ATHENS, Ohio -- Precautions are being taken across campus as Ohio University readies for the annual City of Athens Halloween Street Party the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 3. The university's focus remains on safeguarding the personal safety of students and protecting campus property.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Ohio University students are urged to exercise increased caution this weekend.

Dean of Students Terry Hogan said, "We're encouraging students to be especially cautious during this year's Halloween celebration. With the recent terrorist activity, concerns about security have obviously increased. We are communicating directly with students to help them understand the seriousness of the situation and to encourage them to take some specific precautions."

With the influx of visitors from out of town, there is an increased potential for individuals to use the anonymity to their advantage.

Flyers listing suggested precautions for Ohio University students and other visitors, which are sponsored by university departments and the City of Athens' Mayor's Office, are being distributed throughout the campus and community. A copy of the flyer is available at www.ohiou.edu/news/01-02/halloween.html.

Also, in preparation for the weekend, university police department personnel are conducting approximately 20 training sessions with campus groups on campus on personal safety and illegal activities to avoid during Halloween weekend.

CAMPUS SECURITY

Once again, the university expects to spend more than $90,000 in labor, material, supplies and other costs to ensure safety and protect the campus during the weekend.

Law enforcement officers and staff members will patrol campus throughout the weekend and will be bolstered by officers from outside departments who will assist the Ohio University Police Department. Staff employees and volunteers include about 85 classified staff employees who will work Friday and Saturday night and approximately 70 administrators who have volunteered to work Saturday. Approximately 30 Ohio University Police Department officers will be on duty.

PARKING

To reduce the flow of out-of-town visitors through campus, university parking lots will be restricted to vehicles with Ohio University parking tags and student vehicles registered with the Ohio University Police Department from 3 p.m. Friday until about noon Sunday.

Also, most campus parking lots will be limited to one entrance/exit. Parking for out-of-town visitors will be available at the county fairgrounds and other locations throughout the city.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Each student living in a residence hall is allowed one guest, who must be registered with the residence hall. All guests will be given wrist bands, which must be worn to enter residence halls. Ohio University students have the choice of wearing the wrist band or showing their student ID cards. Residents are responsible for any damage caused by their guests.

Last year 4,058 guests were pre-registered, and 2,840 guests actually arrived for the weekend. There are 7,500 Ohio University students living in the 41 residence halls on campus.

ALTERNATIVE EVENTS

For those who aren't fond of crowds, the university has a slate of social events planned for the weekend to offer students alternatives to the Halloween festival. Among the activities planned for Friday and Saturday are:

Friday

• Dance, 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Baker University Center Ballroom, sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
• Poetry Jam, recital and open mic for student poets, 9-10:30 p.m., Baker Center 1804 Lounge, sponsored by Minority Graduate Student Affairs.
• Open Stage with Bruce Dalzell, musical performances, 8 p.m.-midnight, Baker Center Front Room, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities.
• Senior Dance Concert, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., concert choreographed and produced by senior dance majors, Putnam Hall Studio Theater.
• Fright Fest, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Jefferson Hall; movies, tarot readings, haunted house; sponsored by The Residence Action Council.
• Late Night Ice Skate following hockey game between Ohio University and Iowa State, 7:30 p.m., Bird Arena (skate is free for Ohio University students; admission charge for game).

Saturday

• Dance, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Baker Center Ballroom, sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council (admission charge).
• Billy and Brucie Show, live music performance, 8 p.m.-midnight, Baker Center Front Room, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities.
• Cosmic Bowling, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Baker Center Rec Room, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities.
• Dance and Recreational Events, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Ping Recreation Center, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ.
• Distinguished Gentleman Pageant, talent-based pageant, 6-8 p.m., Baker Center Ballroom, sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
• Game Night, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Baker Center Rec Room, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities.