Annual UNG student party causes stir amid coronavirus pandemic

An off-campus party in Dahlonega that drew a large crowd of students on Saturday night is causing a stir online.

 

A video of the party - released by various media outlets including TMZ - showed the students crowded outside University Heights apartment complex in Dahlonega. Most were not wearing face coverings in violation of public health guidance for the coronavirus, an action that University of North Georgia officials found disappointing. 

 

"We are aware that a large outdoor party was held at a privately-owned, off-campus apartment complex located near our Dahlonega campus Saturday night. We are disappointed that many of our students chose to ignore COVID-19 public health guidance by congregating in a large group without social distancing or face coverings," said UNG spokeswoman Sylvia Carson in an email statement from the university.

 

"The University of North Georgia continues to emphasize to our students and university community that everyone has an individual responsibility both on and off campus to follow guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC to prevent the spread of the virus," the email further stated.

 

University Heights is about one mile from UNG's main campus in Dahlonega. Former students said the off-campus party has been held for several years as an unofficial kick-off to the school year. A similar party reportedly is held at the end of the school year. 

 

Lt. Alan Roach with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to three calls for service at the apartment complex and also assisted with a medical call Saturday night. 

 

"None of our deputies made an arrest or generated any incident reports," Roach said. 

 

Roach said he did not know how many students attended the party. 

 

Classes for the fall semester at all five of UNG's campuses began Monday, Aug. 17.