By Jeff McLaughlin
Copy Editor

When classes end on Friday and the weekend finally arrives, it is common to find several parties scattered throughout the senior housing areas on the St. Michael's campus. There is an option for residents to register parties through the Residence Life office, but why is it that students commonly choose to avoid this opportunity? And who's to blame when one of these parties spins out of control?

Severe lack of awareness

Although some seniors understand that there is an opportunity to register upcoming parties, there are still those who know very little about this option.

Students gather in the 100s for some weekend fun. (Photo by Cailey McDermott)

“I didn't even know you could register townhouse parties until very recently,” senior Joe Gil says. “I still don't even really know the benefits and repercussions of registering a party.”

Former townhouse resident and senior Andrew Urquhart agrees with Gil.

“We don't really know anything about it,” Urquhart says. “The school doesn't really tell you and they just expect you to know.”

Kait McCarthy, senior resident of the 300s, says that it is very unclear as to what the school is looking for from its townhouse residents.

“I wasn't really aware of the school's policies when it comes to registered and unregistered parties until not too long ago,” McCarthy says. “It's not exactly clear what it is that we're supposed to do as students.”

Gil sees the registration idea as putting a target on your house and thinks it is just asking for more trouble, he says.

“It just puts a red flag on your house for Security to watch,” Gil says. “Security will just watch your house for the entire night and make everyone uncomfortable.”

“Working as a team”

The process of registering a party is the school's way of making a connection with its residents prior to the night of the party, says Jeff Vincent, associate director of Residence Life. It is important for both the residents and student life to be proactive about success for that night.

"No one wants to stand at the door and make sure that someone doesn't accuse you of doing something wrong," senior Kait McCarthy says. (Photo by Cailey McDermott)

Registering a party begins with an e-mail sent out by Residence Life every week containing the proper registration forms. At 3 p.m. on Wednesday, any residents who have filled out the form and plan on registering a party meet for about 10 minutes with the office. The form then goes out the residence director on duty for that weekend, along with Public Safety. This ensures that everyone involved is aware and that there is a relationship created between the school and the party hosts, Vincent says.

Following this meeting, the residence director on duty for that weekend will stop by the residents’ house who will be hosting the party. This is meant to answer any other questions and make sure that the residents know that the R.D. is aware of the party, Vincent says.

Despite the school's attempt to inform students about party registration and to support this option, residents, like Gil and Urquhart, still feel as though it's unnecessary and a hassle.

"The [registration] form is ridiculous,” McCarthy says. “They ask you for really obnoxious stuff and about every little thing about your party.”

McCarthy explains that the form asks for things such as what type of alcohol will be provided, how much alcohol will be present, the names of the people who will be attending the party, and other tedious things.

“No one wants to go through that process,” McCarthy says. “It almost makes having a party not fun.”

Pointing fingers

Underage drinking policies are where very little differences lie between registered and unregistered parties, Vincent says. It is important for residents to understand that they are responsible for anyone who comes into their house at any time, Vincent says.

“When someone comes into their house, [the residents] are now responsible for that person,” Vincent says. “The gathering is considered to be too big if you do not know who is in your house.”

Gil disagrees when it comes to this notion.

“I do not think that underage drunk kids at your house should make you liable or responsible,” Gil says.
Urquhart also believes that underage students need to be responsible for themselves.

“I don't think residents are responsible for other people's stupidity,” Urquhart says. “If you're under 21, then you need to be smart about the decisions you make and the places you go.”

McCarthy says that it should be understood that townhouse residents do not serve alcohol to underage drinkers. If someone is drinking in their house, it is almost always brought by that person and thus the residents should not be held accountable.

“No one wants to stand at the door and make sure that someone doesn't accuse you of doing something wrong,” McCarthy says. “People don't provide alcohol for other people. We just have our own stuff to drink.”

Repercussions vary from case to case when it comes to busted townhouse parties where underage drinking is taking place, Vincent says. Punishments may include fines and campus evictions; punishments will be implemented regardless of whether or not the party is registered. Vincent urges students to understand that Residence Life is out to keep everyone safe and to provide support for residents whose parties get out of control.

“If there are bumps or a group of unwanted guests, then you can call the R.D. to help deal with the situation,” Vincent says. “The goal is to keep it 21; keep it respectful and responsible.”