As students are busy making Halloween plans, Coastal Carolina University’s (CCU) Department of Public Safety (DPS) and LiveWell Office Initiatives offer tips to ensure safety.
According to Chief and Director of DPS Robert Pellerin, there is an increase in incidents when alcohol or drugs are involved. According to LiveWell, 50% of all sexual assaults occur on college campuses between dorm move in and Thanksgiving break. Students are advised to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid potentially harmful situations.
LiveWell Director of Prevention and Wellness Shelby Ison understands it is unrealistic to ask students not to drink.
“We just want to make sure that if people do decide to take that action, that they know how to do it safely,” Ison said.
While drinking is common for Halloween celebrations, students should not feel pressured just because everyone else is doing it.
Sophomore marketing major Olivia Dyer enjoys bringing closed tumblers of water to parties to stay safe and hydrated.
She also shares her favorite partying alternatives during the season.
“I also love watching a good spooky movie with candy at the end of the day,” Dyer said. “And then you can go to haunted houses, pumpkin patches. I do all those things.”
If students are planning on drinking, Ison advises eating a balanced meal beforehand, staying hydrated and always keeping drinks covered. She said students should have their phone within reach at all times.
CCU’s DPS and LiveWell’s initiatives offer multiple resources to aid in safety prevention and recovery processes.
Students have 24/7 access to the DPS emergency and nonemergency lines, as well as access to an anonymous online submission form or text and voicemail tip line to make reports. Ison believes all students should have DPS’ phone numbers saved in their contacts for quick access.
The following contacts may be useful to students:
CCU Department of Public Safety on-campus emergency line:
843-349-2911
General safety inquiries, safe transport, and nonemergency line:
843-349-2177
Tip line for text and voicemail:
843-349-8477
Rape crisis center confidential crisis line:
843-448-7273
DPS also offers after-hours safety transport services when deemed necessary.
“Whether it’s a police officer or security officer, if it requires a ride in a vehicle, or simply just walking somebody or just standing by while somebody walks out to their car, that’s something we can always provide, if necessary,” Pellerin said.
Pellerin understands why students may hesitate when reporting incidents to DPS. However, he strongly encourages students to speak up.
“If you’re upfront with us and are honest with us, we’re going to do everything we can to help you through that process,” he said.
According to CCU’s website, students have protection from the Alcohol/Drug Medical Amnesty Policy (STUD-335). This policy provides educational measures, rather than a disciplinary record, to students who report a medical emergency due to alcohol or drug consumption.
When attending Halloween parties, Pellerin advises students to have a plan for location and transportation, stay in groups and watch their drinks and drinking limits.
“The biggest thing is, trust your instincts for safety. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right,” Pellerin said.
