“There’s no question our priority here is the safety and security of our students,” said Christine Schramm, UD’s Dean of Students.
Students who get in trouble could be arrested, expelled or even both, university officials said. UD is encouraging students to report bad behavior and text friends to make sure they don’t drink and drive.
“I’m impressed by the students proactively engaging the campus and talking about ways in which they can celebrate being a Flyer during this exciting time for the campus and be safe at the same time,” said Rodney Chatman, UD’s director of public safety and police chief.
Some on campus say they’re more worried about visitors coming onto the campus during the festivities than UD students.
St. Patrick’s Day is Thursday.
The UD men's basketball team plays Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament at 12:15 p.m. Friday on WHIO-TV, Ch. 7.
“We are definitely ready to celebrate, but we are ready to celebrate as responsibly as we can,” said Mike Brill, president of the student government association. “We really do have a respect for the community that we have here.”
ArriveSafe, a program that provides free cab rides home to St. Patrick's Day revelers in Montgomery County, is being offered again this year.
In 2013, more than 1,000 people were involved in a riot in what is known as the UD ghetto. The riot left broken beer bottles and 11 damaged cars, including a police cruiser, on Kiefaber Street.
Over the course of that weekend, 24 non-UD students were charged through the courts, mostly for underage drinking, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Seven of the 24 non-University students were physically arrested.
In addition, public safety officers cited 45 students through the university’s student conduct system for violations ranging from underage possession of alcohol to disorderly behavior. Fourteen of the 45 students also received court citations.
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