Beginning this semester, ResLife will begin enforcing a "no one under 21" policy during football games, Marathon Monday, Senior Week, and any other special event. - a policy it has enforced at times in the past.
Those under the age of 21 found in the possession and/or under the influence of alcohol found in the Mods during these times will lose the ability to live in the Mods during their senior year.
Additionally, students attempting to get into the Mods by climbing the fence, for example, will lose the ability to live in the Mods senior year, as well.
"The natures of all our policies are to create a safe environment for our students. We are, as a whole, looking at creating an environment where our students, particularly our seniors, can have a place to have fun, to tailgate, and to create memorable moments for their senior year," said George Arey, assistant director of Residential Life.
Arey emphasized that the new policy was not meant to dampen the seniors' last year living in the Mods. The new policy came in reaction to incidents caused by students who were either not seniors or under 21.
"The negative situations come from students who aren't necessarily attached to the Mods," said Arey. "The reality is that we are trying to provide a safe environment, as well as making it an area where people 21 and over can have fun."
Last year, there were various incidents involving injuries to other residents attempting to gain access to the Mods, especially those trying to hop the fence.
BC Police Chief Robert Morse also emphasized that the Mods were meant for seniors only.
"We are the enforcement arm of the University. The Mods are for seniors. It's for them to be able to have their time at BC," said Morse. "The enforcement end of it is to keep it for those residents. Next year there will be a new group, and it'll be their time in the Mods."
In addition, the policy change comes as a result of new agreements with the city of Boston.
"The policy is in conjunction with our tailgating and entertainment licenses with the city of Boston. They want only 21 year olds in there because there obviously is alcohol," said Arey.
In that agreement with the city of Boston, tailgating will begin three hours before football games, with the exception of the upcoming BYU game, which opens two hours in advance.
Arey noted that the changes in policy reflect BC's new status as an ACC school and acknowledges the importance of creating a new level of experience during football games. The extra hour of tailgating will help ensure that all fans will be in the stadium by kick-off, while at the same time allowing them to enjoy the festivities and surroundings of an ACC football game without being rushed.
The Mod policy differs from previous years' in that the enforcement and punishment will be more severe. In many instances in the past, students would at most be written up if caught violating the policy.
On the eve of BC's second year in the ACC, however, ResLife is going to increase the severity of punishment for those found violating the policies. BC plans on having police officers as well as resident assistants at the gates checking IDs.
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