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Whether you’re graduating or simply enjoying the end of a long school year, here are some tips you can use to plan your ideal celebration.ÌýÌý

1. Make it your own

If you plan to attend graduation or end-of-year parties, try to be selective. Focus on celebrations that allow you to spend time with people you really care about and want to celebrate with. If you choose not to attend parties, that’s okay too.Ìý

Here are some ideas for how to make it your own:Ìý

• Make plans to eat out at your favorite local restaurant with a close group of friends or family (brunch, anyone?).
• Get a small group together to enjoy a day at the park with lawn games and food or cake.
• Plan a small getaway, road trip or camping trip with friends or family (you can rent equipment from the Rec Center).
• Visit your favorite spots in Â鶹ӰԺ, especially if you’ll be leaving for the summer or starting a new job soon.
• Recreate memories with friends on campus and around town.Ìý

Planning to host a gathering? Be sure to register your partyregister your party with Off-Campus Life. This can help you avoid potential tickets, noise complaints and other sanctions. It can also be helpful to know city ordinances and common citations.Ìý

2. Think small(er)

It’s easy to get swept up into large events, especially if you’re graduating alongside more than 6,000 other students. However, it’s important to be mindful of who you reallyÌýwant to celebrate your accomplishments with this year.Ìý

3. Come up with a gameÌýplan

The end of the semester can be a hectic time. That’s why it’s important to make a game plan before heading out to celebrate.Ìý

Here are some tips you can use to stay together and stay safe:

• Pick the right people.ÌýTake some time to identify who you want to go out with, including family and friends. If you plan to drink or use other substances, be sure to choose a friend group that will take care of you, even if you’ve had too much to drink.Ìý
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• Stick to the plan.ÌýMake sure everyone is on the same page about how you want to celebrate, where you want to go and what parties or celebrations you want to attend. Once you have a plan, stick to it. If things change, be sure to talk with your group so you can all come up with a new plan together. Ìý
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• Keep in contact.ÌýCreate a group chat so you can keep in touch with each other, even if you split up at a party. Make sure to keep your sound on, so you don’t miss any notifications from the group. If you end up in different areas, try sending the address or sharing a location pin with the group so they know where to find you.Ìý
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• Watch out for each other.ÌýIf you or your friends plan to drink or use substances, keep each other accountable. Encourage everyone to set a limit before you go out and stick to it. If you notice a friend has gone beyond their limit, encourage them to drink water, have a snack or join you for a non-drinking activity. You may also need to take them home early. Ìý
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• Stay hydrated.ÌýHot weather and alcohol aren’t always a good mix because you’re more likely to get dehydrated. If you plan on drinking alcohol, ry alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, especially if you’re celebrating outside in the heat. Don’t forget to encourage your friends to do the same.Ìý
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• Get home safe.ÌýMake sure you don’t ditch anyone at a party or celebration, even if they’re being difficult or unwilling to stick to the plan. Never leave someone alone with casual friends, people you just met or those you don’t know well. Instead, commit to going home together and using safe options like CUÌýNightRide or rideshare programs.Ìý

4. Call for help in an emergency

If you or your friends decide to drink or use other substances during celebrations or parties, be prepared to act.

Signs someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning or an overdose include:

• Passed out and unresponsive
• Slow or no breathing
• Vomiting while passed out
• Involuntary pooping or peeing
• Pale/bluish or cool/clammy skin
• Pinpoint (small) pupils
• Gurgling, heavy wheezing or snoring soundÌý

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, immediately call 911 and follow safety protocols by:

• Making sure that the person is in a safe place to avoid injury.
• Gently turning them on their side and put them in the .
• Staying with them. Never leave a severely intoxicated person alone or with someone who is not a trusted friend.

if available (it will not harm a person who is not experiencing an overdose, so if in doubt, use it).Ìý

It’s important to keep in mind that CU Â鶹ӰԺ’s Amnesty Policy and can protect those who call for help in drug-related emergencies.

Students can pick up free naloxone from Health Promotion on the third floor of Wardenburg.Ìý