Veishea will be a new experience for students living in residence halls this year thanks to policy changes initiated by the Inter-Residence Hall Association requesting less security in the dorms.

IRHA proposed a bill earlier this year, “Non-Celebratory Celebration,” stating it wanted changes in residence hall policies during Veishea.

The requests included having fewer resident assistant rounds, unlocking access doors within buildings, removing the special visitor policy and allowing residents who are of age to consume alcohol in their rooms.

The bill originally stated if these requests were not negotiated to IRHA’s satisfaction, the organization would boycott Veishea activities. That portion of the bill was removed when the majority of IRHA members voted against it.

However, three of the four requests were negotiated in a recent meeting with Department of Residence Director Randy Alexander, IRHA President Paul Duncan and the presidents of the three residence associations.

RA rounds will no longer be increased during Veishea weekend, internal doors in buildings will be unlocked and the visitor policy will be relaxed.

Previously, internal doors were locked at all times during Veishea, and there was a strict visitor policy, said Keith Twombley, TRA president.

“It made people feel like they were being watched,” said Jennie Kingery, RCA president.

Twombley said although a visitor policy is still in place, it will be more relaxed this year.

“Rather than keeping a long intimidating list of guests, a resident can get a guest pass card from their RA or hall desk,” Twombley said.

Duncan said he thinks the changes will make Veishea more student-friendly.

“I think this will enhance Veishea and bring more people out to events,” he said. “I’m extremely pleased with the discussion we had with the Department of Residence and that they were able to compromise on the concerns we had.”

Alexander said he felt the meeting was a success and was pleased the threat of a boycott was removed.

“I was glad to see they struck the boycott clause because we hadn’t even discussed [the issues] yet, and I felt they would be putting a lot of pressure on President Gregory Geoffroy,” Alexander said. “I was happy to see a lot of the representatives talking about how they perceived Geoffroy as being very approachable and reasonable.”

Kingery and Twombley both said they are generally happy with the changes, although they feel there is still room for improvement, particularly on the no-alcohol issue, which Twombley said the Department of Residence “can’t and won’t compromise on.”

Alexander said he would be surprised if the alcohol policy is changed this year, especially since it is Geoffroy’s first Veishea experience.

“I wasn’t going to make a decision on that,” he said.

Kingery said she understood why the Department of Residence still has reservations, citing the increased vandalism this year as a concern, but said she hopes the alcohol policy is eventually changed.

“I can’t see that being changed this year,” Kingery said.

“But in the next couple of years I hope it will . If people are 21, how can you tell them what to do in their own home?”