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Party Smart

Bearcats party smart. No matter what you're celebrating, making safer choices around alcohol and other drugs is always a good time.

Party Smart is an initiative that encourages students to make lower-risk choices around alcohol and other drugs by providing strategies and resources.

We provide information for students and their families, as well as faculty and staff to promote a healthier community.

Tips for Partying Smarter

Have a plan.

  • Location: Determine how you will get there, how you will leave, and how long you plan to be out.
  • Groups/Friends: Make sure you are with a trusted group of friends and you have someone identified that you can call in an emergency. Identify a Designated Driver (DD).
  • Transportation:  Save the DoubleMap site for the NightRide Shuttle to your phone.  Download the Lyft, Uber, and other ridesharing apps. 
  • Food/Drink: Be sure to eat enough before and during drinking. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Set limits and keep track.

  • Dosage/Consumption/Length of Time: Don't push your limits. Stop when you start to feel good.
  • Type of Alcohol/Delivery System: Stick to one type of alcohol or cannabis.
  • Standard Drink Size: Do not consume more than 1 standard drink per hour.
  • Returning to Normal Activities: After using cannabis, wait at least 5 hours (smoking) or 8 hours (edibles) to resume regular activities.

Look out for others.

  • Be an Active Bystander: Direct. Distract. Delegate. Direct intervention involves stepping in directly to help in a situation before it escalates. Distraction involves creating a distraction (such as spilling your drink) to diffuse the situation. Delegate if there is something preventing you from intervening. Ask a friend, staff, or faculty member to assist.
  • Consent: Always ask for consent. Recognize when consent can and cannot be given, such as in situations where someone is unconscious, too drunk, or has been drugged.

Look for signs of alcohol poisoning.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Unresponsive or difficult to wake up
  • Puking while passed out
  • Slowed breathing

What to Do if Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning

  • Call the UC Police Department (UCPD) or 911.
  • Stay with the person.
  • Monitor their breathing.
  • Remember that UC has a Amnesty Policy to encourage students to seek help for students in need of immediate medical attention. Students who qualify under the policy may not receive conduct code violations.