It’s that time of year again: the leaves are falling, the temperature is lowering…and the Halloween dance is almost here. Le Moyne is buzzing with non-stop gossip and conversation as students make plans for that special night,  Oct. 30.

The dance this year is expected to be quite similar to that of last year’s. The  gym will be converted into a dance floor, and there will be a light show and DJ. Refreshments will be available inside the gym and a Cam’s Pizza truck will be parked outside, while resident halls will provide food from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..
Though many features of the dance will remain the same, some changes will be made. The Athletic Center will not be used this year; instead, the entrance to the Recreation Center will be utilized. Portable toilets will be stationed outside of the building. The dance will also be largely run by LSPB rather than Campus Life. The board is in charge of publicity around campus, and they will also be setting up “checkpoints” the night of the dance.
Senior and LSPB Co-Chair Karl Kodweis described these checkpoints as,  “A method of distributing the wristbands, along with making sure costumes are not socially, culturally, or racially derogatory.”

A checkpoint will be set up at each of the residence halls, as well as at the pub. Members of the board will also be present at the dance to monitor the event and help take care of any issues that may arise.
Last year’s Halloween Dance triggered the need for these precautions, as the amount of offensive costumes and alcohol-related transports were excessive.
“It’s something LSPB is trying to work on with the pre-dance publicity,” said Haley with regards to preventing insensitive costumes from entering the dance. Fliers have been handed out throughout dorm halls, advising students to reevaluate their costumes and their appropriateness.
LSPB has also been using social media and the Stall Street Journal to share facts about alcohol-related incidents. According to Kodweis, it costs about $900 on average to be transported from Le Moyne to the hospital. By spreading these facts, the board hopes to build some awareness and remind students to stay safe.
“I would like to stress the importance of safety at this dance,” said Kodweis. “Keep an eye out for your fellow dolphins. If you see something that should not be happening, speak up!”

Kodweis also mentioned that one of the goals of LSPB is to provide students with fun and safe events for everyone to take advantage of.