You can count on a celebration this weekend at Harrington Hall.
After six weeks, the residence is no longer dry.
A meeting was held Friday afternoon to discuss the future of the alcohol ban. The house committee submitted a proposal to dean of students, Larry Batt, suggesting alternatives to the prohibition.
A compromise was reached and new rules for alcohol were put in place on Monday.
They include prohibiting glass bottles and drinking in the lounges.
Also, guests must leave after moderate quiet hours unless signed in.
In two weeks, the changes will be reviewed. If residents cooperate, the rules will gradually ease back to what they were before the ban.
St. Thomas University spokesman Jeffrey Carleton said some regulations will remain in place for the rest of the year.
“The only one that won’t be eased is open liquor in the hallways.”
He said the alcohol ban was a matter of health and safety and was impressed by how the house committee handled the situation.
“We are pretty pleased the house has taken leadership.”
Residence manager Clayton Beaton said listening to Harrington’s house committee and the RA team was important when deciding what step the residence should take next.
“What we’re looking to do is to re-focus the house and start second semester fresh.”
Alcohol was banned from Harrington Hall late last semester after a string of events led to safety concerns. They included setting toilet paper on fire and discharging a fire extinguisher.
House president Caitlin Doiron said though the ban wasn’t popular at the time, it’s important to look back and see the positives that have come from it.
“I feel like this was a drastic step, but it was one that was necessary. The ban is a way of showing the residents of Harrington that a change must be made.”
She said the alcohol ban hasn’t damaged the house or its spirit.
The residents turned to dry activities, including a video game tournament.
“The Raider pride is still portrayed through the halls and our spirits have not been crushed, but rather it has made us stronger.”
First-year student and Harrington resident Corey Arsenault said the ban was a good idea at the time.
“I think that everyone behaved themselves and it definitely helped, but I think everyone kind of learned their lesson,” Arsenault said.
As for Harrington’s reputation, Doiron said the ban showed there’s more to her residence than drinking.
“Harrington Hall will always be known for our spirit, pride and at times loudness. If anything, the ban will have a positive change on the way people view us because we will be focusing on the good things that the house is doing.”
