SUBJECT:

Sun God Festival 2014

The Associated Students' 32nd Annual Sun God Festival will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014, 2:00 pm-12:00 am. Please keep this date in mind as you plan your events and activities for the Spring Quarter.

The Sun God Festival is one of UC San Diego's most visible traditions and each year the event planners strive to create a community-building experience that enhances campus spirit for UC San Diego undergraduate students. While ensuring the well-being of festival attendees, staff and volunteers is the core of planning this event each year, health and safety challenges associated with the festival have increased in the last two years, with marked increases in students entering the on-campus detox center and being transported to area hospital emergency departments.

The Sun God Festival Health & Safety Task Force was convened to review and recommend actions that will ensure that student well-being is not compromised by this event. Student, staff, faculty and administrative representatives have met regularly since August to develop a set of recommendations related to event logistics and planning, communication, education and conduct and discipline. Significant changes to the event have been recommended by the Task Force and will be implemented this year, including the end of ticket sales to non-affiliates and the implementation of a no-guest policy in housing areas adjacent to the event venue. New campus-wide educational campaigns intended to reduce risky behaviors are being developed and updated policies, protocols and programs related to student conduct will be implemented. The objective of these changes is to ensure the health and safety of the UC San Diego community and preserve this tradition. For more information about the Sun God Festival Health & Safety Task Force visit:

https://students.ucsd.edu/student-life/_organizations/student-affairs/sungod-taskforce/

Additionally, A.S. Concerts & Events and the University Events Office will be hosting a series of informational open forums and planning meetings throughout the year. If you would like to participate or receive email updates, please contact Alex Kushner, Director of the University Events Office, at akushner@ucsd.edu.

Alan Houston Interim Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs