Loyola University New Orleans Department of Residential Life is a featured program.
Mardi Gras is an amazing experience for Loyola University New Orleans students and is a New Orleans tradition. During Mardi Gras, the University closes and suspends classes. To ensure the safety and security of our students during this break, the Residential Life staff makes several adjustment to policies and procedures for guests, visitation, building access, desk operations and staffing.
During our Mardi Gras break, our normal guest policy is suspended for all residential students. All guests are separated into two categories: Day Guests and Overnight Guests. Day guests can come to the building between 10AM and midnight, but must be registered at the desk. These guests have to exit the building prior to midnight.
Overnight guests must be registered by a resident and the resident must pay a guest fee. If they register before our deadline, the cost is $100 per guest for the duration of the break. If they register after our deadline, the cost is $200 per guest. All guests must be registered by noon of the Monday of Mardi Gras week. When a registered guest checks in, they are given a temporary guest ID card that allows them to enter the buiding without their host. They will not be keyed into their host’s rooms for any reason.
Building access is adjusted during Mardi Gras for residents and registered guests. All residents must produce their Loyola ID card, complete with building sticker, in order to gain access to the building. Each time they enter, they must hand their ID to the desk attendents. Registered guests must provide their temporary guest ID and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
To manage these changes, desk operations and staffing are adjusted. During this week, desk staff are increased to expedite the additional guest check in and resident verification process. Also, Loyola University Police will be stationed at each desk late at night and early in the morning. Professional staff will increase their presence in the building during this week as well.
Mardi Gras is a tremendous undertaking for the city and affects the residence halls, the students, and the residential life operations. To ensure that we maintain safety and security, increased vigilance and special procedures need to be in place to ensure a positive living experience during this time.
Submitted by Chris Rice, Associate Director of Residential Life, Loyola University New Orleans