The Daily Plan-it / Dean of Students Blog, Columbia J-school

Dear Public Safety Friends,

As Spring Break approaches here are some tips to keep in mind:

Having fun during Spring Break should always be a top priority. You are creating happy memories

that will be the inspiration for many tales to come. Following these few common sense safety tips will

ensure that you and your friends return safely to share those stories. Craziness and reckless abandon are often present

during Spring Break getaways, but it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Safety precautions are not meant to be

deterrents to enjoyment. They are simply intended to help ensure the absence of anything but fun, both while you are

away, and when you return.

Before leaving:

• Secure your dorm room or apartment.

• Unplug all appliances.

• Make sure all windows are closed and locked.

• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone back home.

Use the buddy system:

• There is safety in numbers and it is best to do things as a group. Try to

have at least three members of your group with you at all times when

leaving your hotel to frolic and have fun. Don’t leave a friend behind. If

you go together, leave together!

Drinking:

• If you are of legal drinking age and you do decide to drink, do so responsibly.

• 98% of spring breakers injured were intoxicated.

• Keep your drink in sight at all times. Leaving it unattended gives anyone the opportunity to slip something into your

drink and take advantage of you.

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Use a designated driver or choose public transportation.

• Drinking makes it easier for a person to become either the victim or the perpetrator of a sexual assault.

Traveling:

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Traveler’s checks are best. Leave

credit cards & ATM cards locked in a

secure place.

• Keep track of your baggage and personal

belongings at all times.

• Lock you hotel door at all times.

The most important spring break safety tip is to use common sense. With these safety tips in mind, stay safe, and enjoy

your sun-filled spring break!

Please see short video on a special report from CNN on Spring Break- (click) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UhzYX9ubZQ

Thank you for your continued help.

Ricardo Morales

Manager Crime Prevention Programs

Columbia University

Department of Public Safety

212-854-8513

Message from Prof. Josh Friedman:

The email below is self-explanatory. I spoke to Liat today and she said they’re right up against a deadline if your’re interested.

JF.

From: liatshetret@gmail.com [mailto:liatshetret@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Liat Shetret

My name is Liat Shetret, a second year SIPA student studying International Security Policy. Professor Judith Matloff suggested I write you about the following opportunity that may be interesting to J-School students.

I have volunteered to organize a trip to Israel over spring break (March 14-23, 2009) and would love to have J-School students on board.
Professor Matloff thought you might be able to spread the word. Here is the trip information:

The trip takes place across Spring Break March 14-23rd with a direct flight to Israel. We will visit Jerusalem (all holy sites), Tel-Aviv, Haifa, Golan Heights and have a number of meetings with political and military officials.
Currently most students signed up are from SIPA, but I thought it would be great to have J-School students on board.
Deposits are due on Feb. 4th (short notice I know…), but the trip cost (all inclusive hotel, meals, flights, taxes etc) is $2,179.

I appreciate your assistance with this.

Sincerely,

Liat Shetret

The ISSO is offering 5 informations sessions. They are summarized at
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/activities/spring_break.pdf.

Information Sessions
Monday, March 13 Summer Employment in F-1 status
Monday, March 13 Working on Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduating
Tuesday, March 14 Immigration Attorney: Employment-based visas
Thursday, March 16 J-1 Student Academic Training
Thursday, March 16 Tax Filing Workshop for International Students