Hosting First-Year Events

Source: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/hosting-first-year-events Parent: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/student-activities

Events in the Dorms

Common Room Reservation Requirements and Process

\ Example: game nights, entryway parties, movie nights

• Each common room can be reserved Friday or Saturday for a 3-hour time block ending no later than 1:00 am.
• Gatherings are limited to the capacity of the room as set by the University.
• There may be no more than one registered event per common room per weekend.
• Common rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Events must be for first-year students only. Note: Yard Common Rooms may not be reserved for events hosted by student organizations.
• Alcohol is strictly prohibited. If alcohol is seen to be present, the event will be immediately shut down.
• Confine the gathering to the common room; no overflow into hallways or outside is permitted. Be respectful of your neighbors, and keep sound to reasonable levels.
• You are responsible for your guests. You can incur disciplinary action for your guests' behavior as well as your own.
• Music must be turned off and the event closed down by 1:00 am. Proctors may close down events that are deemed too loud, disruptive, or crowded at any time.

Violation of any of the above policies could result in loss of reservation privileges or a dean's warning.

• To request a common room, fill out this form by 3:00 pm the Wednesday before your event with the following information:
• Host name
• Email address
• Cell phone number
• Event date (must be a Friday or Saturday)
• Event start and end times
• Preferred common room
• Expected number of attendees
• Event details/description
• Proctor name
• Confirm the following: I have talked with my proctor about this event, and they or another proctor designated by them intend to be available in case of emergency or if I need help. I have provided appropriate contact information.
• Confirm the following: I have read and understand the first-year common room regulations, in addition to Massachusetts law and Harvard College policy governing alcohol and entertainment.

Suite Party Registration Process

Requirements for Small, Private Gatherings

Example: birthday party

First-year students may request to register a party in their suite for Friday or Saturday nights. Parties are defined as gatherings in suites that have more than 7 guests (not including hosts) and sustained noise. See the ‘Does this need to be registered’ flowchart for guidance. Unregistered parties will be shut down. Students hoping to register a party in their suite must abide by the following rules:

• Students must speak to and get the signature of their entryway proctor within 24 hours of the intended party.\ • Parties must be confined to student suites. Parties may not overflow into the hallway. Doors may not be propped open.\ • Permission must be received by all members of the suite.\ • Parties are limited to 25 students.\ • Alcohol is strictly prohibited.\ • Hosts are responsible for their own behavior and as well as that of their guests.\ • Quiet hours begin at 1am.\ • Regardless of quiet hours, any party that is deemed to be overly loud, disruptive, or crowded, can be shut down.\ • Students are required to clean up after themselves.

• Complete the party registration form and submit to your proctor 48 hours before your event

Register a Suite Party

\ Please reach out to your proctor or Resident Dean if you have questions.