RLHS requires event registration

 In an effort to keep closer tabs on the use of residential facilities, the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services will now require students to obtain authorization before holding events in and around the residence halls.

 The events could range from a quadrangle barbecue to a commons room club meeting, said RLHS Director Eddie Hull. He justified the policy by pointing out that noisy or obtrusive events in and around residence halls can sometimes adversely affect residents, and it is the responsibility of RLHS to effectively represent all students who live on campus.

 "In doing things in these spaces, [groups are] doing things in people's homes," Hull said. "We're basically taking back our facilities."

 Residence coordinators will be the point of contact for activities in residence halls. Otherwise, students and groups will have to notify the RLHS office directly.

 Campus Council President Anthony Vitarelli praised the policy as enabling greater communication between groups and RCs.

 "I like the fact that Residential Life and Housing Services is empowering the RCs to take a little more ownership in their areas," he said. "The RCs know what works in that space and they'll be able to help groups to get other spaces if the other spaces would be more appropriate.... [The policy] will eliminate a little of the bureaucracy, too, because it will allow people to go to a very close source [for authorization]."

 Previously, students and groups registered with the Events Advising Center for parties and other events. Problems occasionally arose from miscommunication, such as when a Kappa Alpha Order fraternity party was broken up last September.

 Smaller events, such as club meetings, were supposed to be registered with the EAC, Vitarelli said, but it was common practice for such events to take place under the radar of the administration. Some students said they were concerned about the closer watch that will take place under the new policy.

 "It just limits freedom," said freshman Chris Morgan. "Unless it's something really extreme, I would say, 'No problem.'" In the end, however, Hull stressed that the policy was not designed to be restrictive.

 "Let's say a quad council wanted to do a barbecue," he said. "We would certainly want to see that happen... but let's talk about it in advance."

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