�山����

1. Nail down your plans����

Plan. Make sure everyone is on the same page about where you plan to go before, during and after. Communicate how you will take care of each other in case something happens.����

Stick together. Make a commitment to stick together and agree on how you will meet back up if you get separated. This can decrease the chances that someone will have to rely on lesser-known friends or strangers to get home.������

Check in with each other. It’s also important to establish a way to check in with each other throughout the day, night or weekend. Consider starting a group chat so you can communicate with each other in case someone needs help.��Be sure to charge your phone so you can stay in touch with others.��

Share your location. Finally, make sure everyone knows where you’re all going. Google and Apple Maps are a great way to make sure everyone ends up where they’re supposed to be. If you do get separated in a crowd, try sending a pin to the group with your location. You can also use features like “share my location.” Just remember to turn it off later if you want to stop sharing access. Finally, if plans change, make sure everyone knows and agrees on what you’re going to do.������

2. Look out for each other����

If people are drinking (or using other substances), make a commitment to watch out for each other. It can be helpful to set a limit before you go out, so your friends know when they may need to step in. In fact, 91% of students surveyed find it acceptable to let a friend know when they’ve had too much to drink.������

Have fun and set limits that align with your own values, �山����’s Student Code of Conduct, and City and County of �山���� law. One thing to note: if you used alcohol or other substances before college, your usual tolerance might not hold up here. Your body gets used to familiar settings, but in a new environment like campus, the same amount can hit harder. Knowing that can help you stay safe and avoid unwanted effects. Similarly, if someone drinks too much, encourage a shift to water or help them get home.��

3. Have an out����

Create a code word, sign or text emoji that means ‘get me out of this situation!’ Proactively keep an eye out for questionable situations, especially if someone is intoxicated and may not be able to communicate their discomfort.�� ����

This can include things like someone pursuing someone in an unwanted or creepy way. Watch for people who hit on people who are too drunk, persuade others to drink, try to get a drunk person alone or away from their friends or are persistent about pursuing someone.��

If you see someone in a potentially harmful or high-risk situation, you can do something to intervene. Bystanders are particularly important in situations where someone is being targeted because of their level of intoxication, or if a person has been intentionally drugged at a party. Remember that impaired or incapacitated people are usually unable to protect or advocate for themselves.����

4. Get everyone home safely��

Commit to not ditching someone if they have too much to drink or become unwilling to stick with the plan to stay together. Never leave a friend behind, especially with people they just met.����

If you need a ride home, give CU NightRide a try or use a paid service. CU NightRide is a student-operated program that provides free night-time transportation for any �山���� students, staff and faculty.��