Unofficial is one of the biggest student events on not on campus for Eastern students.

It is the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day for the community of Charleston, but with students being off campus due to Spring Break during the actual St. Patrick’s Day, they celebrate earlier.

Students partied around the town of Charleston to celebrate the holiday annually

People that attend typically engage in drinking, smoking, partying, as well as other activities.

In the past there have been car accidents.

 University Department Police Chief Marisol Gamboa said that her and the police staff have been planning how to handle Unofficial for about a month prior to the event actually happening.

“We were planning on putting additional officers on the street and on campus,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa said that her and the team worked with police officers being around the party site and visible.

“Hopefully [that] deters some of the individuals from being inebriated while driving,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa said the purpose of them being outside is to ensure the safety of those attending the event.

While they are not there to prevent the parties, they are still there to protect citizens, and Gamboa said that if certain things were to happen such as safety violations or if the neighbors complain officers on duty could help.

Gamboa said the police force took other steps this year to prepare for the event. They posted on social media warning participants to be aware of not drinking and driving.

The post also reminds designated drivers to remain in that position and not drink because they cause everyone else is reliant on that person to take care of them.

Gamboa advised students to know their limit if they chose to participate.

“Know your limit, if you choose to consume alcohol and participate in Unofficial,” Gamboa said. “Make sure you know your limit, don’t get behind the wheel [if you’re drunk], find a designated driver. Don’t leave your beverages unattended. Make sure you stay in a group, stay [together], and consider your own safety because [each] student is responsible for their own safety. They have to take proactive measures and remove that opportunity of becoming a victim. Make sure their cell phones are charged at all times, because in case they get into a situation, their phone is the first thing to get emergency assistance to them.”

Those who attended Unofficial brought their own ‘Borgs,” which gained fame on TikTok. Borg is short for blackout rage galleon and allow students to bring their alcohol instead of drinking whatever is served at the location of the party.

College students at different universities have been using them and they have gained popularity in the last month.

It is safer because students are aware of what they are consuming.

Students sometimes write puny jokes on them such as “Borgan donor.”

Borgs can also be concealed, unlike the typical red plastic cups. They are typically mixed with vodka and some sort of electrolyte but people can put whatever they choose in them.

Cam’ron Hardy can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].