Since the beginning of the academic year, numerous injuries and one death have occurred at Virginia Tech parties, all but one of which were the result of falls from balconies and windows.
Officials at both Virginia Tech and the University said these incidents serve as a reminder for students to care for their personal safety.
"The university considers it a great tragedy and is very concerned about student health," said Larry Hincker, associate vice president of university relations at Virginia Tech. "This has been a wake-up call" to students.
Hincker said nine students in total have been treated for injuries.
Virginia Tech currently has safety awareness programs available to students, according to Hincker.
"The university has very aggressive alcohol programs already," Hincker said. "There is not much more we can do at this point. Students need to take responsibility for their actions."
Aaron Laushway, University assistant dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life, said there have not been recent incidences of deaths and injuries at University parties similar to those at Virginia Tech.
However, Laushway confirmed one student sustained injuries after falling out of a window in August.
"A first year fell from a window and was treated and released from the University Medical Center," Laushway said. "He had been drinking at a fraternity."
Senior Asst. Dean of Students Shamim Sisson also said falls at the University are uncommon.
"We have had from time to time incidents where students have fallen [out of windows] and sustained injuries," Sisson said. "It seems to me a fairly unusual occurrence to fall out of a window, but it does happen."
To prevent injuries and deaths associated with parties and alcohol, Sisson said the University educates students with safety information.
"During orientation we have a focus on safety and making smart decisions about alcohol," Sisson said.
Sisson said the programs serve to make students aware of how alcohol can inhibit judgment.
Additionally, Sisson said fraternities and sororities are made aware of safety issues.
"The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life work with the organizations that have parties about what constitutes a safe event," Sisson said.
Fraternities and sororities address safety issues to prevent injury, Inter-Fraternity Council President Ryan Ewalt said.
"Each house has to have a fire inspection every year that would address if a balcony is unstable," Ewalt said. "The Fraternal Organization Agreement has a requirement [which addresses] personal safety. Part of the FOA [establishes each fraternity's] stance on personal safety."
Laushway said students should consider their safety at any event.
"I would hope students are always aware of situations and take care to ensure safety," Laushway said.
A Virginia Tech student died Sept. 29 from injuries sustained after falling from an apartment window. Six people fell three stories from a different apartment at a party the same night.
Another Virginia Tech student was seriously injured Oct. 3 after attempting to climb from a third floor balcony to her own third floor balcony.
Two Virginia Tech students fell 20 feet off of a balcony Oct. 10 when one student attempted to jump into another student's arms.
Read More
Board of Visitors ends support for racial diversity goals
By Brendon Bordwine | 5 hours agoThe newly approved resolution, titled “Advancing Free Inquiry and Viewpoint Diversity at U.Va.”, calls for efforts to create a campus environment that supports open political dialogue, constructive debate and respect for differing perspectives.
Student Council unanimously approves Summer 2025 budget
By Lauren Seeliger | 7 hours agoUtilization rates refer to the amount of money actually used within the allocated budget — increasing these rates to prevent wasted money has been a primary goal of Student Council.
Bert Ellis reflects on time as member of Board of Visitors
By Cecilia Mould | 14 hours agoWhile Ellis entered the Board with certain priorities in mind, he said that most had not been accomplished during his term, without a majority of Youngkin appointees on the Board.
