As Queen’s prepares to celebrate its 100th Homecoming, and in anticipation of other gatherings associated with “fauxcoming” and Halloween, the university, student leaders, and community partners are working to prevent and address issues related to unsanctioned street parties by encouraging safe, responsible behaviours.

The university works in coordination with the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, Frontenac Paramedics, Southeast Public Health, Kingston Health Sciences Centre and other community partners in preparation for the weekends ahead.

Social campaign 

A social media campaign on the Student Affairs Instagram channel encourages students and visitors to enjoy the season safely and respect the campus and surrounding community, reminding them of the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) and potential fines. The social posts also remind people to stay off roofs, trees, and hydro poles, keep roads clear, not carry open alcohol in public, and avoid construction sites, while also encouraging students to hydrate, eat, look out for each other, and use campus supports to reduce strain on emergency services.

The posts link to a dedicated web hub with more information on the UDSI and potential consequences for unsafe behaviours.

Harm reduction and support services 

Student Affairs and campus/community partners are focused on harm reduction and student wellbeing.

• Campus Observation Room (COR): a voluntary, confidential, non-medical detox service operated by Student Wellness Services with trained student volunteers and professional Addiction Support Workers. COR will have extended hours during Homecoming and busy weekends.
• Health Promotion Team: shares harm reduction strategies via peer-to-peer education, social media, and outreach, as well as knowing when to seek help for yourself and others.
• Party-Goer Kits: Peer-Health Educator Substance Use Team is distributing free kits with harm reduction information and supplies. Naloxone kits are also available.
• Health Resources Map: Provides locations for supports and reduces pressure on local medical services.
• Alternative programming: late-night and substance-free events are promoted across campus as safer options.

University District Safety Initiative

The UDSI will be in effect from Oct. 15 at midnight through Nov. 1 at noon. During this period, those found in violation of nuisance party regulations or open liquor laws could face fines from $50 to $2,000 and sanctions under the Queen’s University Non-Academic Misconduct system.

Student-led initiatives

Queen’s student leaders are promoting respectful behaviour. The Alma Mater Society (AMS) will run social media and physical campaigns about harm-reduction resources, the UDSI, safety, student rights, and AMS and campus support services.

A pancake breakfast will be hosted at Queen’s Pub on Oct. 24, along with distribution of electrolyte drinks and snacks, and a water refill station will also be available. A student-led neighbourhood cleanup is planned for Oct. 25.

Residence no-guest policy and Big Breakfast

To help ensure safety, a no-guests policy will be in effect in residences Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25, with alternate activities scheduled, and increased staffing.

A “Big Breakfast” will be served in campus dining halls on Oct. 17 and Oct. 25. Electrolyte drinks and snacks will also be distributed for free.

Athletic events

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation is hosting events each weekend, offering supervised activities and opportunities to cheer on the Gaels:
Homecoming, Oct. 16-18

• Football – Oct. 17, 1 pm, Richardson Stadium
• Women’s Basketball – Tindall Invitational, Oct. 16-17, 3 pm, ARC Gym
• Men’s Basketball – Tindall Invitational, Oct. 16-17, 5 pm, ARC Gym
• Women’s Rugby – Playoff match (Potential), Oct. 17, Nixon Field

Oct. 23-25

• Women’s Volleyball – Exhibition game, Oct. 23, 6 pm, ARC Gym
• Men’s Volleyball – Exhibition game, Oct. 23, 8 pm, ARC Gym
• Women’s Rugby – Playoff match (Potential), Oct. 24, Nixon Field
• Men’s Rugby – Playoff match (Potential), Oct. 24, Nixon Field
• Women’s Volleyball – Exhibition game, Oct. 24, 3 pm, ARC
• Men’s Volleyball – Exhibition game, Oct. 24, 5 pm, ARC
• Hugh Munby Fencing Tournament, Oct. 24-25