# 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

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*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](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8GgWpsBP4IVK2_0K_grzPzv9KygqM8_NzB6neOsp51gurwQ/viewform) 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](/file_url/2478) 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](/file_url/2476) and submit to your proctor 48 hours before your event

#### [Register a Suite Party](/file_url/2477)

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