Tickets issued after 'unofficial gathering' on University of Guelph's campus over the weekend
If students are involved, school says it will enforce non-academic code of conduct
The University of Guelph says it's aware of a "large, unofficial gathering" on campus over the weekend, and the campus safety office is investigating.
"Tickets have been issued in relation to the gathering," a statement from the university to CBC K-W said.
Four tickets were issued for having open liquor. The university did not immediately say who had received the tickets. As well, as the investigation is underway, the university said there may be further fines or charges laid.
"We are still investigating the situation, including reviewing the security camera footage," the statement said. "If [Guelph] students are involved, we will enforce the university's non-academic student code of conduct.
The university said it "condemns the behaviour" of those who gathered, as it resulted in minor damage to the exterior of one of the residence buildings.
Additional security guards and residence staff have been added to campus, the school said, and extra officers from the safety office will be on patrol as well as officers with the Guelph Police Service.
"Security footage is being monitored by our campus safety office. We are also enforcing strict protocols in our residences including no visitors," the statement said.
The school is asking anyone with information about the gathering to contact the campus safety office or CrimeStoppers.
Parties held in Waterloo, London
Guelph is not the first university campus to see unsanctioned gatherings since students started to make their way back to campus this month. A week earlier, police were called to Ezra Avenue in Waterloo, near the Wilfrid Laurier University campus, on three separate occasions.
One of the gatherings had an estimated 1,000 people in attendance, police said.
In an open letter to the community, Waterloo Regional Police Services Chief Bryan Larkin called the parties "unacceptable."
"It is irresponsible. It is extremely disappointing. Moreover, it is unlawful," Larkin said.
"As we continue through a global pandemic, large gatherings are prohibited. They are prohibited for a reason. To openly defy public health guidelines that have been put in place to keep our community safe is simply inexcusable."
But we’ve seen a disturbing trend over the last few days that puts our entire year in jeopardy. This past weekend there were several large gatherings near campus – along with some aggressive behaviour that put the safety of others at risk.
—@WesternUWestern University in London also reported a number of large gatherings last weekend.
"This activity is a blatant disregard for the campus community, public health, and the law," the school tweeted. "We want to be clear: if this activity continues, the academic year we have so carefully planned will not happen."
On Sunday, Western announced it was investigating multiple reports of sexual violence over the weekend.