Organising a welcome weekend (WEI): safety, alcohol, hazing
Hazing, transport, alcohol, prevention team, emergency plan: preparing the welcome weekend (WEI) as an event whose risks are under control.
The welcome weekend (WEI, for week-end d'intégration) is often the first big memory of the year, and the first big risk for the board. A coach, a venue far from the school, hundreds of students, alcohol, sometimes "traditions": everything that can go wrong is prepared for well in advance.
Hazing is a criminal offence
Since the law of 17 June 1998, hazing has been punishable under article 225-16-1 of the French Criminal Code. It covers leading someone, whether against their will or not, to undergo or commit humiliating or degrading acts, or to drink alcohol to excess, at events linked to school and socio-educational settings. The penalty: six months' imprisonment and a €7,500 fine, raised to one year and €15,000 if the victim is particularly vulnerable.
Two points to remember:
- consent is no protection: "they agreed to it" is not a defence;
- the association itself, as a legal entity, can also be prosecuted.
A successful welcome weekend is one where nobody is made to do anything.
Preparing with the school
Most institutions ask for a prior declaration of the welcome weekend: programme, venue, transport, supervision, insurance. Make it early; it is also the chance to get the school's instructions and the contact details of the person to call if there is a problem during the weekend.
Transport, accommodation, supervision
- Transport: use a professional coach company, and ask for its insurance certificate. Avoid convoys of private cars, especially on the way back.
- Accommodation: check that the venue suits the number of participants, and that it has accessible emergency exits and a sheltered place to fall back to.
- List of participants: name, emergency contact, any medical restrictions declared voluntarily, and room allocated. It is used at departure, on return and if there is an incident.
- Insurance: see insuring a gala or a welcome weekend.
Alcohol: limit it, supervise it, plan for water and the journey back
- Set hours and quantities; no unlimited open bar.
- Offer as many non-alcoholic drinks as alcoholic ones, and unlimited water, visible and free.
- No alcohol for minors, without exception.
- Plan a quiet area and someone to watch over anyone who is unwell, without ever leaving them alone.
The rules on selling alcohol are set out in selling alcohol at a student party.
The prevention team and the emergency plan
For each evening, appoint a sober team that is identifiable (armband, T-shirt), does not drink and moves around. Before departure, everyone must know:
- the emergency numbers: 15 (SAMU, emergency medical service), 18 (fire brigade), 112 (European emergency number);
- the exact address of the venue, to give to the emergency services;
- where the first-aid kit is;
- who tells the school and the families if there is a problem.
If hazing, harassment or violence is reported, you stop it immediately, protect the person and inform the school.
After the welcome weekend
Hold a review with the team once things have settled: what worked, what nearly went wrong, what will need to change. Write it down: it is the best gift you can give next year's board.
With toGaether
In toGaether, the welcome weekend is an event with its own ticketing, its exportable list of participants, its logistics (transport, accommodation) and its documents (contracts, certificates, the programme declared to the school). Tickets are checked by QR code as people board the coach.
This article gives general guidance; if you are unsure about a situation, contact your school.
