Health And Safety
Student health and safety are the top priorities of the festival organizers. The festival grounds are designed to be a safe space for students. Heightened enforcement will occur at festival entrances to prevent intoxicated students and prohibited substances and items from entering the event. All attendees will be screened at the entrance before entering the venue. Similar to other large music festival entrances, drug recognition experts will be present to intervene with any intoxicated students, and security staff will use drug-detection dogs as a safety measure to ensure the festival is a drug-free space. Students who arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be unable to enter the Sun God Festival. In addition, they may be subject to arrest and/or referral to the Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education (SAGE) for violation of the UC San Diego Student Conduct Procedures. Intoxicated students will receive appropriate medical care, which may include transport to the hospital. As in years past, educational programs around the festival focus on key topics such as drug and alcohol safety and sexual assault prevention. In addition, the "floaties" bystander intervention training program, NIMBUS, has been expanded and student "floaties" who have gone through the training program will have a significant presence at this year's Sun God Festival. ASCE is also supporting other initiatives and groups on campus working to educate and support the development of students' understanding of these issues. You are encouraged to remain updated on your COVID vaccinations, stay home if sick, test if you experience symptoms, and wear masks in high-density areas.
To ensure the festival grounds are a safe space, students visibly intoxicated and under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be unable to enter the Sun God Festival. Heightened enforcement will occur at the festival entrance. All attendees will be screened, including a pat down and scanning of pre-registered UCSD student IDs, before admission. Similar to other large music festival entrances, drug recognition experts will be present to intervene with any intoxicated students, and security staff will use drug-detection dogs as a safety measure to ensure the festival is a drug-free space. Students who do show up under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be subject to arrest and/or referral to the Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education (SAGE) for violation of the UC San Diego Student Conduct Procedures.
Call the Sun God Sobering Center hotline at (858) 534-2342. A volunteer will let you know if your friend is in the Sobering Center or if they have been taken to jail. Volunteers cannot disclose if your friend has been transported to the hospital.
If your friend was taken to the Sobering Center, you can call (858) 534-2342 to confirm whether they have been admitted. It takes about 20 minutes from the time a student is picked up before they are fully checked into the Sobering Center. Please note that if you call right away, there might not be a record of them yet. If your friend is checked in, a volunteer will let you know the estimated time to call back (approx. 4 hours) and where to pick them up. Reentry to the festival is not permitted.
Yes, to ensure that the UC San Diego campus is a safe space for all members of our community, enhancements and revisions to campus policies and protocols will be in effect during the week of the festival. To learn more, please contact your college's Residence Life office or visit UC San Diego's Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education at sage.ucsd.edu.
• Eat a filling breakfast. • Stay hydrated. There will be a water station, and empty water bottles are allowed in. • Bring earplugs to prevent hearing loss - you can get some for free at Geisel Library. • Wear sunscreen and take some with you to reapply. • Charge your phone beforehand and bring a portable charger if you can. • Make sure you have your student ID with you. • Choose a meeting spot for your friends, just in case somebody gets separated. • Create a plan for post-Sun God transportation (see the Transportation section for more information). • Break in any shoes in advance to avoid blisters and optimal comfort. • If you choose to pregame, don’t drink more in a short period of time. One drink per hour (12oz beer or seltzer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5oz of hard alcohol) is a good rule to follow.
• If you choose to drink: ○ Eat before, during, and after drinking. ○ Drink water. A water station with cups will be available, but you are encouraged to bring your own empty water bottle. ○ Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. ○ Keep track of how much you drink and pace your drinks. One drink per hour (12oz beer or seltzer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5oz of hard alcohol) is a good rule to follow. ○ Watch over your friends and peers. If you see someone in a medically dangerous condition, do not be afraid to reach out to a security guard, police officer, event staff, or event volunteer to ask for help. Your health and safety is our first priority! • Signs of alcohol poisoning ○ C – Cold, clammy or bluish skin ○ U – Unresponsive or unconscious ○ P – Puking (repeated and uncontrollable vomiting) ○ S – Slow or irregular breathing and heart rate ○ Other symptoms could include seizures and extreme confusion • How to help ○ Call 911 or (858) 534-HELP ○ Put the person on their side in the recovery position to prevent choking ○ Stay with them until medics arrive ○ Do not give the person food or water • If you choose to use drugs ○ Start low and wait to observe how it affects you. ○ Avoid mixing substances. Mixing substances increases the risk of unwanted effects, including overdose. ○ Test your drugs and carry Naloxone. You can pick up Naloxone and fentanyl testing strips at Student Health Services, on Mondays 12-3 pm and Thursdays 9 am-12 pm. Complete this brief knowledge check first for the Naloxone Distribution Project. ○ Leave your substance at home. If you forget, an amnesty box will be present before entry into the line. You can give up any substances on you without any question or consequence. • Signs of opioid overdose ○ Slow and shallow breathing ○ Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness ○ Tiny, pinpoint pupils ○ Gurgling or snoring sounds ○ Blue, purple or grey lips or nails • What to do ○ Try to wake the person ○ Give the first dose of naloxone (peel back the foil on the packet to get the medication out, and insert the nozzle into their nostril. Press the plunger until you hear it click) ○ Set a timer for 2 minutes and call 911 ○ Check for breathing, if the person is not breathing, perform rescue breathing ▪ Tilt the head back and pinch the nose ▪ Start with 2 breaths into the mouth ▪ Then give 1 breath every 5 seconds ▪ Continue until help arrives ○ If breathing is restored or the person was breathing before, put the person on their side to prevent choking. ○ If the person does not wake up in 2 minutes, give the second dose of naloxone in the opposite nostril. Stay with the person until help arrives. ○ Naloxone will only reverse an opioid overdose. It will not harm someone if they have not experienced an opioid overdose (for example, are actually experiencing a stimulant overdose) and it will not help them, so always call 911.
