In preparation for Spring Break from Mar. 12 to 20, the University of Arizona Police Department, Associated Students of the University of Arizona and the UA Parents and Family Association are collaborating to host the annual Spring Break Safety Fair on March 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the UA Mall.
A variety of booths, demonstrations and interactive activities will be available to equip students with safety information if traveling during the break. Particularly, UA officials are urging students planning a trip to Mexico for break to heed current travel warnings in border areas.
Jason Casares, assistant dean of students and campus safety coordinator, sent an email to the UA student body advising them to heed the recent Mexico travel warning placed into effect by the Department of State on September 10 of last year.
“”If you choose to travel to Mexico for spring break,”” he wrote, “”I urge you to familiarize yourself with information and the following resources, tips and suggestions to increase your safety.””
Representatives from the United States Consulate to Mexico, United States Customs and Border Protection will be on hand to answer common travel and safety-related questions. The Office of Tourism and Visitor Assistance in Rocky Point, the Sonoran Department of Tourism, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Tucson Police Department will also be in attendance.
“”This is a very important issue, so we’re inviting everybody in the community,”” said Aaron Elyachar, an interdisciplinary studies junior and safety programming director in the ASUA. “”A lot of people are going to Mexico, but many people don’t know exactly how to stay safe. We want everybody to stay smart and stay alive this Spring Break.””
The cost of the Spring Break Safety Fair is estimated at $1,500, according to Elyachar. The event will include free food and live music.
ASUA put all of its safety budget money towards the event, $750 in total, according to ASUA President Emily Fritze. The rest of the funds came from a grant proposal, the Arizona Student Unions and contributions from UAPD.
