Statement
The health and safety of the WKU community remains our top priority, and we continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19. While we currently anticipate returning to normal operations following spring break, teams across campus are developing contingency plans should we need to enact policies on campus to increase social distancing and slow the spread of the virus. We will continue to update the campus community with relevant information and guidance as the situation evolves.
 
Please continue to observe these precautions: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face, cough and sneeze into your sleeve and seek medical attention if you feel ill. You can find more about COVID-19 from our website at https://www.wku.edu/healthservices/coronavirus.php

Whether you’re on campus or in Cancun, the Office of Student Conduct wants to remind you to stay safe this Spring Break:

 

• Have a Plan
  • Let someone outside of your travel group know where you’re going, where you’ll be staying, and the contact information of at least one other person on the trip with you. 

Make sure that person also has copies of all of your important documents (passport, visa, driver’s license, plane tickets, etc.).

• Stick Together - Stay with at least two friends from your travel group at all times, in the hotel, in the water, or in the club. Establish a rotation for at least one member of the group to stay sober at all times.
• If something just doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Act on your feelings by leaving, finding a group of people you trust, or calling the authorities for help.
• Keep a card with the name of the hotel, address, and phone number with you and, if you are outside of the U.S., write down the number for the local authorities on the card.

 

• Be Alert and Prepared
  • Don’t go off alone with a new friend or for a hookup. Being separated from your trusted group may put you at risk for physical assault, theft, or even sexual assault.
  • Don’t tell people you meet where you are staying or allow them into your hotel or room.
  • Keep your phone charged at all times – pack a portable phone charger for emergencies.
  • Watch your drink being made, do not accept a drink from anyone else and keep your drink in hand. If your drink is out of sight for even a moment, throw it out.
  • If you’re using Uber or Lyft, make sure the car/driver that arrives matches the information provided on the app.

 

• Let’s Talk About Sex
  • If you plan to have sex, make sure you have protection and consent.
  • Consent is Informed, Freely Given, and Mutual.
  • How do you get consent? ASK – Are you okay with this? WATCH – Look for non-verbal messages, discomfort or lack of eye contact (Signs you should stop). LISTEN – “I want you to…” “I’m ready to…” (Signs you can going) OR “I’m not ready…” “I don’t know…” or “I’ve had a lot to drink…” (Signs you should stop, now!)
  • At least 50% of college student sexual assaults are associated with alcohol use. While men are also at an increased risk of being sexually victimized while drinking, they are also more likely to engage in coercive sexual behaviors – including sexual assault.

 

• Take care of yourself!
  • Dehydration is a serious concern if you are spending time in the sun and drinking alcohol. Drink non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to help replace fluids that your body may be losing. Don’t forget to eat before and while you drink as well!
  • Stand up for yourself - Don’t let someone talk you into doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable or that you wouldn’t do under other circumstances. Don’t be afraid to say “NO!” or to use the people around you as support to get out of a situation.
  • Don’t forget the sunscreen – at least an SPF30 – and reapply often.