Queen’s University, in partnership with student leaders and its community partners, is promoting initiatives to help students make informed decisions and enjoy their university experience responsibly this fall.

Queen’s is encouraging students to have fun and be safe and respectful of the campus and local community when getting together with friends, in a new social campaign launching Thursday on the Student Affairs Instagram channel. The campaign points to a dedicated webhub that provides students with helpful information and resources to stay safe, avoid fines, and enjoy a range of programming and activities on campus in the busy fall season, including Homecoming. 

Student leaders and community partners including the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, Frontenac Paramedics, Kingston Fire and Rescue, Utilities Kingston, KFL&A Public Health, and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, in partnership with the university, are aiming to help prevent and address the challenges that come with unsanctioned street parties. 

A series of initiatives are underway to protect individual well-being and minimize impacts on the broader community.

Campaign details

Social posts remind students to stay off roofs, avoiding blocking streets, stay away from construction sites, and to not have open alcohol in public spaces. An online webhub includes resources and information to support responsible citizenship and student safety. It also links to information on the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI). 

Harm reduction and support services

Student Affairs provides several support services aimed at reducing substance-related harms and helping to ensure student well-being. 

Students will be able to participate in alternative programming throughout the weekends, alongside expanded hours at the Campus Observation Room, an on-campus, non-medical detox service for those who have consumed too much alcohol.

Health Promotion’s Peer Health Educators continue to actively engage with students; they will be distributing Party-Goer and Party-Thrower Kits, and hosting in-residence and campus-wide outreach activities focused on substance use harm reduction.

Useful resources, including a Health Resources Map, are also being shared so students know where to turn if they need assistance and to reduce the impact on local medical services.

University District Safety Initiative 

The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) will be in effect from Oct. 17 at midnight through Nov. 3 at 11:59 p.m.
Students are reminded that they play a key role in keeping the community safe. Those found in violation of nuisance party regulations or laws related to open liquor could face fines ranging from $50 to $2,000, and face sanctions under the Queen’s University Non-Academic Misconduct system. 

Student-led initiatives

Queen’s student leaders are playing an important part in promoting respectful behaviour. The Alma Mater Society (AMS) will be promoting social media campaigns to engage their peers, such as their “Know your rights” campaign focused on informing students about the UDSI and related enforcement initiatives, safe drinking messages, discouraging the theft of street signs, and amplifying COR messages.  

Food trucks will be located between Douglas Library and Ontario Hall on Oct. 19, and the AMS will be distributing free snacks and water. Other initiatives include reminders about Kingston bylaws and a student-led neighborhood cleanup event scheduled for Oct. 20.

Next week the Off-Campus Living Advisor’s newly-hired student ambassador team will be on campus, talking to peers about city safety initiatives, living-off campus, resources, and an upcoming Housing Resource Fair.

Food and alternative programming

A “Big Breakfast” brunch will be served in campus dining halls on Oct. 19, and Oct. 26. Additionally, free water and Gatorade will be distributed.

Residence no guest policy

To help ensure a safe environment in residences, there is a no-guests policy in effect Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27, and alternate activities scheduled.

Gaels events 

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation will be hosting various events throughout the month, providing students with opportunities to cheer on their Gaels and enjoy safe, supervised activities. These include (see the A&R Composite Calendar for more): 

• Oct. 18: Men’s Lacrosse (7 p.m.) and Men’s Hockey (7:30 p.m.)
• Oct. 18-20: Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tindall Invitational Tournament
• Oct. 19: Men’s Football vs. University of Waterloo (1 p.m.)
• Oct. 19: Men’s Hockey (7:30 p.m.)
• Oct. 25-27: Women’s and Men’s volleyball 
• Oct 25. Women’s Hockey (7:30 p.m.)
• Oct. 26-27: 2024 Hugh Munby Queen's Fencing Tournament (all day)
• Oct 26: Women’s Hockey (2:30 p.m.)

Parking restrictions

The City of Kingston is introducing parking restrictions around the University District and campus for Homecoming weekend and the weekend that follows. Restrictions will be in effect Friday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, Oct. 20 at noon, and Friday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, Oct. 27 at noon. Signage will be posted advising of the following temporary changes:

• Aberdeen Street from Johnson Street to Earl Street – on west side only (east side is already a no parking zone) Note: This street is currently under construction. 
• South side of William Street from University Avenue to Division Street (north side is already a no parking zone) 
• South side of Earl Street from University Avenue to Division Street (north side is already a no parking zone)
• West side of Division Street from Johnson Street to Earl Street (east side is already a no parking zone)
• University Avenue from Earl Street to Johnson Street (already a no parking zone)
• Johnson Street (already a no parking area)

Vehicles in violation of the restrictions may be ticketed or towed.