Drink spiking refers to substances, usually Rohypnol (“roofies”), GHB, or ketamine, being slipped into someone’s drink without them knowing, often to target them for sexual assault. It is important to note that although drink spiking can be used to aid in sexual assault, alcohol is most often the substance used due to its affordability and easy access. See the section on Alcohol and Drug Safety for more information. • ANYONE may be targeted regardless of gender, alcohol tolerance, size, etc. • After being “roofied,” a person may start to show symptoms within 10–20 minutes. • Immediate symptoms: ○ Extreme drowsiness ○ Disorientation ○ Nausea and vomiting ○ Dizziness ○ Headaches ○ Decreased coordination ○ Aggression • Day-after symptoms: ○ Blackouts/memory loss ○ Nausea ○ Drowsiness ○ Anxiety ○ Similar to a severe hangover • If you suspect you or someone else has been roofied: ○ Get help immediately: ▪ UCSD Police Department: (858) 534-4357 ▪ Emergency Assistance: 911 ○ Get support the following day: ▪ CARE at SARC: (858) 534-5793 ▪ National Sexual Assault Help Line: (800) 656-4673
• Sun God Sobering Center Hotline: (858) 534-2342 • If you can’t find your friend: ○ Call (858) 534-2342 to confirm whether they have been admitted to the sobering center. ○ A volunteer will let you know if your friend is in the Sobering Center or if they have been taken to jail. Volunteers cannot disclose if your friend has been transported to the hospital. • If your friend was taken to the sobering center: ○ Call (858) 534-2342 to confirm whether they have been admitted. ○ It takes about 20 minutes from the time a student is picked up to complete check-in. Please note that if you call right away, there might not be a record of them yet. ○ If your friend is checked in, a volunteer will let you know the estimated time to call back (approx. 4 hours) and where to pick them up.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance for emergencies related to alcohol, controlled substances, or public health-related incidents, by contacting the closest University or Public Official (e.g., R.A./H.A., Staff, law enforcement, etc.), campus police (858) 534-HELP (4357), or 911 to request help. Students will not be subject to the formal student conduct process if they are seeking help for themselves or others, no other major University Standards of Conduct were violated, and MAP has not already been applied to a case for the student within a calendar year of the incident. For more information about the program or to read it in greater detail, visit sage.ucsd.edu or the Medical Amnesty Program.
NIMBUS Peers are UCSD student volunteers with a passion for a safe and healthy festival experience. They walk the festival grounds, keeping a sharp eye out for those who may need medical attention, are in distress, or provide general experience support. NIMBUS Peers remind attendees that they are in a safe space, it’s okay to ask for help and connect attendees to appropriate resources.
