Friday, March 22, 2013

HAPPY SPRING BREAK!



It’s that time of year again—Spring Break! Everyone’s favorite time to relax, spend time with friends, and take a break from the rigors of school. But before you go, here are some safety tips to help ensure you have a memorable Spring Break!

If you’re driving to your destination:

  • Have your car serviced before you head out of town
  • Bring jumper cables, gloves, a flashlight, and your AAA card in case of car trouble
  • Take turns driving and whoever rides shotgun should stay awake to help the driver stay awake
  • And of course, buckle up!
During your trip:

  • Keep your money safe, only carry small bills, and go to the ATM in groups
  • Have phone numbers for taxi companies or hotel shuttles as well as local emergency services
  • Put your emergency contact information in your phone labeled as “ICE”
  • Wear sunscreen and reapply often
  • Stay with your group and travel in packs
  • Don’t announce which hotel and/or room number you are staying in while in public
  • People fall off balconies every year, so be careful!
  • Pay attention to your surroundings
If you’ll be drinking:

  • Drunks are the easiest targets, so party smart, be responsible, and look out for your friends
  • STAY HYDRATED
    • Signs of dehydration include dizziness, weakness, muscle spasms, passing out, confusion or having dark urine.
    • The sun can maximize the effects of alcohol. Take a break by sitting in the shade and drinking lots of water
  • Watch out for predatory drugs
    • Common symptoms include extreme wooziness, confusion, difficulty standing, and slurring speech
    • Never set your drink down, watch your drinks be made, don’t drink from common sources (pre-made punch, etc)
  • Have a plan before you leave. Know where you are going and how you will get back to your hotel
  • Make sure everyone gets back safe—no woman left behind!

Thank you Rae Winters, this month's guest blogger, for these amazing tips! 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Panhellenic Response to "There Ain't No Such Thing as Free Beer"


When I first read the blog “There Ain’t No Such Thing As Free Beer” I was speechless. Many of the women that this anonymous author is referring to, yes the ones who are “providing services” to fraternity men, are Panhellenic women. We understand that the article was stylistically exaggerated for greater effect, but rather than sounding like a hyperbole, it came across as a crude, ignorant, and a judgmental generalization of fraternity men and women. It is overly simplistic, black and white. There are many Panhellenic women, and women on campus in general, who choose to attend fraternity events that are extremely bright, remarkably involved, and highly respected individuals on campus. Your umbrella assumption of all women who attend fraternity events on the weekend completely disregards the true character of these women and the respect that they deserve under any circumstance, any time, and any place.

While the author might have good intentions by bringing up the issue of sexual assault and violence on campus, he/she does so through “slut shamming”. But the conversation that this author is trying to start on campus should not be inspired by shamming those who are most affected by this issue—the victim. To insinuate that it is the woman’s fault for being sexually assaulted is appalling, or to say that she is asking to be viewed as a sexual object just for stepping into a certain fraternity on campus is absurd.  Articles such as these create a community where victims of sexual assault feel intimidated or too ashamed to come forward.

Sexual assault is a serious and complex issue on this campus, not one to be generalized and over simplified, as we believe this article does. Education and awareness are the keys to PREVENTION, and as a Panhellenic Community we have taken it on as one of our goals to promote the efforts organizations and services on campus that work towards sexual violence education and intervention projects as well as the support services offered here on campus for victims. If you are out, whether you are at a bar, fraternity or duplex party, and you see something that doesn't look right, intervene. Below are some resources that we encourage you to look at and pass along to your sisters. Victims of sexual assault should feel the support of our community, not be shammed by articles such as “There Ain’t No Such Things As Free Beer”. Encourage your friends, sisters and fellow DePauw females to never feel ashamed to report a sexual assault or violence against them.

We would like the author of “No Such Thing As Free Beer” to feel free to contact Panhellenic if he/she would like to continue this conversation and hopefully come to a better understanding of each other’s viewpoint and plan of action. 

Feel free to comment your own response, reactions or feelings below.
Public Safety: 765-658-4261 or 911
Sexual Assault Survivors’ Advocate (SASA) 24/7: 765-658-4650/765-658-4261
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE): 765-658-4268/765-658-4261
Counseling Services: 765-658-4268
Women’s Center: 765-658-4173

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Get Excited for Special Olympics!

Get excited for Special Olympics this Weekend! The Indiana Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament will be held at DePauw's Indoor Track and Field building March 9 & 10. Come out and support these amazing teams!

Saturday:
9:30 AM Registration
11:00 AM Games Begin
12:20 Opening Ceremonies
Games will be done by 6:00 PM
6:15-7:00 PM Pizza After Party
7:00 PM Watch the DePauw Women's Basketball game at Lilly Center

Sunday:
9:00 AM Registration
10:00 AM Games Being
Games done by 3:00 PM

Check out the schedule here!