Dillo Day
Dillo Day is one of the most exciting days of the year at Northwestern. It is also a time when students can get into difficulty if they are not being safe or being aware of the rules. Please read on for information on how to be safe, stay out of trouble and have fun on Dillo Day!!!
- Being Safe
- Responsible Action Protocol
- Be Aware
- Staying Out of Trouble
- Hosting a Party or Social Event
For more event information, visit Mayfest's Dillo Day web page.
Being Safe
Dillo Day is fun but some students can go overboard. It's important to know what to do in the case of emergencies. Below you will find information on how to keep you and others safe.
REMEMBER - Students who assist others in an emergency (including alcohol or drug overdoses) generally face no disciplinary action for their own infractions. For more information go to:
Responsible Action Protocol
Did you know? Students who assist others in an emergency (including alcohol or drug overdoses) generally face no disciplinary action for their own infractions. Just remember to:
- Call 911
- Stay with the person needing assistance
- Cooperate with emergency & university officials
For more information see our Responsible Action Protocol (RAP) page.
- Seeking Help with the Responsible Action Protocol - when someone has had too much to drink, it is up to those around him or her to make sure immediate action is taken. The Responsible Action Protocol is designed to ensure that students can seek medical assistance without fear of consequences. In many cases, this means that no University disciplinary action is taken. Please read more about the RAP; for more information on what to do if someone needs assistance, and how requesting such assistance will affect you.
- Help is always nearby
- Medical Assistance - No matter where you are on Dillo Day, medical assistance is nearby. Mayfest provides several ambulances on the lakefill area that can take care of any medical emergency. Police and Student Affairs staff (in bright red shirts) patrol the campus and surrounding neighborhood regularly throughout the day, and are always available to help.
REMEMBER - IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY CALL 911 FIRST
- Food and water - Being well-fed and hydrated is essential to having a safe day. There are numerous options for food and drink on the lakefill, many of them are free. IFC/PHA host a free pancake breakfast starting at 9am in front of the Jacobs Center at the corner of Foster and Sheridan, as well as free Pizza at approximately 2:30pm on the lakefill. Food is also for sale on the lakefill, in addition to a waterbottle refilling station.
- Transportation - Saferide will be in operation from 7pm-3am and Shuttle Busses will be in operation from 1pm-11pm following this route.
Be Aware
- Underage Drinking - It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or drink alcohol. It is an additional offense to furnish a fake ID in order to purchase alcohol. Please remember that these violations have serious consequences with the University and the City of Evanston. Alcohol citations carry a minimum fee of $500 in Evanston.
- Open Container - Evanston laws strictly prohibit the possession of open containers of alcohol in public ways, including sidewalks, streets and parks. If a guest with an open container of alcohol steps onto a sidewalk or street, the Police can use that offense as reasonable cause to search your gathering, possibly resulting in additional tickets for you and your guests. Make every effort to keep your guests on your property and out of trouble.
- Noise - One of the biggest complaints from Evanston residents on Dillo Day is noise. While walking to and from campus, especially at night, please be mindful of the families who share the neighborhoods with us. Creating excessive noise is cause for citation from both the Evanston and Northwestern Police Departments.
- You Are Responsible for Your Guests - Many of the incidents that occur on Dillo Day include non-University guests. While they are welcome to join us, please make sure they are familiar with the local rules and regulations. Students may be held responsible for acts of misconduct by their visitors and guests, and students who live in University housing are responsible for any actions that occur in their rooms.
- Serving Alcohol - Serving alcohol to guests under 21 years of age is illegal--see the IL Social Host Law. Those caught doing so will face action by the University and City. Selling alcohol or cups without a liquor license is also strictly prohibited (this includes soliciting a "donation" to obtain a cup).
- Disturbing The Peace - Loud noise coming from your property can result in a citation, which includes having amplified sound. If you have large speakers outdoors, the Police can cite you even without a neighbor complaint. Noise is enforced especially after 11pm.
Staying Out of Trouble
- Talk To Your Neighbors - simply giving neighbors a heads-up about your party can go a long way (invite them!). Make sure you understand each other's expectations for appropriate conduct and let them know the start-time and end-time of your party. Providing contact information can also help. You may want to check in with them during the party to make sure everything is going smoothly.
- Cleaning Up Trash - You are expected to have all trash cleaned up by 10am the next morning. Violations can result in citations from the City.
Visit the student conduct site for more information about conduct expectations on Dillo Day.
Hosting a Party or Social Event
Many off-campus residents decide to host gatherings of students. While these events can be fun, they are often magnets for trouble with neighbors, Police and the University. Make sure you review the "Party and Social Hosting Tips" before you decide to open your residence to guests.
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