Violence prevention focuses on bystanders - third-party witnesses to situations where there is a high risk of violence or harm. In some cases, bystanders could do nothing and make a situation worse by supporting or ignoring perpetrator behavior. In other cases, active bystanders can prevent a situation from escalating by intervening or asking for support. This approach shifts the focus of prevention efforts to peers and community members with the goal of moving beyond changing individual behaviors to changing campus culture. IDEAS is an active bystander intervention techniques model unique to UC San Diego that stands for Interrupt, Distract, Engage Peers, Alert An Authority Figure, and Safety First. Below are some examples of how someone can use IDEAS: I — Ask a question that's not related to what's going on. "Do you know where the bathroom is?" D — Draw attention to something else. "Hey, they’re giving away free pizza!" E — Involve a friend or someone else around you. "Something is going on, let's do something to help." A — In some situations, an authority figure or someone with more influence may be the best source of help. This can be Executive Board Members, RA’s, party hosts, staff, etc. S — Keep your safety and the safety of others in mind and let that determine how you respond. Take a moment to identify any possible risks to inform which strategy to use. Here are ways you can apply IDEAS Bystander Intervention Strategies in the scenarios below. Scenario 1: During SGF, you recognize an extremely intoxicated or unconscious person with another person who is forcing the individual to leave the venue with them. The intoxicated person looks unaware, and the other person is trying to make their exit quickly. • Interrupt - Approach them and say, "Hello! I'm so sorry, but do you know this person? Where are you taking them?" • Engage Peers - Ask your group of friends to approach them and ask the two if they need to be brought to the Sobering Center where they will receive medical care. • Alert Authorities - Alert security outside the venue and mention the situation so that they can stop them for further questioning. Scenario 2: Near the stage, you start to notice many people pushing and shoving, and the crowd is becoming more compressed. At the same time, you notice someone looking nervous and unwell. • Interrupt - Approach them and say, "Hey, let's go out of this crowd and sit down for a minute." • Engage Peers - "This person might need some help. Can you tell others around you to try to make more space?" • Alert Authorities - Approach event staff and say, "The crowd seems like it is getting out of control. Can you make sure everything is okay?" Scenario 3: After the festival, you decide to keep the party going and go out with friends. Your friend offers to drive insisting "I haven't had that many drinks, I'm fine." • Interrupt - Suggest, "Let's get some food on campus before we go anywhere." • Distract - Say, "I'm getting kind of cold. Can we stop by my dorm and grab a jacket?" • Safety First - Tell your group of friends, "I can check to see how much a Lyft or Uber would be. That's probably safer."
How do I keep myself and my peers safe in a large crowd? • Wear comfortable footwear. • If you'd prefer more space to move and leave the crowd easily, stay in the periphery and avoid the mosh pit. • Keep track of your friends and check in with them periodically. • Designate a meeting spot for your friends, in case someone gets lost in the crowd. How do I avoid injury in a large crowd if I fall? • Don't panic. Save your breath. • If you fall, lie on your left side. • Remain upright after falling. Stand in a boxer position, and place arms in front of the chest to shield your lungs and allow them to expand. • Do not hesitate to leave a tight crowd. • Walk diagonally and exit through the edge of the crowd.
Hydration is important to prevent heat-related illness. Stay hydrated by: • Bring a water bottle with you (the bottle must be empty upon venue entry, but a water station will be available to refill). • Get water from the water station. • Take small sips of water throughout the day. • If you choose to drink alcohol, alternate with water to stay hydrated. Dehydration looks like: • Fatigue • Dizziness • Dry mouth • Headache • Dark yellow urine If you think you're dehydrated, hydrate and get to a shaded space to cool down.
• Prolonged exposure to high levels of sound during festivals can be damaging to your hearing • Protect your hearing: ○ Wear earplugs. Free earplugs are available at the Geisel Library. ○ Stand away from the speakers. ○ Take breaks and step away from the sound to give your ears a break.
• Get FREE safer sex supplies with the Condom Concierge. • Check in with your partner(s) about ways you are staying safe before engaging in sexual activity at that moment and with other partners. • Share any boundaries and sexual preferences to identify ways to center pleasure and respect during sexual play.
• Sun God takes place outside in the sun, and prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburns and heat exhaustion. • Tips for sun safety: ○ Use a sunscreen (SPF > 30) and reapply every couple of hours. ○ Pick a water-resistant sunscreen. ○ Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your vision from UV rays. ○ Hydrate regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
No Guest Policy Consistent with the University’s risk reduction strategy and to ensure an orderly and safe festival for all involved, we implement the following: From Friday, May 1st at 7 PM until Sunday, May 3rd at 7 AM (“Sun God Weekend”), ALL residential areas will observe a strict “residents-only” policy. Only residents of a residential area are permitted in that area. No guests or additional occupants from other residential areas are permitted. A “resident” means the UC San Diego-affiliated person contracted to live in University housing, or primary resident. A “guest” is defined as anyone not contracted to live in the residential space being visited (e.g., individual room, suite, and/or apartment). A “living space” means rooms and common areas of residence halls and apartments. It does not include public spaces (e.g., study rooms, dining areas, and outdoor spaces). Residential Wristband Policy The Muir, Marshall, ERC, Sixth, and Seventh college residential areas will issue a unique wristband to its residents to be worn from Friday, May 1st at 7 PM until Sunday, May 3rd at 7 AM (“Sun God Weekend”). The wristband is the property of the University. Failure to wear it, or its theft, conversion, or misuse is prohibited and may result in referral to SAGE. Residents who break or lose their wristbands must immediately report the matter to their respective Residential Life Office.
