Brock University is working alongside its community partners to encourage students to celebrate safely and responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day.

In addition to offering a variety of on-campus events in the lead-up to March 17, the University is reminding its students of the role they play as engaged members of the Niagara community and their potential to have a positive local impact.

This week, University staff, alongside the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and St. Catharines and Thorold bylaw officials, are visiting local neighbourhoods with large student populations as part of the Don’t Put the Bad in Badger campaign. They’ll be going door to door encouraging students to consider what it means to be a good neighbour, both around St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the remainder of the year.

Students will receive materials that not only encourage respectful behaviour, such as Brock’s Good Neighbour Guide, but also educate students on the possible fines that can be incurred if municipal bylaws are violated. The neighbourhood visits come in addition to resources being handed out on Brock’s campus to raise awareness.

“While St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate, we ask that our students do so with both their safety and their community in mind,” said Jenn Skelding, Brock’s Executive Director of Student Life and Success. “Our students make many positive contributions to the region throughout the year, and March 17 should be no different.”

Skelding reminds students they have responsibilities to uphold not only as citizens, but also under the Brock Student Code of Conduct.

Along with the awareness campaign underway, Brock has funded additional NRPS officers to assist with neighbourhood patrols throughout the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. During those times, police and city bylaw officers are taking a zero-tolerance approach and will have high visibility in near-campus neighbourhoods.

On campus, campaigns are underway to share health and safety messaging in the lead-up to this weekend.

In addition to a St. Patrick’s Day-themed health and wellness fair on Thursday, March 14, various Brock departments are offering a series of alternative events and activities to provide compelling on- and off-campus options for students to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Among the events is a craft night on Friday, March 15, as well as themed recreational activities such as a music trivia spin class on Friday, March 15 at 3:10 p.m. and a fun swim on Saturday, March 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. The lights on Alumni Field will also remain on in the evening Sunday, March 17 to encourage open recreation for Brock students.

Carleigh Charlton Vice-President, University Affairs with the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), says as students prepare their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, it’s important that they remember to stay safe, act responsibly and be respectful of others.

“We represent Brock and Brock students within our neighborhoods and the Niagara region,” she says. “These community members show up for us in countless ways, cheering our Badgers to victory, celebrating our wins, hiring Brock alumni and welcoming us into their community.”

Alyssa Hall BUSU Vice-President, External Affairs offered the reminder that “having a fun time doesn’t have to come at the cost of those around you.”

Rakha Zabin, President of the Graduate Students’ Association, also hopes to encourage students to be thoughtful about how they mark the holiday.

“Let’s paint the town green with joy, but always be mindful of the precious hues of our community’s health and safety,” Zabin says. “As we celebrate St. Patrick’s week, let responsibility be our lucky charm. Cheers to a vibrant, mindful and safe celebration for all.”