It is hard to walk across Grounds without seeing at least one reminder of the traditions that form the background of life at the University. Many of these, like the honor code, are the basis of the academic community, while others, such as the ever-changing paint on Beta Bridge, are done purely in the interest of fun. But some traditions, unlike wearing a bright orange tie on game day or sipping apple cider while lighting the Lawn, won't just cheer the heart or warm the blood; they could actually be dangerous or illegal. Though most students have some understanding of the negative consequences that could accompany their favorite University traditions, many are left wondering: "What's the worst that could happen?"
The naked truth
One of the most infamous traditions at the University is streaking the Lawn. It is said that at least once before graduation, a student must undress at the steps of the Rotunda, run the 740 feet to the statue of Homer in front of Old Cabell Hall, kiss his toes and run back. But curious onlookers, uneven terrain, patrolling police and potential clothing theft make this naked jaunt a particularly hazardous one.
University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding noted that it is possible to be arrested and charged with crimes such as indecent exposure which can carry serious ramifications.
"If you are charged and convicted of indecent exposure in Virginia, it's considered a sex crime," she said. "You will be prevented from certain kinds of jobs, especially working with children."
Associate Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said the University discourages students from streaking since it is technically an illegal act.
"We always expect our students to be lawful, it just happens that nudity is against the law," he said.
Fielding pointed out that incidents of streaking at the University often involve the use of drugs or alcohol which can lead to charges of drunk in public or disorderly conduct. But besides facing the potential legal ramifications, students are also placing themselves at risk.
"The Lawn is open 24 hours a day," Field said. "People come knowing [that students streak] and you don't know what their intent is. Many people have camera phones or video recorders."
Recent University graduate Rosalie, who asked to have her last name withheld, broke her leg last year as she streaked the Lawn while intoxicated.
"I was running down one of the hills and my leg twisted from the ankle up," she said. "I heard it pop like three times. I shimmied back into my clothes and somehow pulled myself back over to the ramps."
Rosalie said she had heard how serious knee injuries were and worried that her injury would be permanent.
"I was crying and couldn't believe I had just done this," Rosalie said. "I kept thinking this is going to plague me for the rest of my life."
Chalk it up
The rumored act of "riding" the chalkboards in the Chemistry Auditorium is perhaps a lesser-known practice but one that still has its own associated risks. Allegedly, students seeking to attempt this stunt enter the Chemistry Auditorium, hold onto the chalkboards which move on motorized tracks and ride them to the ceiling while someone else works the controls.
Fielding pointed out that it is illegal to even be in the Chemistry Auditorium after hours without permission.
"Most of the classrooms in the Chemistry Building are locked down -- to get in you would need to enter illegally," she said.
By entering locked areas, Fielding noted that a student could be charged with breaking and entering which is considered a felony.
It's a rush
In October of 2005, the University football team defeated the number four team, Florida State University. In celebration, thousands of students left the stands and rushed the field. While some cheered and enjoyed the mayhem, others found themselves trampled, shoved and crushed. Eleven students were reportedly taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to a broken ankle.
"I heard most of the injuries were [caused by] people getting run over and pushed from behind," fourth-year College student Luke Stucke said. "It was people coming downhill onto the field. It wasn't too rowdy, I didn't expect to hear about that many people going to the hospital."
Fielding pointed out that the act of rushing the field is illegal as it's considered trespassing, a misdemeanor offense.
"These aren't just University rules, [they are also] ACC rules," she said. "[This affects] the safety of the public, the players and the officials on the field. It's very dangerous, we even had a police officer in the past injured during [an incident of rushing the field]."
And while rushing the field isn't exactly a tradition, University officials want to make sure school spirit does not endanger students in the future.
"[These incidents] are very serious, the University has taken great strides to make sure the field is not taken," Fielding said.
Laushway stressed that the University's goal is to keep everyone out of harm's way.
"The University's response is to always seek the safety of our students; running the field at a football game is unsafe, people get hurt, people got hurt," Laushway said. "Everyone knows that [causing trouble is] not the point. We want our students to engage in lawful and safe behavior."
A steamy underbelly
Underneath the University lies a network of underground tunnels, but in addition to heat, steam and wires, some tunnels are also carrying students. These students sneak down into the steam tunnels to explore and see a new side of the University.
But once again, participating in this tradition could carry legal consequences. Laushway and Fielding both pointed out that entering the tunnels is considered trespassing.
"[The steam tunnels] are prohibited because it's a safety issue for the public," Fielding said. "Anything could happen -- it's out of sight and out of mind of others -- they are a danger."
Fourth-year College student Dan Paley said he experienced second-degree burns after a trip into the steam tunnels.
"The pipes are mostly wrapped in insulation blankets, but where the valves are there is no insulation," Paley said. "So I managed to put my hand down on one of those spots and I burned the tips of all five of my fingers."
Paley then had to exit the tunnels while nursing his injured hand.
"I had to limp up the ladder with a hand I couldn't use ... I had huge red blisters on all my fingers."
Paley said he won't be returning to the tunnels and mentioned some other downfalls of the experience.
"It's pretty hot, kind of like a sauna ... I would say 120 degrees," he said, adding that some areas of the steam tunnels also lack sufficient lighting.
Fourth-year fifth
One of the practices that poses the most obvious risks is the so-called "fourth-year fifth," in which fourth-year students may attempt to consume a fifth of alcohol on the day of the last home football game. The University sponsors campaigns each year in an attempt to educate students on the extreme health risks that this practice poses. Yet in addition to the direct consequences of consuming the alcohol, students put themselves at the additional risk of engaging in dangerous actions while under the influence.
"Often times, when students make the decision to do these [dangerous activities] on the spur of the moment, it involves alcohol," Laushway said. "Even the strongest, tallest, heaviest guy can put himself at risk if he has drunk too much."
Fielding explained that students engaging in this act could also face a variety of charges ranging from drunk in public to underage possession. She added that these charges are not just short-term consequences.
"These stick with you, they don't just go away when you leave college -- they stick with you for the rest of your life," she said.
The bottom line
Both Fielding and Laushway stressed that the police and the University's main concern is the safety of the students and the rules are not designed to prevent students from having fun.
"Whether or not these consequences will be met is hard to say," Laushway said. "The police are not looking to arrest our students, the police are very generous, yet when a student is in a situation that is unsafe the police will ensure the safety of that student"
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