Fellow students,

Unofficial St. Patrick's Day will be here before we know it, and as Student Body President, I want to encourage all of us to be proactive in looking out for one another.

Do NOT hesitate to call 911 for any potential emergency, even if you may have consumed alcohol underage. University Police, Champaign Police and Urbana Police prioritize protecting lives and resolving immediate conflict.

If you decide to involve yourself this Friday, be sure to understand the new social host law in Illinois. Party hosts who provide alcohol to underage individuals can potentially be charged up to a Class 4 Felony (which carries up to 3 years in jail and a $25,000 fine). Hosts found serving or allowing minors to posses alcohol or charging admission will be arrested on state charges and transported to the Champaign County Jail.

Always remember these simple tips:
'     If hosting a party, do not let strangers in; you may be held liable for them.
'     Never get into a car with someone who is impaired.
'     If you have a bad feeling about the situation, your gut feeling is your best bet.  Stay alert, be cautious, and do not be afraid to leave.

Also keep in mind these tips when interacting with law enforcement officials as prepared by the Student Rights Sub-Committee of the Illinois Student Senate:
'     Don't argue.  Be polite, but firm.
'     You must tell an officer your correct name and address.
'     Don't threaten to file a complaint.
'     Don't keep a fake ID in your wallet or purse (Possession of a fake ID will cost you $320 or more, and you can lose your Driver's License).

Finally, please keep these important contacts for this weekend:

Safe Walks: 217-333-1216
MTD SafeRides: 217-265-7433
Rape Hotline: 217-355-5203
Domestic Violence Hotline: 217-384-4390


Remember, whatever you decide to do this Friday, be responsible, be alert and be respectful of our University community.

____________________________________
Brock W. Gebhardt
Student Body President
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Executive Director of The Association of Big Ten Students
gebhard4@illinois.edu - (217) 265-0520