UVic ‘strongly urging’ students not to attend large parties after hundreds gather over long weekend

The University of Victoria has issued a statement following a large on-campus party on Sunday night.

The university is “strongly urging” students to act responsibly and not hold large parties on campus property.

“This behaviour jeopardizes a safe start to the school year for students, faculty and staff,” the university said.

A large crowd of several hundred students including what appeared to be people from off-campus and non-UVic students gathered outdoors near cluster housing.

Saanich Police confirmed that officers responded to a large party at the university last night, where nearly 1,000 young adults had gathered.

No arrests were made, however two individuals were ticketed contrary to the liquor control and licensing act. Campus security said police conducted 50 pour-outs of liquor and ticketed two people for underage drinking. There were no reports of property damage.

“The start of term is an exciting time on a university campus and building new social connections is a critical part of that experience. We appreciate those students who are acting responsibly and ask those involved in the incident last night to stop behaving in a manner that puts our fall return to campus at risk,” said Jim Dunsdon, associate vice-president of Student Affairs.

“We have worked hard for a healthy, safe and successful fall term. We know that our students want the same. By holding or attending large, unstructured parties, students increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Their behaviour is unacceptable and puts at risk students, our employees, our instructors and our local community.”

Although there are no provincial restrictions around the size of outdoor gatherings, UVic said it is concerned about people using the campus as a place to gather in very large groups.

The university said they do investigate on-campus incidents of students violating conduct policies, including reckless behaviour that puts themselves or others at risk of physical harm.

“It is the responsibility of every UVic student to take public health measures and related campus rules seriously and challenge their peers to do the same,” the university said.

“Efforts by our entire UVic community to provide an in-person experience that everyone seeks is placed in jeopardy when behaviours such as this impact what we are trying to achieve.”