicated,” Knoles said. “However, it’s always safer to have two or three people with you at the time.”
For students making their way back to campus, Knoles said to know these Kent State landmarks and campus safety tools:
- Lefton Esplanade: Students unfamiliar with the campus layout can follow the central brick walkway from downtown directly back to the heart of the Kent Campus.
- Blue Light Emergency Phones: Kent State has approximately 50 blue light phones equipped with GPS monitoring along campus walkways and in parking lots. Pressing the emergency button immediately alerts dispatchers to the caller’s exact location.
Should an emergency occur, dialing 911 connects directly to local or university dispatchers based on location.
It’s important to stay connected and communicate, Knoles said.
“Let someone know where you’re going, don’t leave alone and keep your cellphone charged,” she said.
