January 31, 2025

To all Keio students:

Keio University Student Affairs Center

Precautions for Spring Break

We anticipate that Keio students have a range of activities planned for the upcoming spring break. However, it is precisely at this time of year, when students feel freer and more relaxed, that they are prone to let their guard down and get into trouble. We strongly encourage all Keio students to heed the following precautions to ensure their break is both safe and fulfilling.

■ Extracurricular activities
If student groups do not submit a "Notification of Off-campus Student Activities," Keio will not be able to accept insurance claims for injuries resulting from accidents which occur during said extracurricular activities. Likewise, in the event of a natural disaster or sudden accident, Keio will not be able to ascertain students' safety. For these reasons, please be sure to submit the "Notification of Off-campus Student Activities" form BEFORE conducting extracurricular activities off-campus as a student organization. This form can be submitted through the "Online System for Student Club Activities." Should any student organization participate in extracurricular activities without submitting this form and end up involved in an accident or other issue, the organization in question will be held responsible for any consequences.
For more information, go to the Online System for Student Club Activities (https://studentlife.gakuji.keio.ac.jp/), and select "Notification of Off-campus Student Activities" for the procedures to submit the form.

If an accident occurs during extracurricular activities, please report the incident to the club chairperson as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Please also ensure that you contact the Student Life Services section at your club's main campus. If you cannot reach Student Life Services, please contact the nearest Keio University Security Office.

If an accident occurs, please follow the steps outlined in the PDF "Student Clubs: Response and Contact Information in the Event an Accident Occurs" via the linked website below. Ensure that people in the organization always have access to this PDF through their smartphones or other mobile devices in case of emergencies.
• Response and Contact Information in the Event an Accident Occurs (For students organizations and groups)

■ Sexual misconduct
Keio University strongly condemns any incidents of sexual assault, sexual harassment, lewd behavior, taking nonconsensual intimate photos or videos, molestation, stalking, and other forms of harmful sexual misconduct. Not only will these acts be subject to criminal charges and civil liability, but they also represent an affront to basic human dignity, leaving victims with serious psychological trauma. Such acts will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

You can watch a video series on preventing sexual crimes (created by the Student Affairs Center) via Box through the following link. We urge all Keio students to watch these videos to grasp the gravity of this issue.　　　　　　
https://keio.box.com/s/zrtswmypmym2ocsvsnxopusa18v5rdlg
*login using keio.jp account required

As of July 13, 2023, the penal code was revised so as to make significant changes in how sexual misconduct is treated as a crime.

We have put together a "yorisoi2022" leaflet which introduces the various consultation services available to anyone who has become a victim of sexual assault or other forms of sexual misconduct. We urge you not to deal with this type of situation alone and to make use of the services listed, which include 24-hour-hotlines and multilingual support.

■ Behavior on social media
We have received multiple complaints from those within and outside of Keio University about misconduct related to things posted on social media. There has also been a rise in issues caused by thoughtless or problematic posts made on social media platforms. Once something is published online, it can go viral at a moment's notice and it is nearly impossible to delete or retract such posts entirely. Depending on the specifics of the post, it may mislead viewers, infringe on the rights of others, or be considered illegal conduct. Please take accountability for anything posted on social media.

■ Prohibition on unsafe alcohol consumption
It is prohibited for anyone to coerce others to drink, or for those under the age of 20 to consume alcohol. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases around campus in which Keio students have created a public nuisance or been taken to the hospital due to binge drinking. No matter where you are--whether you are outside, in a restaurant, or at home--do not drink to excess. Be mindful that, depending on how it is consumed, alcohol can cause people to act or say things in ways that are inappropriate, which can carry life-threatening or long-term physical and social consequences.
•Keio University Student Website: Precautions related to alcohol consumption

