Dear IUP Students,
You have worked hard this semester and certainly deserve the upcoming break from classes. My hope is that next week includes fun, relaxation and rest, and that you return to classes prepared for a strong finish to the semester.
I recognize that not all students will be traveling during the break. There are lots of alternatives that can make the week enjoyable and meaningful. Consider the following:
- Scheduling a job shadow
- Volunteering for a good cause
- Visiting an historic or culturally significant location
- Having a staycation
- Camping out with your friends
- Spending time with relatives
- Taking a planned break from your devices (and from social media)
If you do plan to travel during spring break, please keep these general safety and wellness practices in mind:
- Don’t travel alone, and share your travel plans with family or trusted friends, and do regular check-ins to let them know you are safe
- Keep your ID on your person
- Keep your cellphone charged and secure, especially if you are in unfamiliar locations
- Have a code word and plan with friends to indicate when you are feeling uncomfortable or unsafe and need their help to get out of a situation
- Keep your money and bank cards secure and protected
- Use caution when swimming, hiking, or climbing; do not go into prohibited areas, even if they “seem safe”
- If you plan to drink alcohol, do it legally and safely – don’t make yourself vulnerable, especially if you are with people you don’t know
- Leave expensive jewelry, purses, and clothing at home
- Practice safe driving and be aware of traffic laws
- Ask for a hotel room on an upper floor to limit ground access to your room
- If it is against the law, it is not worth it!
Personally, I am looking forward to spring weather and more time outdoors, and I am guessing you are, too. However, while large-group gatherings can be an enjoyable way to celebrate spring, I urge you to be cautious and to take care of yourself and your friends.
The Indiana Area Collaborative Team (I-ACT), a community-university working group focused on community safety, recently shared a message with proactive personal safety information.
I encourage you to review this communication and put these suggestions into practice.
Thank you for all that you continue to do to keep yourself and our community safe and well. Please continue to stay the course, look out for one another, and ask for help if you need it; we are here for you.
Sincerely,
Tom Segar