Yale Requires Students to Register Off-Campus Parties

Monday, Sep 17, 2012 | Updated 10:47 AM EDT

Getty Images

Patrons sit in the cafe of Atticus Bookstore which overlooks the Yale Campus on Chapel Street April 16, 2008 in New Haven, Connecticut. New Haven, home to Yale University, boasts many cultural offerings that attract visitors to the city. (Photo by Christopher Capozziello/Getty Images)

Yale University is now requiring students to tell the school in advance of any off-campus party that will involve more than 50 people.

This is a new campus policy this school year that requires party hosts to register if more than 50 people will attend.

The new policy was put into effect this semester, and involves registering the location of the party and the name of an official host with the Yale College Dean's Office.

“By registering, hosts enable the Yale Police Department to reach them if an emergency arises, and they signal that they understand and accept responsibility for complying with the undergraduate regulations and Connecticut statutes,” Mary Miller, dean of Yale College, wrote in her Fall letter to Yale parents.

“These changes are designed to promote safety, but I expect they will also prompt campus-wide discussion, not just about alcohol and other drugs but also about the broader questions about health and safety they affect. “

Paul McKinley, director of strategic communications for Yale College, told the New Haven Register that the idea is to curb underage drinking and ease potential conflicts with neighbors.

Yale Police Chief Ronnell Higgins said they work with the students, often fraternities and sororities, to ensure the parties don't get out of control.

A similar policy involving on-campus parties has been in place for several years.