ISU President Gregory Geoffroy announced Monday the Veishea 2006 alcohol policy would not differ from the university’s normal alcohol regulations.

The ISU Alcohol Policy permits alcohol on campus for students of legal age, including those in residence hall rooms. From 1998 to 2004, alcohol was prohibited from all areas of campus during Veishea, including food establishments, entertainment venues and dorms.

The 2004 celebration ended with a riot in Campustown that caused more than $100,000 in damage.

“Based on all of the discussions and recommendations [from student leaders], I decided on Veishea weekend we will use our normal alcohol policy,” he said. “It is a policy our students want, and I have confidence in our students on campus to make this policy work.”

According to ISU Student Disciplinary Regulations, the president of the university has the authority to adopt special rules regarding use, possession and consumption of alcohol during Veishea. Geoffroy said no further regulation would be enforced during the celebration, which is to be held April 17 to 23.

Eric Peterson, Veishea general co-chairman, said he supports Geoffroy’s decision, although there are no current plans to serve alcohol on campus during Veishea.

“Our purpose is to develop and implement programming that highlights Iowa State’s students, faculty and staff in an enjoyable way,” said Peterson, junior in agricultural business. “We can take steps to minimize the risk [of a disturbance], but you are never going to completely get rid of any risk.”

Pete Englin, director of the Department of Residence, said the alcohol policy during Veishea weekend would be enforced similar to times of other large gatherings, including the Iowa State vs. Iowa football game.

“We need to be a little bit more attentive, but there isn’t going to be an escalated enhancement,” he said.

Jerry Stewart, director of the Department of Public Safety, said he thought the president’s decision was logical, and he didn’t see the move making much impact on his department.

“Creating special conditions for one event has only served to create tensions in the past,” he said. “I don’t foresee any major changes in our enforcement approach.”

Stewart said his staff is already assigned to a number of special events throughout the weekend, such as the parade and events at the Iowa State Center.

“Alcohol has not been a concern at organized events,” he said.

Englin said although no alcohol regulations would change, dorm residents’ guests during Veishea weekend need to register with the hall desk, as was the policy during the 2004 celebration.

“We used it in 2004 and whether it made any difference is not known,” he said. “There is no . relationship regarding the alcohol policy and whether we have disturbances or not.”

Englin said permitting alcohol on campus would help reduce the amount of off-campus parties.

“Having those communities essentially dry may mean more folks are looking at an off-campus location if they want to consume alcohol,” he said. “I think this policy change spreads it out.”

Geoffroy said alcohol on campus for legal drinkers would help reduce the chance of another disturbance.

“We need to do everything we can on a variety of fronts to minimize the possibility of future problems,” he said.