Last Saturday students gathered together in celebration of St Patrick’s Day with the annual party, Sham Jam. Known to attract hundreds of students from the university, DPS was stationed at the University Townhouses from 8 am to midnight.
United Security Inc. and DPS officers were stationed with an additional four officers, and reported no issues with crowd control. There were no arrests issued to anyone on campus, with only one person reporting injuries after they were assaulted in the Townhouses area. According to DPS, the student is in stable condition.
With Sham Jam, DPS was reported breaking and entering into townhouses, and dorm halls by non-Fairfield students. As well as issuing reports of many uncooperative students and guests throughout the day’s festivities.
All non-Fairfield students discovered by DPS had their picture taken, were required to sign documents and were issued a Criminal Trespass Warning (CTW), which means that if they are found later on campus, it will result in immediate arrest.
Grace Brogioli, President of LEAF Club noted that this cleanup was very different from past events, “At least from the beach, there was not much to clean up, which was genuinely shocking.”
With a group of six, Brogioli and her team managed to fill just one trash bag–a stark contrast to the Aspen Darty, where she filled an entire bag in less than 10 minutes. The strict measures to access the beach, including wristband enforcement, significantly reduced the litter in the area. While the beach remained relatively clean, townhouses saw more significant trash buildup due to high concentration of students.
Sargeant Jenna Wellington of Fairfield Police stated, “There were no arrests or notable incidents reported during the event, and attendees were respectful and cooperative with Fairfield Police officers.”
Officers were stationed throughout the neighborhood to ensure public safety to maintain a secure environment. Near the Seagrape Cafe there was a more contained and controlled atmosphere.
Resident halls across campus experienced destruction, including vandalism, damaged bathrooms, public urination, breaking and entering, and stolen objects.
In an email obtained by The Mirror sent to residents, Marvalee Washington, Area Coordinator of Jogues Hall wrote, “As a community, we all strive to maintain a respectful and supportive environment, and it is important that each resident contributes positively to this atmosphere. This weekend was not a representation of that, from destruction of bathrooms, vandalism, public urination and sports being played in the hallways.”
While Sham Jam remained a popular and lively event, the efforts of security personnel and organized parties helped mitigate past issues, especially in terms of waste cleanup. However, the impact on campus facilities raised concerns about student responsibility and the importance of maintaining and respecting shared spaces.
