State College Borough and Penn State are once again partnering to tamp down the crime and safety issues associated with State Patty’s Day, the student-created drinking holiday expected to take place this weekend.
The informal event, which began in 2007, traditionally occurs the weekend between THON and the university’s spring break, mostly on Saturday, and this year will be no different. In response, the borough and university will be rolling out measures similar to previous years to mitigate problems associated with the weekend, which have largely waned since crime and emergency calls reached an infamous peak in 2011.
University, borough and state police, along with other local law enforcement agencies, will “maintain an increased presence throughout the weekend,” according to a Penn State news release.
In a letter to the State College Tavern Owners Association, Borough Manager Tom Fountaine and Penn State Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower once again requested that bars not offer State Patty’s Day drink specials, extended hours or themed promotions.
“Keeping the community safe and welcoming is always one of the borough’s top priorities,” Fountaine said in a statement. “By taking proactive steps, we can reduce the strain on community resources, including Mount Nittany Medical Center, local law enforcement and emergency medical services.”
Residence halls will be limited to one guest per room, and fraternities and sororities also have been asked to voluntarily limit social events with alcohol. Fraternities had been barred from hosting registered social events during State Patty’s weekend for more than a decade until 2023, when Interfraternity Council, which governs 36 fraternity chapters, lifted the ban, writing in a statement that “registered socials are significantly more organized, responsible and safer” than unsanctioned events because of accompanying guidelines and monitoring.
Apartment and house parties are also a focus of the borough and university efforts. Off-campus property managers have again been asked to discourage parties, have extra staff on hand and to quickly notify police of any issues.
State College and Penn State police sent a letter to borough residents asking them to limit guests, prevent anyone from throwing items from their balconies, avoid serving large quantities of alcohol, ensure no alcohol is served to anyone under 21, keep noise to a reasonable level and keep the exterior of properties free from trash.
Uniformed and plain-clothes officers will be patrolling downtown.
“We are advising you of these concerns now, with hopes that you will refrain from engaging in behaviors that violate the law or University policy, restrict visitors to your apartment or homes
this weekend and join your friends and neighbors in helping maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere throughout the weekend,” State College Chief John Gardner, Penn State Deputy Chief Jason Zajac and Penn State Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Danny Shaha wrote.
Penn State students found in violation of laws or policies on or off campus will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response for disciplinary action, as is typical throughout the year.
The university also reminded students that Pennsylvania’s Medical Amnesty Law and Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol “protect students from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol when they seek help for a peer who is passed out, unconscious or unresponsive as the result of over-consumption.”
“Our primary focus is maintaining the safety and well-being of our community,” Dowhower said in a statement. “Through our continued collaboration with students and local partners, we hope to minimize the disruptive impacts of this event and encourage responsible decision-making. Our goal is for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”
