This weekend’s Halloween celebrations coincide with a sold-out home football game against Ohio State University on Saturday, prompting the Department of Public Safety to expect a higher volume of calls than usual, especially about students who have had too much to drink.
David Carlisle, the Assistant Chief at DPS, said that Halloween weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year when it comes to college parties. A football game taking place on Halloween gives students more reason to party, which means DPS will be on alert, according to Carlisle.
He urged students to be with friends they trust, watch over each other and recognize their limits by not overindulging.
“[The] number one factor in student safety is making smart choices,” Carlisle said.
Irene Pack is a junior studying business administration who transferred to USC. Pack said that the party culture of the school was one of her reasons for applying.
“Before I came [to USC], I went to a USC party, and it was really fun,” Pack said. “[USC is] a very work-hard, play-hard school.”
Pack said she does plan to party on Halloween night despite her concerns about safety. However, she said that she had experienced feeling unsafe at a USC party in the past and had to de-escalate the situation by physically stepping away.
“The unfortunate consequence about going outside and partying is that you will encounter people who don’t have the best intentions, but it’s really a part of my job to keep myself safe,” Pack said.
She said she plans to take precautions when she goes out to make sure she and her friends are having fun while staying safe.
“I just really keep myself safe by always being with my friends,” Pack said.
USC offers various resources to keep students safe, including the “Rethink the Drink” text message service, which was made to keep students aware of their alcohol consumption. There are two variations of the initiative: one for non-drinkers and one for intentional drinking choices.
Students have the option to sign up to receive text messages to help them stay consistent with their intentional drinking or non-drinking plan on game days. Messages help students plan ahead, set limits, and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Genesis Delgado, a sophomore majoring in urban studies and planning, said that she is looking forward to going out on Halloween to be with her friends. She said that she was not worried about safety involving others but has concerns about the weather.
“My biggest safety concern is the rain, and if people are going to slip and fall,” Delgado said.
Carlisle said there are always a handful of calls that involve students suffering from alcohol poisoning, but he expects more this weekend. There are also concerns involving pedestrian vulnerability, as it is projected to rain and students will be walking after dark. If someone is intoxicated, he said they can be even more vulnerable.
“If students are going to go out to a party, [they’ve] got to get there safely,” Carlisle said. “Don’t wear anything that’s going to impede your vision… travel with a group… take advantage of USC’s Transportation Department’s free Lyft program.”
Violetta Fajardo contributed to this report.
Edited by Natalie Cerna