In college, parties are a fact of life. While UP’s party scene may be considered tame compared to other schools, sometimes things get out of control, or at least the neighbors think so.
In a recently revived UP Campus Safety feature, students can contact Campus Safety when they’re hosting an off-campus party. The feature was formerly active from 2012-18. However, Campus Safety recently reintroduced it in 2023 and started advertising it last semester on social media.
According to Director of Campus Safety & Emergency Management Michael McNerney, the main function of this feature is to facilitate conversations between UP students and neighbors who have lodged a complaint about an off-campus party to avoid intervention from Portland Police.
“A single noise ordinance violation issued by Portland Police Bureau, or minor in possession [of alcohol] or providing a place for minors to consume alcohol can result in grounds for eviction,” McNerney said. “And, we don't ever want things to go to that level, right?”
McNerney emphasizes that the purpose of the feature is not to preemptively bust parties, but if Campus Safety arrives on the scene and there is underage drinking, they will have to follow the law.
“We're not trying to identify that behavior unless, of course, we have a residence where they're not registering the parties, and they're continuing to be a disruption to the neighborhood.” McNerney said.
Once a student registers their party via text or email, an available Campus Safety officer will communicate with the student and log pertinent information, such as the address and the time of the party. McNerney states that the protocol doesn’t just help Campus Safety and students communicate when hosting parties, it also helps students keep in mind the responsibility of organizing a party.
The optional feature is also a valuable tool for ensuring a safe environment for students, according to President of the Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) Isabella Hull. Hull believes that the registration program will help Campus Safety get more involved in off-campus events.
“[Campus Safety] wants students to have a good time and get the best out of their college experience while remaining safe,” Hull said. “And one way to do that is to open up the lines of communication between Campus Safety and the student body, especially when it comes to off-campus events.”
Campus Safety not only encourages students to register their parties but also advises them to notify their neighbors to maintain good relations with them as complaints could possibly roll in.
“Check in with your neighbors. Make sure that they understand that you're holding a party and what times to expect the party to be from until," McNerney said. “And maybe give them contact info so that they can reach out directly to you, and they don't even have to call us.”
To register a party, text 971.563.4341 or email campussafety@up.edu.
Kripa Manoj is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at manoj28@up.edu
