UTRGV Hosts Spring Break Lu'Au to Promote Safety

Student organizations and campus resources come together to educate students on staying safe during spring break

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:30pm

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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) held a Spring Break Lu'Au event organized by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to provide students with information and resources to stay safe during spring break. The event featured participation from various campus organizations, including the University Police Department, which offered a simulation of driving under the influence. Students shared their own tips for staying safe, such as being aware of one's surroundings and not going out alone.

Why it matters

Spring break is a time when many college students travel and engage in activities that can put their safety at risk. By hosting this informative event, UTRGV is taking proactive steps to educate its student community on how to have fun while prioritizing their wellbeing during the upcoming break.

The details

The Spring Break Lu'Au featured booths and activities from several campus organizations, including Casa Orgullo, South Padre Island Beach Patrol, and the University Police Department. One of the main attractions was the tipsy driving carts provided by the University Police, which allowed students to simulate the experience of driving under the influence. Students also had the opportunity to participate in games and receive free drinks and other resources to promote safety.

  • The Spring Break Lu'Au took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 outside the Music, Science and Learning Center on UTRGV's Brownsville campus.

The players

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The department at UTRGV that organized the Spring Break Lu'Au event to educate students on safety during spring break.

University Police Department

The campus law enforcement agency that provided the tipsy driving simulation activity at the Spring Break Lu'Au.

Casa Orgullo

A student organization that participated in the Spring Break Lu'Au to promote a safe community environment for UTRGV students.

South Padre Island Beach Patrol

A local organization that attended the Spring Break Lu'Au to provide information and resources to students about spring break safety.

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What they’re saying

“The Spring Break Lu'Au is a campus outreach event for students to get involved and learn about the dangers of spring break. It helps promote a safe community environment for our students.”

— Priscilla Juarez, Student Assistant, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

“You know yourself, but you don't know other people's intentions.”

— Catherine Ramirez, Integrated Health Science Senior

“Know where you are all the time and always be by somebody, don't ever be by yourself.”

— Barbie Rivas, Biology Sophomore

What’s next

The University Police Department will continue to offer the tipsy driving simulation activity to students throughout the spring break period to further promote safe driving practices.

The takeaway

By hosting the Spring Break Lu'Au, UTRGV is taking a proactive approach to equipping its students with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe and make responsible choices during the upcoming spring break festivities.