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Halloween Tips to Celebrate Safely
If you choose to celebrate this Halloween, take care of yourself and each other. Find tips, safety resources and campus events to help you prepare for and enjoy the holiday.
Avoid double fines.
The city of San Luis Obispo enforces a safety enhancement zone from midnight Friday, Oct. 23, through 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26; and midnight Thursday, Oct. 29, through 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Fines are doubled for party-related violations including noise, unruly gathering, public urination and open container.
Don't invite guests to stay.
No guests will be allowed in on-campus housing from 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, through 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
Avoid damage charges.
Any damages to University Housing will result in double the standard charges from Thursday, Oct. 30, to Monday, Nov. 2. Policy violations may also be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Celebrate with On-Campus Events
- Oct. 28: Halloween Party Smart Pregame with PULSE, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Health Center Lawn (in front of building 27).
- Oct. 31: ASI's Fright Fest, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Recreation Center.
- Nov. 1: Post-Halloween Neighborhood Clean-up, 10 a.m. to noon. RSVP on Cal Poly Now.
Safety Tips
Find Narcan Training
This dangerous and lethal synthetic opioid is being cut into much of the illegal drug supply. Narcan is a safe and lifesaving opioid antagonist available for free to all active Cal Poly students. Head to Health Center Lawn at 3 p.m. Tuesdays or 11 a.m. Wednesdays or visit the Health Center Pharmacy to receive an overdose prevention kit. Trainings are also available — learn more on the CH&W website.
Be an Upstander
Wherever you choose to spend the weekend, be an Upstander — a proactive bystander who will take action to prevent harm to others. You can help prevent acts of hate and bias, sexual violence, and alcohol/drug-related injuries and overdose.
Set and Respect Boundaries
Talk to your friends before going out to discuss your personal boundaries related to substances, hooking up, sharing personal information, posting photos/videos, and anything else to enhance your own personal safety, comfort and well-being. Respect boundaries by always asking for consent.
Review the Amnesty Protocol
Cal Poly’s amnesty protocol provides a mechanism that allows students to call for help without fear of consequences in medical emergencies or suspected medical emergencies.
Avoid Cultural Appropriation
When picking out a Halloween costume, it is important to be aware of the costume’s cultural context and avoid cultural appropriation — adopting certain elements from another culture, which often plays into negative stereotypes and doesn’t consider cultural significance. Regardless of intent, cultural appropriation for the sake of a Halloween costume dehumanizes and demeans cultures and communities.
If you choose to celebrate, remember to:
- Plan for safe transportation.
- Stay with a friend.
- Don't leave any drink unattended.
- Eat and stay hydrated.
- Stick to one alcoholic drink or less per hour — less is more.
- Look out for each other. Intervene if you see something dangerous or the potential for harm.
Personal Safety Resources
→ Mustang Safe: Turn your smartphone into a personal safety device. Download the free app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
→ Request a safety walk with Mustang Patrol by calling Cal Poly Police Dispatch at 805-756-2281 or through the Rave Guardian app.
→ Mustang Shuttle offers day and nighttime service. Download the app to track the shuttle locations.
→ If you experience harm related to sexual violence, assault or harassment, you can make an appointment with a professional, confidential Safer advocate. After hours or 24/7 support for survivors of sexual assault or intimate partner violence is available through Lumina Alliance at 805-545-8888. Additional ways to report incidents and concerns can be found on the Dean of Students website.
