The State College Borough released a statement Wednesday night regarding the annual State Patty’s Day festivities. The borough is working closely with Penn State and State College Police to reduce the “dangerous drinking and other impacts associated with the student-created drinking event.”

State Patty’s Day is slated for Saturday, February 25. As always, there’s to be a “robust law enforcement presence throughout the weekend.”

For the first time in over a decade, fraternities can host registered socials during the holiday. However, limitations and regulations will be strictly enforced. Frats were also asked to voluntarily limit social events with alcohol.

In an attempt to decrease “disruptive and damaging consequences,” Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower is urging State College residents to implement safety precautions.

Penn State Police and State College Police sent a letter to local bars last week to “discourage the excesses and risks associated with this event.”

Students living in the dorms will be limited to one guest per room this weekend, and there will be increased security at off-campus apartments.

“By taking active steps to discourage participation in this event, we might discourage the most problematic behaviors seen in years past,” Borough Manager Tom Fountaine said. “We must do all we can collectively to reduce high-risk and dangerous drinking that results in strain on the MNMC and the Emergency Department, University and Borough police resources, and our EMS workers, and the significant negative impacts on so many of our community members, both students and long-term residents.”

State College Police is reminding students that anyone who violates the law this weekend will be charged and referred to the Office of Student Conduct. Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol and Pennsylvania’s Medical Amnesty Law will protect students from prosecution if they call for help about a person “who is passed out, unconscious, or unresponsive as the result of over-consumption.”