KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but students also need to be aware of the risks associated with many spring break activities.

To help students have a safe and enjoyable spring break, the University of Kansas, Lawrence Police Department and other groups will provide information and giveaways next week around campus. KU’s spring break runs March 21-25.

Events will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 14, in front of the Kansas Union and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, and Wednesday, March 16, on the Strong Hall lawn. In the event of rain, events will be moved inside the respective buildings.

Giveaways include Jayhawk Buddy System backpacks, which will contain free toolkits and can be stocked with other promotional items that encourage students to stay safe during spring break and throughout the year. The items focus on ways to avoid sexual assault and the risks caused by excessive alcohol use. Self-defense techniques also will be demonstrated.

“Research tells us that campus and community partnerships are an effective way to improve student safety,” said Frank DeSalvo, associate vice provost for Student Success and coordinator of the Jayhawk Buddy System. “We’re using evidence-based community intervention techniques to help reduce harmful levels of college drinking and associated risks such as sexual assault.”

On March 8, Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx issued a proclamation recognizing the effort and declaring March 21-25 as “Stay Safe During Spring Break Week.”

The Jayhawk Buddy System is an initiative of the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success. Other participants in the Stay Safe During Spring Break campaign include KU’s Public Safety Office and Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center; Lawrence Police Department; GaDuGi Safe House; Kansas Athletics; KU Alumni Association; Kansas Memorial Unions; and IFC and Panhellenic Risk Management.