As the peak party season approaches, the prevalence of house parties and excessive drinking prompted members of the Policy, Alternative, Community and Education project, University Officials and the Madison Police Department to hold a press conference Wednesday to discuss campus safety and educate students about safe behavior.
Dean of Students Luoluo Hong asked the campus and Madison community to work together to make positive changes with a proactive stance in the house party initiative.
To create a safe environment, a group of UW-Madison students introduced a guide to throwing house parties, available at University Health Services and the university Web site. Citing risks, consequences and safety tips for both party throwers and goers, the guide is written for students, by students.
\[We] are familiar with the scenarios and risks that house parties present,"" students wrote in the guide. ""We are speaking from experience when we present this information in an attempt to reduce alcohol related problems of house parties.""
Some tips given by the speakers at a press conference included monitoring the drinking of peers, intervening on each other's behalf and using the buddy system.
Becoming educated about health risks as well as the violence and safety issues that arise as a result of excessive drinking is necessary for students to make positive changes, Hong said.
Madison Police Captain Luis Yudice warned that excessive amounts of alcohol, combined with the large numbers of people at unregulated house parties creates a high risk of aggravated assault, sexual assault and robbery.
Authors of the guide do not condemn throwing house parties but want revelers to take more precautions when throwing them.
""Take pride in your house. Bring friends over who can help regulate. People who come to your party are paying for their own safety,"" said Peter Marlenga, co-author of the house party guide and UW-Madison senior.
While Yudice advised students not to host large, unregulated parties, he asked party hosts to ensure vandalism does not occur, stay aware of noise levels and regulate alcohol distribution and consumption.
""We suggest you do not be a bar. You will face severe legal consequences,"" he said.
In the event that police arrive at a house party, Yudice said students should be cooperative.
""We will work with you. The police are there to ensure that you are safe,"" he said.
While officers will continue to respond to house party calls, they will not be ""hunting"" for house parties, Yudice said.
However, Hong said the future may bring policy changes and prevention measures to ensure student safety. She said she encourages students to respect neighbors when throwing parties, reminding them that they are part of the greater Madison community.
Yudice said he hopes landlords will meet the Madison police initiative with increased intervention.
""We are in the process of sending letters out to property owners. It is up to the landlord to determine what kind of action to pursue beyond that,"" Yudice said.
