Halloween Weekend message

The following message was shared with Ohio University students on Oct. 27, 2022.

Dear Students,

This weekend, the City of Athens will host its annual Halloween celebration. It’s a time of year that we’re all looking forward to, particularly given the difficulties each of us has faced in recent years. 

If you choose to take part in this year’s celebration, I encourage you to be smart and stay safe while you enjoy the weekend, and remember that each of us has a responsibility to stay healthy, be respectful and look out for one another in order to help ensure this Halloween is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone in our community.

Plan ahead, and stay safe

Have a plan in place for your weekend. If you will be joining in Halloween activities, stick together with friends you trust will act in a responsible manner. If you’re living off campus and you or your roommates have guests in town for the weekend, be sure to communicate with everyone about the rules for your home and the rules for our community.

Additionally, making a plan prior to going out for a time and place to meet up at the end of the night can be especially helpful if you get separated from your friends.

Dress-up respectfully and safely

It’s important for everyone across our campus community to continue to Make Respect Visible. Remember to use good judgment when choosing your costume and refrain from wearing racially or ethnically offensive costumes. The Division of Diversity and Inclusion’s “My Culture is Not a Costume” campaign includes some insightful information that can help guide your costume choices this year.

Be an engaged bystander

Get help for those who need it, whether that means medical emergency assistance or serving as an advocate for those who are uncomfortable. For emergencies, dial 911.

Remember, it’s only one weekend

Your safety, and your future, is more important than the temporary excitement that unsafe behaviors may entice. This weekend is only a snapshot in time, and your classes and daily routines are just around the corner. Additionally, I know that many of you are already applying for jobs, internships or graduate school – Please be smart and think ahead.

Get involved in activities on campus

Ohio University is hosting a wide range of fun activities this weekend. These activities include OHIO Volleyball in the Convocation Center on Friday and Saturday, OHIO Hockey in Bird Arena on Friday, the Halloween Rec Skate on Sunday in Bird Arena and more. Take a look at OHIO’s Calendar of University Events for all of the engaging campus opportunities that are available.

Please remember that we all have a shared responsibility for upholding the standards of Ohio University and respecting the City of Athens and our neighbors who call our community home. 

Thank you for representing Ohio University with pride and for looking out for your fellow Bobcats today, tomorrow and always.

In Bobcat Pride, 

Kathy Fahl
Interim Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs