Friday marks the 21st anniversary of Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day. For preview coverage, check out some of The Daily Illini’s articles, including information from the University of Illinois Police Department about staying safe on Unofficial.

Other stories highlight the history of Unofficial and a few students who share a birthday with Unofficial. Another, showcases alumni who celebrate the holiday in Chicago.

Stay with The Daily Illini for live coverage of the holiday. 

2:30 p.m.

University of Illinois Police Department Officer Grant Briggs also noted that the Unofficial crowds depend on the weather. When it’s a nice day, there are more people and when it’s cold, there’s nobody out.

“I’ve worked here for six years now, I wouldn’t say that anything surprises me at this point,” he said.

He also attended school at the University and experienced Unofficial as a student.

“My freshman year, this guy threw up in my econ class because he was already drunk at 8 a.m.,” he said.

Briggs compared the hype of unofficial to homecoming weekend and said that it is about the same for the department.

“I don’t really get (unofficial), I think everyone makes a bigger deal of it than it really is,” he said.

There is a spike after dinner Briggs said, but the crowds remain pretty consistent throughout the day with parties starting early on.

“The craziest unofficial experience I have witnessed was this guy was injured on the sidewalk because he had tried to climb into an apartment using the downspout and didn’t know where he was or where he was trying to go. He was at the wrong building and the downspout broke and he fell about 10 feet or so. He wasn’t seriously injured,” Briggs said.

11:15 a.m.

Green street is still mostly calm but had began to pick up slowly.

“It definitely seems like less people are out, like last year there were more people,” said Aleeza Leder Macek, Sophomore in College of LAS. “I’m sure as the day goes on, it will get more.”

On the main quad the Illini Life Christian Fellowship is giving out free coffee for the third year in a row. They have noticed that the event has died down in recent years and may be on its last leg.

Some people suspect the weather is contributing to smaller crowds.

“I think it’s just a little bit colder. People will come out later once it warms up. It’s really a good day, so I think it will be a good time,” said alumni Lizandro Sanchez. “Especially as soon as people come out from the class.”

There is still little activity at campus bars.

10:30 a.m.

The City of Champaign tweeted a reminder for those participating in Unofficial to “act responsibly.” The tweet refers students to an University website providing resources for Alcohol-related situations.

City of Champaign on Twitter: “For those partaking in #Unofficial2017, remember that our community expects residents & visitors to act responsibly. https://t.co/tePnA92m42 pic.twitter.com/gop6h2yXSN / Twitter”

For those partaking in #Unofficial2017, remember that our community expects residents & visitors to act responsibly. https://t.co/tePnA92m42 pic.twitter.com/gop6h2yXSN

10:20 a.m.

SafeWalks, the University’s courtesy safety escort service, is providing additional service today for Unofficial.

Student patrol officers will be providing the service starting at 11 a.m. today, and will continue until 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

“It’s a significant event on campus, as far as safety goes,” said Ryan Johnson, SafeWalks supervisor.

Johnson said that there will be plenty of student patrol officers to provide assistance to students who need it.

“We want eyes and ears (on campus),” Johnson said. “We want this service for students, whether they’re sober or not.”

SafeWalks are available to all students who call the number on the back of their I-Card, 217.333.1216.

Johnson said patrol officers will only contact first responders if individuals are disorderly.

“We’re not in the business of getting anyone in trouble,” Johnson said. “We’re in the business of safety.”

9:30 a.m.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor did not send out a Massmail this year to students regarding Unofficial, as they have at least the past three years.

Google Apps @ Illinois Mail – MASSMAIL – Unofficial St

A Massmail was sent to faculty on Feb. 27 stating that the University does not condone Unofficial celebrations and is taking precautions to avoid classroom disruptions.

Faculty Unofficial Illinois Massmail

After explaining the measures being taken, the Massmail provided resources for faculty experiencing issues in the classroom.

The Massmail specifically reaffirms the policy stating that students cannot bring liquids into Lincoln Hall Theatre and Foellinger Auditorium. It also encouraged professors not to cancel classes on March 3.

However, Chancellor Robert Jones did send out a Massmail to students earlier in the week regarding offensive speech, mentioning clothing that references Chief Illiniwek.

“And once again we’re seeing Unofficial t-shirts that many in our community view as insulting to Native Americans,” said Jones in the Feb. 23 Massmail.

Jones said that while students have the rights to express their views, they have the option to include a wide range of opinions and maintain respect.

8:00 a.m.

Green Street is calm this morning with many speculating that the cold weather is affecting Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day crowds.

Many of the people out and about appear to be headed to class.

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