Working with Northwestern administration, Mayfest will enforce a new identification policy for this year's Dillo Day.
According to a Mayfest press release, each Northwestern student and guest will be required to show one of the following in order to access the Lakefill:
- a Northwestern University WildCARD or other college or university ID
- a photo ID verifying that the holder is at least 19 years of age, or
- a valid wristband verifying that the wearer is a registered guest of a Northwestern University student.
"A problem that's arisen in the past few years and definitely escalated last year is the amount of high school students coming," said Communication senior Darrin Bedol, a Mayfest co-chair. "We've had problems with underage drinking that we as Mayfest and the administration is really uncomfortable with. Last year we actually closed the Lakefill to 18+ at 8 p.m. and we had a really positive response."
Depending on where students live, the procedure for acquiring wristbands for guests under 18 will vary. For Northwestern students living in residential halls or colleges, wristbands will be distributed by University Residential Life. Northwestern students living in Greek houses and off-campus must register their guests with the Division of Student Affairs. These guests can pick up their wristbands at the Dean of Students' office in Scott Hall from Monday, May 21 at 9 a.m. through Friday, May 25 at noon. Guests can also pick up wristbands during the day of the event on Saturday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at stations on the Lakefill.
Attendees under the age of 19 who do not have a WildCARD or are not registered with a Northwestern student must be accompanied by a family member who is at least 19 years of age.
"It was also a concern for us about high school students staying safe when you notice that a lot of our ambulance resources were being used for high school students," said Bedol of last year's Dillo Day. "That was very concerning because we didn't want to promote underage drinking. The administration also naturally felt uncomfortable."
Bedol said that enforcing the identification process will improve the Dillo Day experience for all involved. "This is really a day to celebrate Northwestern and the community," she said. "We also really make an effort along with Dean Howard's office and Student Life to get out messaging throughout May about enjoying Dillo Day responsibly. We definitely anticipate a positive response from the Northwestern community."