UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In advance of the student-created drinking event known as State Patty’s Day, both Penn State and State College Borough are working together to increase safety measures in an attempt to reduce excessive drinking and other negative impacts. State Patty’s Day is expected to take place Feb. 23-25.
Penn State University Police and Public Safety will be working with the State College Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and other local police departments to maintain a strong presence throughout the weekend.
Tom Fountaine, State College Borough manager, and Andrea Dowhower, Penn State interim vice president for Student Affairs, asked members of the State College Tavern Owners Association to treat State Patty’s like any other weekend. The memo encouraged no drink specials, no extended hours, no themed promotions, and no other activities that may add to problems typically associated with this annual event.
“A proactive approach to discourage participation in this event is utilized to help reduce problematic behaviors,” said Fountaine. “It is critical to reduce high-risk and dangerous drinking that impacts community resources such as Mount Nittany Medical Center, University and borough police resources, and EMS workers, along with the overall well-being of the community, including students and long-term residents.”
In addition to increased law enforcement, the University and the borough have created the following safety measures to minimize dangerous activities:
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Greek-letter organizations have been asked to voluntarily limit social events with alcohol at their facilities throughout the weekend.
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The University’s residence halls will limit guests to one per room for the weekend.
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Off-campus property managers will be notified of these events and asked to discourage parties, and to have extra staff on hand to patrol their properties and quickly report illegal activities to police.
- Weekend parking rates will be increased at both Borough and campus locations to reduce overnight parking.
Any Penn State student charged with violations during the weekend, including violations that occur either on or off campus, will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response for appropriate disciplinary action. Local guidelines, including Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol and Pennsylvania's Medical Amnesty Law, protect students from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol when they seek help for a peer who is passed out, unconscious or unresponsive as the result of over-consumption.
"Our priority, this weekend and every other, is to keep our community as safe as possible," said Dowhower. "While historically this event has created challenges, we hope our strong partnerships with the students and community will help combat any disruptive or damaging behavior. Our hope is for a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone."