UD ups security for St. Patrick’s Day, NCAA celebrations

University of Dayton officials said they are taking serious precautions in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day and upcoming postseason NCAA basketball games this week after two years of celebrations that turned dangerous on campus.

“We won’t tolerate fires, persons on roofs, blocking streets, or any behavior that creates a risk to our community members or impedes our ability to maintain order in any student neighborhood,” said Bruce Burt, the university’s director of public safety and chief of police.

Parking restrictions, increased police presence and a new crowd management team are among the precautions the university has put in place to prepare for possible St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on campus, the school announced Wednesday.

The university has also purchased a long-range acoustic device, also known as a sound cannon, to ensure police orders will be loud enough for people to hear in a crowd.

Through March 17, guests will not be permitted in residence halls and parking will be restricted in several areas throughout campus, Burt said.

The school has also worked with the Dayton Police Department and other agencies to create a regional crowd management team to break up dangerously large crowds as it prepares for St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA First Four and other tournament games held during the week.

A riot broke out on campus over St. Patrick’s Day weekend two years ago. Last year, when the UD Flyers basketball team made the Elite Eight in its NCAA tournament run, huge crowds of students gathered in the streets. Items were thrown and fires broke out.

More than 30 people were criminally charged last year, with many more being held accountable for violating the school’s code of conduct, according to Christine Schramm, the dean of students.

“Our policies will be strictly enforced, and there will be swift consequences through the conduct system,” Schramm said. “We are making sure our students understand what the consequences could be. There are no surprises.”

Several alcohol-free St. Patrick’s Day activities will be held throughout campus during week, Schramm said. A letter was sent to students’ parents and students to urge responsible, lawful behavior.

“We know that a large number of our students do not participate in these crowds, and we have provided alternatives for them to participate and celebrate in other ways,” Schramm said.

Sarah Dickson, a senior at the university who serves as president of the student government association, said students understand that law enforcement and the administration are serious.

“This is St. Patrick’s Day, and the NCAA games, and the parties are obviously going to happen,” she said. “But I think the students are starting to understand the responsibility piece and the importance of accountability coming into play.”