Prioritize Your Safety!
February 28, 2024 4:31 PM

The arrival of March means Spring Break is just around the corner and hopefully more days of warmer weather like we experienced earlier this week. March also brings increased opportunities for social events, whether it be to cheer on our Illini athletes, celebrate a holiday, or unwind after a hard week. I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to highlight some information that will help keep all of us safe.

Amnesty Policy
Did you know that the university offers "amnesty” from disciplinary action for those who seek help for themselves or others as a result of being incapacitated from alcohol or other drugs? Please do not hesitate to call 911 for anyone who needs help.

If you or a peer need medical attention, call for help immediately. You will not get in trouble. Absent exceptional circumstances, the university will not pursue disciplinary action against the caller or the individual who needs medical attention for any personal substance use if they remain with that individual until assistance arrives and fully cooperate with emergency responders. 

Click here to learn more about the guidelines for appropriate action students should take in high-risk situations.

Victim of Violent Crime Policy
When a student has been the victim of a violent crime while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the university will not pursue disciplinary action against the student for their substance use in this incident. In addition, law enforcement agencies in Champaign County have a long-established practice of not pursuing criminal charges for the improper use of substances against a victim who is reporting an assault. A student victim who is under the influence at the time of an assault is entitled to university and community assistance and encouraged to seek help.

SafeWalks & SafeRides
SafeWalks and SafeRides are FREE nightly services provided to all Illinois students.

• SafeWalks is a free nightly service provided by fellow students. SafeWalks provides a walking escort when you must travel at night to help minimize the risk to your safety. To connect with a SafeWalks escort, call (217) 333-1216. For more information on SafeWalks, click here.
• SafeRides is a free nightly service MTD provides when traveling alone or in groups no larger than three at night.  Request a trip in the MTD Connect (by Via) app or by phone at (217) 384-8188. For more information on SafeRides, click here.

Sexual Assault Resources
If you need medical care, McKinley Health Center, Carle, and OSF provide medical exams, STD/STI preventive testing and treatment, and emergency contraception. Only the Carle Hospital emergency department performs evidence collection (or rape kit).

If a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam is performed, the State of Illinois will pay for the costs your insurance does not cover. Your insurance will be billed as an emergency visit, not a sexual assault. The hospital will bill the State of Illinois if you do not have insurance.

You have a right to support from a medical advocate.  The hospital should contact a Rape Advocacy Counseling & Education Services (RACES) advocate to be there throughout the process. If the hospital does not provide one, the survivor can request one by calling RACES 24/7 crisis line at (217) 384-4444.

The university provides many resources if you are a survivor of sexual assault. More information on reporting confidential support, police, medical, and other resources can be found at wecare.illinois.edu. To speak to a confidential advisor, contact wrcadvocacy@illinois.edu or call 217-333-3137.

Emergency Dean
The university offers the support and guidance of a university administrator who is on call and can be reached when the university offices are closed. The Emergency Dean supports students experiencing health or safety emergencies in which an immediate university response is needed and cannot wait until the next business day. The Emergency Dean is not a substitute for trained emergency personnel such as 911, police, or fire professionals. Individuals wishing to contact the Emergency Dean because of a serious or urgent matter that requires an immediate response and that is NOT related to a previous or anticipated absence from class may reach the Emergency Dean, who is on-call at their home at (217) 649-4129. 

Illinois Student Council (ISC) – Your advocate for the ultimate student experience.
ISC serves as the university’s official form of student government, advocating for the betterment of our campus community with integrity and transparency. We want to ensure your safety is a priority. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of yourself and your boundaries and limits. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, immediately call 911! If you are a survivor of an unsafe situation, our campus has resources that I urge you to take advantage of. 

Illinois Proud,

Abby McGuire
Student Body President