Party Smart

The Wellness Center's Party Smart Program educates students on how to have a safe, fun and successful party. Off-Campus Student Services assists in supporting this program in as many ways as possible.

Students can register their party at The Student Wellness Center (visit partysmart.osu.edu for details). Registering your party simply means you stop by a Party Smart pick-up location, bring your Buck ID, and let us know when and where you are having your party. Party Smart kits contain a wealth of information on how to have a safe, fun and successful party (visit partysmart.osu.edu for details).

If you need anything during the party, an OCSS representative is available to answer questions. If things are getting out of control and the hosts of the party feel they have lost control, it may be wise to seek assistance from the Columbus Police. The non-emergency number is 614.645.4545.

HELPFUL PARTY SMART TIPS:

• Get a Party Smart Kit (partysmart.osu.edu)
• Be aware of your responsibilities when hosting a party (PDF Document)
• Make a guest list (preferably not too large), and allow only invited guests in.
• Have an Off-Campus Student Services representative talk to the hosts of the party to answer any questions, discuss concerns that the host(s) may have, and make suggestions and provide tips regarding the party. OCSS is willing to come to the house or meet in the office, whatever works best for the hosts of the party.
• Lock doors to private areas (i.e. bedrooms) and hide valuables; thefts do occur during parties.
• Talk to your neighbors before throwing the party. Let them know your plans for the party. Exchange cell phone numbers. Keep open communication. Let them know if things are getting too loud, that they can contact you. It is best to have open communication from the beginning. Request that they contact you for any complaints rather than the police. But that also means, you should respect their requests, and make sure the party is not disturbing your neighbors.
• If the party goes late into the night, move it indoors to not disturb your neighbors (PDF Document).
• Check ID's at the door
• Have at least one sober host
• Provide non-alcoholic drinks for those that do not drink
• Do not serve glass bottled beverages
• Provide snacks/food for your guests
• Never let your drink out of your site. Do not allow someone else to get your drink for you.
• Do not have too many kegs. More kegs leads to more people, which means more intoxicated people in one area, which increases the likelihood you may have problems.
• If you are having kegs, make sure you know who is getting beer. The best idea is to have one of the hosts (preferably a sober host) stay at the keg. If need be check ID's at the keg as well. If you are permitting underage guests to the party, make sure no underage guests are drinking. You can be held responsible if you provide beer to someone underage.
• Do not allow guests to party on porches and/or roofs or overcrowd decks beyond capacity. Refer to your lease or landlord for more information.
• Do not let the party spill out into the streets. We recommend putting up orange fencing to control the crowd from leaving your yard. You can purchase orange fencing at various locations including:
  

  Company	Phone	Address
  Paul Peterson Company	614.486.4375	950 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215
  Ace Hardware	614.267.1245	4591 N. High Street
  Lowes	614.659.0530	6585 Dublin Center Drive
  Lowes	614.853.6200	1675 Georgesville Square
  Cost: Cost of orange fencing varies greatly. Can be anywhere from $20-$50 (with or without stakes)

• If you know that a guest has been drinking and plans to drive home, do not let them drive. Get them a cab, let them crash at your place, but do not let them get behind the wheel!
• Drug Activity (PDF Document)
• And finally, clean up after your party! Respect your neighborhood. Clean up garbage, cups, cans, etc. the next morning, if not the night of the party.