The University of Colorado at Boulder is urging students to exercise caution during spring break whether they remain in town, travel elsewhere in the country or go abroad.
Resources for a healthy and rewarding time off will be provided during the "Get Your Break On" fair held March 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Memorial Center, room 235. Counseling and Psychological Services and Community Health, a division of Wardenburg Health Center, is organizing the free event.
"We want students to consider the risky behavior or situations they may face over spring break," said Matthew Tomatz, substance abuse program coordinator at Counseling and Psychological Services. "We also want to help students plan activities that foster personal renewal and civic engagement. The fair will be a fun event in a friendly, festive atmosphere."
Students at "Get Your Break On" may screen their alcohol and tobacco use as well as the health of their relationships, said Anne Schuster, Community Health coordinator. Free H1N1 vaccines will be available and students who have received the H1N1 vaccine may enter to win an iPod nano. Free food and door prizes also will be offered to attendees.
Students planning a skiing or snowboarding adventure in the Colorado Rockies are advised to travel in vehicles that are verified to be in good operating condition with adequate snow or all-condition tires and a winter survival kit. Check road conditions before and during travel in the high country. When skiing or snowboarding, comply with applicable responsibility codes.
Students going abroad are advised to be aware of travel warnings and alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State.
A travel alert for the popular spring break destination of Mexico was released Feb. 22 and describes security in the country as unstable in various areas, particularly along the northern border. Visitors are urged to leave a travel itinerary with a friend or family member, exercise caution in unfamiliar areas, be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings.
"The advice internationally is similar to the advice locally," said Larry Bell, director of international education. "Stay aware of your surroundings and exercise caution in places with which you are not familiar. The big difference when abroad is that you are in a place where the surroundings are even less familiar than at home and perhaps the language is not familiar at all."
For international safety resources visit the U.S. Department of State's travel information page, including warnings and alerts, at , as well as the student safety page at / and the tip sheet for spending spring break in Mexico at . The U.S. Embassy also provides information at .
For other spring break information visit Ralphie's Guide to Student Life at and for information on the "Get Your Break On" fair visit .