BC cracks down on off-campus partying

Welcome to the wonderful world of off-campus housing. However, as much as it seems a year of off-campus residence would be full of new freedoms and possibilities given the extra distance between you and the ever-present eye of the Boston College Police Department (BCPD), Steve Montgomery, off-campus community liaison, is here to make sure that this new lifestyle is not all fun and games.

If you are living off campus next year, you are bound to run into Montgomery, who is in his ninth year of duty as community liaison.

Hopefully it will be during one of the many rounds he makes of off campus houses to voice and outline community expectations, instead of during a called-in "bust" of one of your parties at 3 a.m.

The self-proclaimed "Off Campus RA," Montgomery is here to assist students in managing this new set of freedoms and responsibilities.

Like any RA, Montgomery is responsible for reporting and getting information, making sure people cooperate, and taking names in the event of any complaint or issue.

"I am also here to help residents of Brighton, Newton, and Brookline with quality-of-life issues by being a proactive presence in the neighborhoods," he said.

Montgomery is responsible for approximately one-fourth of the entire student body who are spread out among the different neighborhoods.

Montgomery drives around in a BC-marked SUV and wears a University windbreaker, as he works in tandem with BCPD, Boston Police, and Newton Police to set regulations and ensure a high quality of life that BC students and local residents have come to expect. Montgomery is also here to ensure a strong living environment for both students and the local residents who neighbor many off-campus houses.

Always on the move, Montgomery keeps his presence in neighborhoods out in the open.

"I am always ready to head out to a neighborhood to answer a call or just to check up on residences," Montgomery said.

Montgomery works to guide students through this new style of living by promoting students to be responsible and respectful to residents in their neighborhoods.

When a neighbor calls in a party or disturbance, Montgomery is there. Usually a call will go to either him, BCPD, or Boston Police. Montgomery works to diffuse the situation in the best way possible, working to assist both students and Boston residents. Ideally, BC resolves the situation. But from 9 p.m to 4 a.m., Montgomery is ready to handle any situation.

Montgomery wants to encourage off-campus students to have a better awareness and relationship with the permanent residents and neighbors in order to prevent the easiest living situation for both parties. Small things like talking to neighbors, being responsible, reasonable, and safe help ensure a higher standard of life for everyone.

"Complaints we receive vary from trespassing, noise, trash, and even kids on house roofs, all of which are very avoidable," he said. He stressed that in most cases, student residents suffer most from careless and reckless decisions.

Considering the sometimes tense situation between Boston residents and off-campus students, better relationships would help avoid unnecessary arguments, and allow students and residents to solve disputes in situations without handcuffs.

Since off-campus students have the most direct contact with residents, Montgomery holds these students responsible for representing BC and its students in a positive way to the community.

"Simply realize that Boston residents enjoy a strong quality of life, and that simple things help make everyone's life easier; Keep trash manageable, respect their property, etc.," he said. "Help shovel a sidewalk, volunteer, go to neighborhood meetings. There are limitless opportunities for students to become good neighbors."

With the new alcohol and drug matrix policy, however, what changes will we see for off-campus students this year? Due to recent school-wide surveys, the alcohol and drug code has become much more stringent and more enforced on campus, but what about off campus?

"For my job, I will still be as present a force as before. I am still responsible for the welfare of students and residents in Brighton, Newton, and Brookline," Montgomery said.

The Associate Vice President/Dean for Student Development Dr. Shelia Horton had input about the new off-campus drug and alcohol policy as well.

"The new matrix allows for a clear representation and guideline to students regarding the consequences of their behavior. These are many of the same policies we have been using with students in these situations," she said.

Dr. Horton explained the process as a student is reported by the Boston Police Department, BCPD, or Community Assistance Patrol. Students are informed that they can either accept responsibility or deny responsibility, which may lead to the case being referred to the Administrative Hearing Board.

"It's important to emphasize though that this is not a new policy. This is the standard practice," Horton said.

As for expectations of BC off-campus students, Horton stressed that the administration expects off-campus behavior to be civil, respectful, and responsible.

"First I think it is important for students to realize that with freedom comes responsibility. Of particular concern, students should also be aware of social host liability issues and the potential consequences of providing or furnishing alcohol to minors," Horton said.

"They should be aware of their neighbors' needs and interests and think about being a good neighbor. If off-campus students would take the time to meet their neighbors and develop a relationship, the neighbors may come to know them as people and not just disturbers of the peace," she advised.

Both Montgomery and Horton hope that off-campus students remain aware and responsible as a result of the new drug and alcohol matrix.