The Department of Residence will be stepping up security around the residence halls during Veishea weekend, but resident assistants say they will still be able to enjoy the celebration.

RAs will be on duty in the halls around the clock during Veishea weekend.

Dawn Kanoski, RA for Turner House in Elm Hall, said she still plans to spend time at Veishea activities.

“Most RAs will not have to be on duty more than one night, so that gives them an opportunity to take part in Veishea activities if they wish,” said Kanoski, junior in journalism and mass communication.

Pete Englin, coordinator of residence life, said RA duty for Veishea will begin at 7 p.m. on April 15 and run through 7 a.m. on April 18.

One-third of the staff in each building will be on duty during that time and will be “present, visible and circulating,” he said.

Englin said the number of rounds per night is not specified, but RAs, hall directors, student security and other residence life staff will be present in the halls during all of Veishea weekend.

RAs also will be required to be in their buildings by 1 a.m. each night.

Brad Knapp, Larch Hall director, said RAs are informed of their extra duties during the celebration before they take the job.

“They’re told up front that during Veishea, they’re all going to have to be there,” he said.

Tony Gaul, RA for Schmidt House in Knapp Hall, said in addition to doing extra rounds, Towers RAs also will help patrol the Towers Residence Association ExTRAvaganza, an annual Veishea event held at Towers.

He described his duty during Veishea as making sure activities stay under control.

“It’s just kind of making sure that things don’t get out of control and making sure everyone has a good time,” Gaul said.

Starting Friday at 7 p.m., the outside entrances to the residence halls will be locked 24 hours a day until Sunday at 7 a.m. In addition, all guests who do not live in a particular hall will be required to register at the hall desk for that residence association.

Kanoski said residents are somewhat upset about the guest policy. “Students think it’s unnecessary,” she said.

Keeping the doors locked all day also creates frustration for residents, she said.

“Residents just think it’s an inconvenience to get their keys out all the time,” Kanoski said. “It’s not a huge deal, just an inconvenience they complain about.”

Whatever their job entails, most RAs are hopeful that Veishea 1999 will be safe and successful in the halls.

“I’m not anticipating a lot of problems. The residents are usually well-behaved,” Kanoski said.