University News
UHDS at WIU Implements Guest Policy Changes
August 13, 2015
MACOMB, IL -- Effective Fall 2015, students living in Western Illinois University residence halls will be required to register non-WIU guests.
According to Mishelle Oaks, director of residence life, University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) has made changes to the UHDS guest policy that requires on-campus residents to register all guests not enrolled in classes at WIU. A guest provision, which includes guest responsibility on the part of the resident, has been a part of UHDS policy at WIU for many years; however, the sign-in process is a new addition.
"There have been no other changes to the policy," Oaks added. "Residents may still have a guest for up to three nights in a 10-day period, with permission of the roommate, when applicable. Hosts continue to be responsible for the actions of their guests and must escort guests at all times."
Oaks explained the addition to the policy was initiated by the President's Advisory Committee, and was discussed among numerous campus constituencies, including students and staff.
"The primary goal of this change is to further enhance resident safety. Housing staff needs to be aware of the individuals who are in the building who are not permanent residents," she said. "The host is responsible for his or her guest and will be held accountable should an issue occur."
Students, along with their visitors, must register the guest via a computer check-in system at their respective residence hall's front desk. All guests, high school age and above, must show a valid photo ID at the time of registration. The guest will be given a pass, which is good for three days. According to Oaks, if an individual is stopped by housing staff and does not have a guest pass, a variety of things can occur depending on the severity of the incident: he/she could be asked to register, the host student may go through the judicial process and/or the guest may be asked to leave campus.
"Anytime you have change, there may be some initial inconveniences. However, housing officials took the student feedback we received and developed a process based on that feedback," she added. "This system will further enhance the safety and security of our halls, and will address the concerns brought forward to housing. Our goal is to mitigate disruption to the day-to-day lives of our residence hall students due to guests, and residents, who disregard our rules and policies."
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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