Party smarter: Greek social events and formals
Reining in the new semester means that you’ll likely attend a variety of Greek social events, including formals, Homecoming, tailgates, parties and more. Here are some practical tips and bits of wisdom to help you stay safe and have fun.
1. Be mindful of hazing behaviors
Greek life can come with a lot of social pressures. That's why it’s important for current members to be mindful of how they interact with new recruits. Some activities, like drinking or using substances could be construed as hazing.
It’s also important to know that hazing can happen at any point in the recruitment and initiation process. If you notice a group member encouraging or forcing someone to consume alcohol, drugs or other substances, say something. Speaking up about hazing, even when it interferes with a group’s expectations, can help prevent it from escalating or happening to other members.
If you notice someone engaging in behavior that may be considered hazing, there are resources that can help. Learn more about hazing and how to support yourself or a friend.
2. Register your gatherings
If a neighbor makes a noise complaint about a gathering you’re hosting, you can receive a visit from Boulder Police. Registering parties and gatherings means you’ll receive a 20-minute warning before police are dispatched, which can lessen your chances of receiving an expensive ticket.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Always follow chapter policies. For instance, sororities are not permitted to host parties at their chapter houses.
- Fraternity executive board members must complete the party registration orientation and register all parties on behalf of their official chapter houses.
- For fraternity and sorority members hosting parties off campus, at least one person from living at that address will need to complete the orientation and register all parties.
- Party registration is for noise complaints only. Other violations like underage drinking, drinking in public, brawling and fireworks are not covered by the program.
- Houses that receive two consecutive warnings and/or tickets may lose their party registration privileges.
3. Set limits
Limits aren’t just about how many drinks you have or substances you use. They can include a variety of strategies that can help you have wanted experiences and avoid unwanted experiences. Here are a few examples of limits you may set for yourself:
- Social circle: Alcohol or other drug use can make anyone more vulnerable to unwanted experiences. If you’re invited out to a Greek event, be thoughtful about who you choose to surround yourself with. Choose sisters or brothers you trust and know will look out for you. Make a plan before you go out together. For instance, you may want to ensure everyone is on the same page about sticking together or helping each other get home safely. This can be particularly important for new members who may not be familiar with campus or who haven’t formed close relationships yet.
- Types of events: What kinds of events do you want to attend? In some cases, you may not be willing to go to large gatherings or participate in ‘party-hopping.’ Let your group know if you aren’t comfortable or want to find a different event to go to. If you are required to attend a specific event, be mindful about how you spend your time while you’re there.
- Event duration: Knowing when it’s time to leave an event or party can help ensure that you maintain control over your night. If you’re ready to go, talk with your group to ensure everyone makes it home safely and nobody gets left behind.
- Frequency: Setting limits around how often you drink, use substances or attend parties and events can help ensure that you don’t go overboard. Consider limiting the number of social gatherings you attend each week or month. This can help you avoid burnout and potential impacts in other areas of your life, like academic performance, extracurriculars and relationships.
- Number of drinks: This is one of the most common limits people set for themselves. Keep in mind that substances affect everyone differently and knowing your limit is a learning process. Your limit may look different from those around you, and that’s okay. If you’re not sure what your limit is, start small. For instance, you can take a break between drinks to see how they make you feel before having more. Consider enlisting a friend to help you stick to a limit that works for you or let you know when they think you’ve had enough.
4. Master the art of saying “I'm good, thanks”
Greek life can come with added peer pressures. If you’re trying to avoid peer pressure or leave a party or event, it’s important to have some strategies under your belt. Consider potential exit strategies before you go out so you’re better prepared to use them. Here are some examples you can use:
Avoiding peer pressure Fill your cup with water or a non-alcoholic beverage to show that you already have a drink and don’t need a refill. Choose to participate in other activities that aren’t as focused on drinking, such as watching others play games or getting to know other people at the party. Rely on your brothers and sisters to help you if someone is being pushy about drinks or other substances. They may be able to intervene or redirect the situation, especially if you’re struggling to do it yourself. | Leaving a party Before you attend a party or gathering, plan how you’ll get home. Make sure your friend group is on the same page, your phones are charged and you have enough money for transportation if needed. If you’re feeling uncomfortable or want to go home, confide in your trusted friends. Let them know you’re ready to leave and ask someone to go with you. You can always make up an excuse to get out of the party. It’s okay to say you have work in the morning, your roommate got locked out or you aren’t feeling well. Do what you need to take care of yourself. |
Remember that members should always respect each other’s decisions to slow down, stop or leave. If you’re feeling pressured by members of your group, consider seeking out another person you know to help you out of the situation.
5. Stick to one substance at a time
Using more than one substance at a time, including alcohol, medication or other drugs, can increase your risk of experiencing an overdose. The interactions between substances are often unpredictable and may impact you more than others. That’s why it’s important to stick to one substance at a time.
6. Be prepared for emergencies
Sometimes things can go badly or take an unexpected turn. This can include a person experiencing alcohol poisoning or an accidental overdose at a party. Knowing how to respond and get the person help can save their life.
If an emergency situation unfolds, here’s what you can do:
Watch for these signs:
| How to respond:
|
Important policies to know
Calling for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency means neither the person who calls for help nor the person who needs help will be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions by the university (i.e., probation, suspension, expulsion). To be covered by the Amnesty Policy, a student must:
| A person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when they report, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose to a law enforcement officer, the 911 system or a medical provider. This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer, or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event. |
7. Look out for others
The reality is that most sexual assaults are carried out by friends, acquaintances, partners, exes or by a person someone has met online or at a party. Pushing substances onto someone or pursuing someone who is intoxicated can be a common tactic for committing sexual assault.
If you’re attending an event or going out for the weekend, it’s important to keep watch out for suspicious situations that may indicate that someone is trying to take advantage of another person using alcohol or other drugs.
Watch out for someone who is:
- Coercing or pressuring someone to consume more alcohol or drugs than they are comfortable with.
- Initiating sexual contact with someone because they are intoxicated and less likely to resist.
- Isolating someone who has had too much to drink or is having a negative drug experience.
- Not telling someone what is in their drink or the type of dosage of drug they are ingesting.
If you notice these signs, be prepared to intervene or interrupt, even if you aren’t sure you're reading the situation correctly. You may need to help reconnect them with trusted friends or enlist others to help ensure they can get home safely.
8. Have fun
College can be a stressful time, and it’s important to take time to have some fun. Practicing these strategies can help you stay safe and enjoy your night out.
Resources
If you're looking to explore your relationship with substances, explore the impacts of alcohol and sex, register an upcoming party or connect with a recovery community, CU Boulder has resources that can help.
Registering your gatherings can help lessen the chances of receiving an expensive ticket. By registering parties with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, you will get a 20-minute warning before police officers arrive if your residence receives a noise complaint. | Check out this site for more information about:
| Health Promotion offers free workshops to help students reflect on their relationship with alcohol and other substances.
*Workshops are not considered therapy or substance abuse treatment. |
Student Legal Services is a dedicated law firm that provides support to eligible CU Boulder students facing legal issues, including:
| SCCR provides support and resources to help students understand the impact of their behaviors, balancing accountability with growth and education. The student conduct process helps students reflect on and repair any harm caused and create a personal plan to minimize or eliminate harm in the future. | The CUCRC provides weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and other resources for those considering, pursuing or actively in recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and unwanted behaviors. |
Explore boundary-setting, consent, pleasure, the impact of alcohol on sex and sexual assault prevention during this interactive workshop presented by the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). | CAPS provides several services related to substance use, including:
*Confidential resource | OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event, including, but not limited to, sexual assault and harassment. *Confidential resource |