PIKE Health & Safety – Spring is Upon Us!  

Kimberly Novak, Director, PIKE Health & Safety knovak@pikes.org 

As your chapter prepares for spring to arrive it is important that you and your brothers keep HEALTH & SAFETY at the forefront of your planning! Many brothers will be packing up in the coming weeks to head out into the world and enjoy a break from the day-to-day of campus life. Although you will not be “on campus” please remember that your True PIKE Commitment, as well as the Standards of the Fraternity and expectations of your community, are still in play!

Take time to talk about fraternal standards as well as your commitment to take care of yourselves and those you socialize with! Remind brothers what you expect of each other and share lessons learned with men that are experiencing their first Spring Break.  

https://www.pikes.org/blog/2019/01/08/the-fraternity-standards 

 

IF You and Your Brothers Decide to Hit the Road… 

A few quick tips:  

(just to get you thinking- but not all-inclusive of what you need to plan for!)  

Be familiar with your destination. Not just on Google Maps, but also the real “scene”  

Pack your knowledge of tips for responsible drinking along with your sunscreen! https://gordie.studenthealth.virginia.edu/alcohol-education 

  • Remember that YOU can make choices about what you consume, the rate of consumption, and your personal safety when it comes to Alcohol! Know your limits and have a plan!  
  • Aim for one drink or less per hour. 
  • Alternate between water and alcoholic drinks. 
  • Do not pressure others to “keep up” or drink as much as you and don’t feel pressured to keep up. 
  • Know what you’re drinking. Make drinks yourself or drink from cans/bottles. If your drink is ever out of your sight, toss it and get a new one. 
  • A standard drink is 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz of hard liquor.
  • Use the buddy system. Alternate being the sober one. 
  • Have a safe ride plan before drinking. NEVER drink and drive. 
  • Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to help. https://awareawakealive.org/educate/know-the-signs 

Let someone know where are (at all times)  

  • Share your destination details as well as plans for returning to campus with a brother, your family, or other friends  
  • Use the “Buddy” system when venturing out – even if you think you know the area, Spring Break season is high-risk so travel in packs or minimally pairs!  
  • Pay attention to routes when using taxi cabs, Uber, or other third-party modes of transportation and only use certified services as opposed to grabbing a ride with someone that approaches you offering a ride at the airport or hitching a ride with an unknown “friend” that offers to drive
  • When you are in a bar or in a partying crowd, take care of each other. Don’t let yourselves get separated.
  • Check your car and make sure it is mechanically ready to head out on the road! http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/pre-trip-maintenance.php 

 

SEX! OMG, is she really telling us about sex? – YUP! Make informed choices! 

Remember PIKE MEN Get Consent. If you are engaging in sex with a new partner, respect their choices. Get consent or it’s assault.  

  • Use protection! Many campus health centers provide free or reduced-cost condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams. – Plan to be safe! 
  • Just because it’s Spring Break doesn’t mean you have to hook up. Make the decisions that work best for you! 
  • If you choose to hook up, be safe. Make sure you are capable of getting AND giving consent. That means to watch how much you’re drinking. 
  • Talk to your partner about STIs. 
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, let a friend know and get to a safer place. 

Have FUN! 

Make this year’s spring break memorable by having fun and helping yourself, your friends, and others take a mental health break and stay safe and healthy.  

For further questions about health and safety, contact Director of Health and Safety Kim Novak at knovak@pikes.org  TEXT! 979.777.6299