■ Prohibition of drug abuse
The use or possession of illegal substances, such as dangerous drugs (including so-called quasi-legal drugs and herbs), stimulants, and marijuana, is a crime with severe punishments. Excuses such as "I just tried it on a whim," "I thought I could quit easily," or "It's legal where I'm staying abroad" will not be accepted. Stay away from drugs that alter your physical or mental state. In addition, there have been cases at airports in which people traveling overseas were charged with smuggling drugs due to unknowingly accepting a stranger's luggage containing illegal substances. Acting as a drug courier is a serious offense. Recognize that you may run the risk of committing a crime without intending to. Exercise constant vigilance to avoid such situations.
・Substance abuse
・Carrying illicit drugs

■ Prohibition on illegal acts and acts that violate public order or morals
Students are prohibited from any type of sexual misconduct, making ill-considered statements on social media, irresponsible drinking or drunken behavior, using drugs, violence, fraudulent business practices, or any other activities or behavior that run counter to public order or morals. Do NOT underestimate the serious consequences that thoughtless remarks or careless actions carry. The lives, well-being, property, and dignity of others are respected at Keio University and the community of peers which it encompasses. Once more, we urge all students to be mindful of their own words and actions.
•Announcement of the establishment of the Keio University Charter for the Promotion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
•Keio University Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Charter for the Promotion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

■ Behavior in public spaces
We ask that students take personal responsibility for their words and actions and avoid becoming a nuisance to others by acting in self-centered ways in public. Keio has particularly observed ongoing disruptive behavior by students around Hiyoshi Station which has caused trouble for nearby residents. Consider how your words and actions affect those around you and understand that you must serve as "a source of honorable character and a paragon of intellect and morals."

■ Preventing accidents on mountains, in the water, and in traffic
Mountain-, water-, and traffic-related accidents become more frequent during long breaks. Give utmost attention to avoid causing or becoming involved in such accidents. Please refer to the following website from the Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan to avoid dangerous situations and stay up to date with relevant information.
•Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan

■ Exercising caution when doing winter sports
With winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, many accidents occur when skiers and snowboarders run off course. These off-course areas are not maintained, increasing the risk of running into rocks and trees, falling, avalanches, or becoming lost. We strongly urge students to avoid such reckless behavior. This sort of behavior not only endangers you, but also puts those in charge of search and rescue at risk. In addition, people often fall by themselves or collide with others. Be sure to wear a helmet and other protective gear correctly to prevent injuries, obey the slope rules, and stay aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution to avoid serious accidents.

■ Exercising caution while traveling abroad
When making and carrying out travel plans, please refer to the Overseas Travel Safety Information Homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the link below and try to gather the most up-to-date information about the safety, current affairs, and occurrence of any natural disasters at your intended destination. Also refer to the "Information for Keio Students Regarding Travel for Study Abroad" section of the Keio University Student Website when deciding where to go. We ask that students refrain from traveling to areas in the midst of armed conflict or political unrest, regions experiencing a spread of infectious diseases, or any area with a travel advisory.
・Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Overseas Travel Safety Information Homepage
・Information for Keio Students Regarding Travel for Study Abroad

Bear in mind that even if there is no travel advisory issued, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe to travel there. Students need to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution to reduce the risk of theft, injury, or sexual crimes while in transit using buses, taxis, etc., when visiting new locations or at nightly accommodations. Please refrain from engaging in activities that may endanger yourself, such as camping out in the wild, or exploring while alone after dark or in unsafe areas. Likewise, please exercise extreme caution when in the vicinity of hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance when traveling abroad. In addition, we recommend registering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas travel registration system, Tabi Regi (たびレジ), linked below.
•Tabi Regi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas travel registration system

Before traveling, please be sure to inform your family and other people close to you of the following information: contact information at your destination (cell phone, layover locations, travel agencies), itinerary, lodging, and flight information.

As in the past, it is paramount that every Keio student conduct themselves in a model fashion, maintain self-discipline, and pay attention to their surroundings.

We hope all students have a safe and productive spring break.

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