Staying Safe on Halloween

OCTOBER 20, 2022

From: Eric Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security, and Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University
To: Members of the University Community
Subject: Staying Safe on Halloween
Date: October 20, 2022

We are writing to share important resources and information to help you enjoy this Halloween while staying safe.

Halloween is a time when many members of the UChicago community and our neighbors trick or treat or engage in celebratory activities on and near campus. Hyde Park tends to have an increased number of visitors during this time, and while most people come to enjoy the holiday, it can also be a time of increased crime in the city. Our campus is in a thriving community where many residents are committed to fostering safety on Halloween. We encourage everyone to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable holiday. Below you will find safety tips as well as information on Halloween activities happening this year on campus and in neighboring areas.

Events On and Near Campus During Halloween Weekend

From Boos and Ribs in Ida Noyes Hall to Haunted Halloween at the OI, there are many opportunities for members of our community and their families to enjoy Halloween at UChicago. For a listing of events on and near campus, please visit the Campus and Student Life website.

Halloween Safety and Security

  • The University has set up a Halloween-specific alert system to notify you of potential safety risks or criminal activity on or around campus for Monday, October 31. Anyone can sign up for these temporary alerts by texting “HALLOWEEN2022” to 226787 will receive a text notification. Note – this is an opt-in for October 31 only and does not affect your cAlert and security alert preferences.

  • The Department of Safety and Security will increase staffing for Halloween, with additional University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) officers and Safety Ambassador staff to monitor and respond quickly to any incidents.

  • Our Hyde Park neighbors have set up a “Collabooration” effort where participating residents will leave their outside lights on during Halloween night and lead positive activities on their blocks. Now in its fourth year, Collabooration is intended to promote fun and safety while building community.

  • When traveling around campus and the neighboring areas, walk in groups, stay alert, focus on your surroundings, and put away your cell phone or other electronic devices. If you are concerned about your safety as you walk within UCPD’s service area, you can request a safety escort by calling 773-702-8181 or using the UChicago Safe app. You can also visit the University’s safety webpage for additional tips on staying safe in the city and around campus.

  • Consider using bus, shuttle, or ride share options when traveling around campus and the neighboring areas. TransLoc transit tracking app or through the UChicago Safe app.

  • Download the UChicago Safe app on your smartphone. The app allows you to send your device’s location to UCPD if needed, which initiates a call to UCPD’s emergency communications center so that police can be dispatched to your location. This service works anywhere within the geographical boundaries of UCPD’s service area (37th to 64th streets / Cottage Grove Avenue to Lake Shore Drive).

COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines for Halloween

The City of Chicago has established a website with information on how to celebrate the holiday safely, including important COVID-related guidelines for residents who plan to give out candy or go trick-or-treating. The city’s recommendations include:

  • Making sure all family members, ages 6 months and up, are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations (including the new, updated vaccine / bivalent boosters for eligible Chicagoans ages 12 and up)

Members of the University community should follow the city’s guidelines and continue to observe the University’s COVID-19 health requirements.

Thank you for your help to make this Halloween enjoyable and safe.

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