ADA Guest Services Call (858) 864-8242 to reach a liaison who will happily assist with providing a seamless Sun God Festival experience. CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center (CARE at SARC) is a free and confidential resource for all students, staff, and faculty affected by sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. If you or a friend need support or have questions, call CARE at SARC’s 24/7 line (858) 534-5793. Triton CORE Triton CORE is UC San Diego’s mobile compassionate response team that provides in-person support to students experiencing behavioral health crises. The team conducts on-site mental health evaluations, assists with safety planning as needed, and connects students to the most appropriate level of care and follow-up resources. To request Triton CORE, call UCPD non-emergency at (858) 534-4357 (HELP) and ask for Triton CORE. If a student is not comfortable contacting UCPD, they may call the CAPS after-hours line at (858) 534-3755 and select Option 2. UCSD Police Department Call (858) 534-4357 (HELP) or ask for help from the nearest security guard or staff member.
The student well-being tent provides a sensory friendly space for individuals to take a break and recharge during Sun God Festival. All individuals are welcome!
Clarifying Consent • Using Planned Parenthood’s FRIES model for consent can help you identify if consent is being given in any circumstance. See what the acronym means below. ○ Freely given – there is no pressure, force or manipulation and everyone is sober and aware of what is going on. ○ Reversible – anyone can change their mind about what they want to do, at any time, even if you’ve engaged in sexual activity with each other before or are in the middle of sexual activity. ○ Informed – be honest about how you’re staying safe while engaging in sexual activity and be honest about your boundaries. ○ Enthusiastic – everyone involved has to be excited or into it; if your partner is not responding or not reacting to your touch, stop and check in. ○ Specific – saying yes to one thing, like making out, doesn’t mean they said yes to having sex; check in before initiating a different intimate or sexual activity. • An informed verbal “yes” must accompany positive and engaging body language. The initiator of sexual activity is responsible for receiving consent from their partner. Obtaining consent is a continuous process; make sure to check in with your partner often. • Consent cannot be given when someone is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Perpetrators may attempt to use alcohol and/or drugs to facilitate a sexual assault. Alcohol or drugs are never an excuse for choosing to violate another person or their boundaries. Sexual assault is any unwanted, non-consensual behavior from kissing and fondling to rape. Ignorance of the law or of University policy concerning sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment is never an excuse for non-consensual sexual behavior. Preventing Sexual Assault Keeping UC San Diego safe is a community responsibility. Check out the tips below on how you can help prevent sexual assault: • Focus on primary prevention ○ Develop healthy friendships and relationships that are grounded on: ▪ Accountability, kindness, and respect to honor others’ perspectives and own our impacts. ▪ Fairness, fulfillment, and independence that create mutually beneficial relationships with others. ▪ Communication, honesty, and trust to build a supportive foundation. ○ Identify your boundaries and practice consent. ○ Practice applying the IDEAS active bystander intervention strategies in situations that are risky or harmful • Risk reduction strategies ○ Identify common behaviors that often precede an assault. Recognizable red flags include seeing someone attempting to separate an intoxicated individual from their friends or continuing to pour drinks for someone clearly beyond their limit. ○ Take action as an active bystander and use IDEAS if you see those behaviors happening. Help someone who is intoxicated by reconnecting them with their friends or calling a CSO to escort them home. Notify festival volunteers or law enforcement officials on site if you are concerned for someone’s safety and well-being. Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault If something happens to a friend, know you can be a responsive bystander by showing your support: • Listen and believe them. Let them know that you care. • Remember sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor. • Be aware of your response and respect their decisions. • Know the resources and seek support for yourself. Resources CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center is a confidential and free resource for all students, staff, and faculty affected by sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. If you or a friend need to speak with a confidential CARE advocate, call the 24/7 phone line at (858) 534-5793.
Having a plan for getting to and from campus safely is part of the safe Sun God experience. Parking and transportation on campus is heavily impacted on the day of the Sun God Festival. Don't drink and drive! Leave your car at home and use one of these convenient transportation alternatives: A.S. SAFE RIDES • UCSD Associated Students has teamed up with Lyft to provide a safe ride when you need it. Check out A.S. Safe Rides for more information and to sign up! UCSD Public Transit The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System provides bus service to the UC San Diego campus. The following routes will run on Saturday, May 4: • 30: UTC, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Old Town, downtown San Diego • 101: UTC, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside NCTD • 201/202 SuperLoop: UTC area • 921A: UCSD, Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa • Blue Line: UTC, UCSD, San Ysidro — Sign up for a FREE transit pass delivered through PRONTO regional fare system. U-PASS is included with student fees for UCSD students during the fall, winter, and spring academic quarters.