Dear Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg students,

This weekend, April 19-21, a non-sanctioned event, “block party,” will be held in Bloomsburg. CU–Bloomsburg and the Town of Bloomsburg are continuing strong collaborative efforts to reduce adverse impacts related to excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking.

CU-Bloomsburg and the Town of Bloomsburg will implement the following initiatives to increase safety and security during the event. 

1. Residence Hall Visitation Restrictions – Bloomsburg University will temporarily restrict overnight guests in the residence halls to one visitor per student from 1 p.m. Friday, April 19, through 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. A professional security firm will help manage guest registrations and increase front door security. Regular desk and visitation hours return at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Parking for these guests will be provided at the rear of the Andruss Library in the student parking portion of the parking lot.
2. Parking Restrictions – CU-Bloomsburg will prohibit all parking at the Lightstreet Road parking lot and the ATM parking lot. Parking on campus will be restricted to persons attending events on campus. Additionally, temporary parking restrictions will be in effect at the First Street (Green) parking lot to permit holders only from noon Friday, April 19, through noon Sunday, April 21.

Town of Bloomsburg Police, along with Bloomsburg University Police, law enforcement partners from municipal and state law enforcement agencies, code enforcement, and Bloomsburg Fire Department/EMS, will collaborate to maximize visibility throughout the weekend to ensure the capability to maintain order and respond to calls for service.

The Town of Bloomsburg and CU-Bloomsburg also ask all participants to keep in mind:

1. A large police contingency of uniformed and plainclothes officers will be present this weekend.
2. Town and University Police will have a “zero-tolerance” policy for all violations occurring this weekend. The University will be notified of all arrests, and university students will be subject to discipline for violations under CU’s Student Code of Conduct.
3. The Town of Bloomsburg requires permits for social gatherings of 150 or more individuals. Students can be held responsible for ordinance and crimes code violations occurring on property they lease or control.

Students are reminded that a brief moment of indiscretion can have a significant and lasting impact on employment opportunities. University students charged with violations during the weekend, on- or off-campus, will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for appropriate disciplinary action.

Students are also reminded that Pennsylvania’s Medical Amnesty Law provides for immunity from prosecution for underage drinking when an individual seeks medical attention for another person under many circumstances. This law was enacted to ensure fear of prosecution for underage drinking does not discourage people from seeking help for themselves or others in medical distress.

The Town of Bloomsburg and the University are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents (both permanent and temporary), students, and visitors to our Town alike. We are one community and call upon student leaders to encourage responsible behavior, not only on this weekend but at all times.