The excitement of Halloween weekend has just begun, but the city of Madison has been planning for months. The Associated Students of Madison Halloween Committee has put together several activities for University of Wisconsin students and the Madison community in order to keep Halloween a fun and safe weekend for all.

Local police departments, however, will be ready to take action if trouble arises.

UW and Madison police officers will patrol the area in order to decrease criminal behavior and keep students safe.

Students involved in criminal behavior may face consequences not only from the Madison Police Department but also from UW.

“If any UW students get caught, I can assure you that the Dean of Students will know of it,” Sergeant Edie Brogan, of the UW Police Department, said.

In addition, information regarding criminal activities that involve visiting students from other universities will be forwarded to the student affairs staff at their home schools, according to Lori Berquam, Associate Dean of Students.

The Dean of Students advised students in an e-mail sent out on Thursday they should look out for their friends and themselves by making sure they do not consume large amounts of alcohol or other drugs. Also, students should avoid drinking games, not accept drinks from strangers and eat before and while drinking.

However, Berquam believes UW students will be able to enjoy a safe Halloween that is free of any major problems.

“I am positive UW students will be cooperative,” Berquam said. “I am confident that Halloween will be safe and successful.”

Activities for UW students were started with the intention of decreasing violence and vandalism by offering students different options, according to Susan Crowley, director of UW’s Policy, Alternatives, Community and Education [PACE] project.

“The events are meant to be fun for students and give them something to do other than drinking,” Crowley said.

To avoid a bad situation, students could attend ASM-sponsored events while celebrating Halloween and staying close to the action on State Street.

“I think there are going to be a lot of fun and interesting events going on that can fit a variety of students’ entertainment needs,” Crowley said.

Highlights of the weekend events include a Saddle and Sirloin Haunted House in the Stock Pavilion from 7 to 10 p.m. and karaoke in Union South, where students can sing with their friends from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Saturday offers students many chances to show some spirit for Wisconsin athletics with numerous UW sporting events, including men’s and women’s hockey, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

Saturday night, students can show off their costumes at the Radioactive Halloween Party and Costume Contest at 8 p.m. in Union South. Unlimited pool, bowling and table tennis are available along with free popcorn for an admission cost of five dollars.

“I think the events taking place will be good for a lot of underclassmen, but I don’t think many upperclassmen will go,” Elisabeth Gaffaney, UW sophomore, said. “Regardless, though, I don’t think the activities will stop any of the violence or vandalism because UW students are often not the ones causing the damage.”

Berquam notes not everyone will want to do the same thing this weekend; however, these activities will provide students with options.