University Of Chicago Officials Warn Students Of Spiked Drink Cases

CHICAGO — University of Chicago officials are cautioning students to be aware of seven incidents in recent months in which undergrads may have had their drinks spiked with drugs without their consent during parties.

In an email sent to students with the subject line “Safety and Security Notice” on Thursday, the university’s Dean of Students, Michelle Rasmussen, and Eric Heath, the school’s associate vice president of safety and security, said that the possible incidents have taken place since September.

School officials said that the reports have stemmed from different incidents from parties in which undergrads may have had drugs slipped into their drinks. Rasmussen and Heath said that the university takes the reports very seriously, including one incident this week in which one student reported that they were likely sexually assaulted.

The incident is said to have taken place at a party on Oct. 28 and the student reported that the likely sexual assault took place in a University of Chicago residence hall. The incident took place after a party and the student reported that they suspected a drug was placed into their drink without their knowledge.

School officials said they had no other information about the incident.

University students have access to an online portal that allows them to report crimes to university officials. The Campus Security Authority Reporting Form allows students to report incidents, which are then handed over to university officials. Students are permitted to remain anonymous when using the form, which alerts officials to possible incidents such as the seven that may have taken place over the past month.