Univ. of Arizona warns students about Rocky Point

Incoming students at the University of Arizona have been warned about the dangers of traveling south of the border.

According to KOLD, the university sent an advisory letter to students on Wednesday.

While the letter did not say students should not cross the border, it cited to a warning from the U.S. Consulate that was issued because of the number of assaults and home invasions that focused on American citizens.

The letter in its entirety is below:

Memo to: UA Student Community

From: Dr. Keith Humphrey
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
& Dean of Students

Re: Travel to Mexico

Welcome to the start of the 2012-2013 school year! As your Dean of Students, I am here to help you be engaged in our community, successful on campus and safe during your time as a Wildcat.

One of the benefits of being a UA student is the opportunity to travel to Mexico and experience another country’s culture. A frequent destination of choice of our students is Puerto Penasco, Mexico or Rocky Point as it is known in the U.S.

On August 1, 2012 the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora issued a travel warning to those visiting Rocky Point. This warning urges travelers to use caution when visiting Rocky Point as there have been a number of recent assaults and home invasions that have targeted U.S. citizens. You can read the full announcement online.

If you choose to travel to Rocky Point, please familiarize yourself with the information and resources available on the website above as well as these safety tips:

– Remember that when traveling in another country, laws are different and criminal penalties can be steeper than they are in the U.S.
– Know the individuals you are traveling with. Practice the buddy system and travel in groups.
– Let someone remaining in the U.S. (family member, roommate, friend) know where you will be, how to contact you in another country, and when you are expected to be home.
– Carry appropriate identification including a passport, birth certificate, military ID or alien resident card. International students should carry their visa and important documents with them at all times.
– Carry the contact information for the U.S. Consulates in the country(s) where you are traveling.
– Safeguard your money and possessions. Do not carry all of your money in one place and avoid displaying expensive possessions in public.
– If you choose to consume alcohol abroad, drink responsibly and exercise the same smart behaviors you would in the U.S. — don’t accept a free drink, don’t leave your drink unattended and watch it being prepared.