The Dean of Students Office offers several opportunities to get involved on October 31 this year!
Students can start their evening by participating in the annual Trick or Treat for Change program, where volunteers dress in costumes and trick-or-treat in the Bloomington-Normal community to collect monetary donations from local residents. All proceeds from this event are donated to the Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University chapter of Habitat for Humanity to help local families build their homes.
Teams consist of four students, one of which must be able to provide transportation for their team. Check-in will take place from 4:30–6 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center, and the event will conclude by 8 p.m. To date, students have raised more than $60,000 through this program.
After collecting donations for Trick or Treat Change, students can join Up Late at State for a night of Halloween fun! The Haunting at State will be held in the Brown Ballroom and Circus Room of the Bone Student Center from 8–11 p.m. There will be a tarot card reader, pumpkin painting, and performances from a mentalist and hypnotist. Enter the costume contest to win a chance for sweatpants, quarter-zip sweatshirts, sweatshirt blankets, and other gear! Up Late will provide a creepy twist on food, entertainment, and music you won’t want to miss! Both Trick or Treat for Change and the Haunting at State are free events open to all Illinois State students.
If students choose to participate in other activities for Halloween, here are some helpful tips:
• Follow the 0-0-1-3 rule. 0 Drinks under 21, 0 drinking and driving, 1 drink an hour, and limit 3 drinks per night. Also, eat before you drink.
• Never leave a drink unattended.
• Use a bathroom! Public urination is an ordinance violation that carries a $100 fine.
• Refrain from drinking from a shared source, such as a jug of jungle juice. Avoid shots and drinking games.
• Underage possession or consumption of alcohol is an ordinance violation that carries a $275 fine.
• If you choose to attend a party, do so in a group of friends. There is safety in numbers.
• Do not mix alcohol with other intoxicants.
The Dean of Students Office hopes everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!For more information about Trick or Treat for Change, contact at (309) 438-7346, and for further details about The Haunting at State, contact Up Late at State at (309) 438-5951.
Marie Huels was a contributor to this article.
