MAE O’MALLEY / ASST.  NEWS EDITOR

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is investigating two instances of students allegedly being drugged with unknown substances. The incidents took place at off-campus parties near the campus’s fraternity row. The UCLA Police Department released a crime alert on Oct. 7, alerting the community of the events that had occurred.

“Victim 1 attended 3 parties at different locations on Gayley Avenue and developed symptoms which they did not believe were from alcohol,” the crime report stated. “Victim 2 attended a party on the 600 block of Gayley and, after being handed a drink, developed symptoms they did not believe were from alcohol/marijuana.” 

Both students reported attending parties on Gayley Avenue, a main street located just outside of UCLA’s main campus which also houses multiple fraternity and sorority houses. According to the UCLA Police Department, officers are looking at these incidents as off-campus aggravated assaults using drugs. 

These recent events brought light to the importance of safety at college parties. At USD, most parties are unsanctioned, off-campus events where the University does not have the jurisdiction to prevent students from attending. However, when on-campus, USD’s Alcohol and Drug Policy states that all employees, students and volunteers are expected to adhere to the University’s standards.  This policy can be found in  the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities. 

“The unlawful possession, use, distribution, sale, manufacture or promotion of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and alcohol, or willfully being under the influence of illegal drugs, is prohibited while on university property or as part of any university-sponsored or university-funded activity,” the policy explains.

Students who fail to comply with these standards may face disciplinary action, which is determined by the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices.

While there is no official fraternity row at USD, most parties take place in the neighborhoods adjacent to campus, particularly near Riley Street and Goshen Street. These parties are often hosted by fraternities and sports teams, and are typically “open-house.” USD has faced complaints in the past from Linda Vista residents who deem the parties out of control. Complaints have focused on noise and disrespectful students. 

Besides disrupting neighbors, going out often comes with other safety concerns such as binge drinking, drug use and possible assaults. Sofia Lammot, a first-year at USD, commented on the pressures students may face when they go out. 

“Drugs and alcohol-use are both prevalent at parties, but I feel like I haven’t personally felt pressure to drink,” Lammot said. “If you’re not drinking, I haven’t seen an instance where people force you to drink. It’s not as intense as I feel like it would be at other schools.” 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an estimated 1,519 college students – ages 18 to 24 – die from accidental alcohol-related incidents per year. Similarly, the NIAAA reports that, yearly, 696,000 students are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. Amelia Clarke, a junior at USD, commented on her experiences when attending USD parties. 

“For the most part I never have an issue,” Clarke stated. “I feel like there are always one or two people who will make you uncomfortable, but when I stay in a group and watch what I’m drinking I feel fine.” 

Other students take similar precautions in order to prevent unwanted situations when going out. Lauren Xhemo, a first-year at USD, attends parties every weekend, and makes sure that she takes care of herself and her friends. 

“I always have one person that I stick with no matter what,” Xhemo stated. “I have all of my friends on Find My Friends and make sure that I’m aware of where they are when we go out.” 

Though some students frequently attend parties, others suggest that USD is not a “party school” and should not be treated as such. Ella Kocourek, a sophomore at USD, says that she does go to parties, but that she does not let it define her social life. 

“I go out once or twice a week, but that’s nothing compared to my friends at SEC or Big 10 schools who go out four to five times a week,” Kocourek said. “It’s fun to go out, but I definitely wouldn’t call USD a party school and that’s part of the reason why I chose to go here.” 

Other students rarely go out, but this does not prevent them from making friends and enjoying themselves. Devon Serkes, a junior at USD, weighed in on why she often opts to not attend off-campus parties.

“I don’t even really go out anymore, I prefer to hang out with my  friends in  my apartment,” Serkes stated. “Parties are too cramped and sweaty, and it’s not a fun environment. So I don’t see the point in wasting energy going out to somewhere I won’t enjoy myself.”  

Khushi Patel/The USD Vista

While some students avoid large parties altogether, there are still some who enjoy going out. For students that choose to attend parties and find themselves in uncomfortable or unsafe situations, the University  has multiple resources available.  

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) ensures students’ safety both on-campus and off-campus in the surrounding areas. There are two phone numbers that DPS can be reached at for assistance, a non-emergency number, (619) 260-7777, and an emergency number, (619) 260-2222. These telephone numbers are best suitable for situations occurring in on-campus or affiliated off-campus buildings. In an off-campus emergency situation, students are encouraged to call 911. 

On top of offering on-call support, USD also offers the  Responsible Torero Harm Reduction Practice. This  practice allows students to seek help  from DPS or on-duty Residential Life staff in the case of a drug or alcohol related emergency without fear of punishment.  If a student seeks help in good faith,  both they and the student at risk may avoid facing university sanctions.  The policy encourages students to always “make the call” when it comes to alcohol and drug-related emergencies. In most circumstances, students will not face repercussions for calling DPS in an emergency. 

Despite the safety concerns with parties at UCLA, USD students continue to make going out a part of their college experience. As they do so, Toreros should keep in mind the resources provided by the University. By remaining vigilant when going out and always having safety protocols in place, students  can maintain personal safety.

Students often attend parties on Goshen Street. Emma Pirhala/The USD Vista