Dear Students:
Mardi Gras season is an exciting time, particularly in a vibrant city like New Orleans. Each year, more than one million people travel to the region to participate in the celebrations, more than tripling the local population. This significant influx places considerable demand on city resources impacting transportation, public safety and emergency services.
As you prepare for Mardi Gras, we encourage you to be mindful of these factors and plan accordingly. To support your preparations, we will be sharing a series of emails with helpful information and resources. This communication is to provide key safety information and highlight university and student organization resources to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
First, a new student organization, Harm Education Awareness & Reduction at Tulane (HEART), is partnering along with Tulane University Medical Service and the Tulane University Undergraduate Assembly to distribute NARCAN and fentanyl test strips. Mardi Gras supply distributions will occur on Feb. 21, 24, 25, and 26 on McAlister Drive. They will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until supplies run out each day. In addition to HEART's outreach, Tulane EMS will be offering Narcan training throughout February and will be tabling at Mardi Gras Kick Off on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in LBC Pocket Park.
Second, the Tulane Legal Assistance Program is a helpful resource for students to avoid trouble during the Mardi Gras season.
Here are some other reminders for a fun and safe Mardi Gras:
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- Make a plan. Remain vigilant regarding your personal safety and lookout for your friends.
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before heading to parades and, if possible, carry a battery backup.
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The popular parade-watching spots along the uptown routes are filled with families enjoying Mardi Gras. Please make sure your conduct is respectful and appropriate.
- Poppers, whippets and other nitrates used as party drugs are now outlawed in Louisiana.
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If you are arrested, you may access the Tulane Legal Assistance Program attorney by calling 504-534-5406. But remember, if you are arrested during Mardi Gras, the chances that you will be released expeditiously are slim. Most individuals who are arrested during this period spend at least one (if not more) night in Orleans Parish lock-up.
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When at a parade or an off-campus location, report any emergencies directly to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) by dialing 911, but follow-up with Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) at 504-865-5381 after you contact NOPD.
- Heavy road congestion and traffic may limit the ability of TUPD to respond to off-campus locations.
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If you are the victim of a crime, please know that no matter what types of behaviors you may be engaging in, nothing justifies someone else's choice to harm you. We hope that you will report any crime to us so that we can make sure you have access to support and resources.
- Tulane has robust amnesty policies that preclude any conduct related charges when calling for medical attention or reporting a crime.
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Here are some additional safety tips.
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Finally, parades may make travel difficult for hours before and after the parade. It is important that you plan accordingly. If you depend on University Shuttles for transportation, please note that there will be a modified shuttle schedule due to traffic restrictions from Thursday, Feb. 16 through Wednesday, Feb. 22.
During the height of the season, there will be free Mardi Gras shuttles to and from the parade route for Tulane students. The on-campus pickup point for these shuttles will be in front of the Malkin Sacks Commons. The shuttle run times are below:
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- Thursday, Feb 27 and Friday, Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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Tulane University recognizes a Mardi Gras Break on the academic calendar, thus most offices at the university will be closed from 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 through 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5. The hours of operation for the Mardi Gras weekend are listed on the Mardi Gras Website. Please pay special attention to the on-campus dining hours and options during this period and plan accordingly.
All Campus Health services will be closed during the Mardi Gras weekend, but there are other physical and mental health resources available to students. For 24/7 virtual urgent care services, Tulane Telehealth is available at no additional cost to students who have paid the Campus Health fee. For in-person care, see a list of after-hours care facilities in the areas near Tulane campuses. For confidential mental health assistance, call or text THE LINE, a 24/7 crisis support line, at 504-264-6074.
TUPD and Student Affairs will have staff on-call to respond to emergencies throughout Mardi Gras. If you need to reach TUPD, contact 504-865-5911 or call the Student Affairs On-Call staff member at 504-920-9900.
Sincerely,
Erica Woodley, Dean of Students
Frank Young, Chief of Police
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