NIU Housing and Dining has made changes to some of the residence hall rules to limit the disturbances that can occur during homecoming weekend.

The lobbies in the residence halls will be closed and locked two hours earlier, at 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, said Mike Stang, executive director of Housing and Dining.

Students should expect to see a higher staff presence in the lobbies and the areas around the residence halls, Stang said.

“We’re trying to make sure that we have a fun festive atmosphere, but that we’re also respectful of the students that are trying to sleep or study,” he said. “We want students to have fun, but we don’t want them to be out of control.”

Douglas Mayer, freshman math education major, said he thinks the different rules will make little changes, but ultimately won’t affect students that much.

“It’s kind of inconvenient,” Mayer said. “But if you have your cards with you, it’s really not that big of a deal.”

Some students in the residence halls have guests during homecoming weekend, and it is important to discuss and create a plan with your roommate in advance, Stang said.

It is also important for students to talk with their guests about what kind of behavior is expected, because the hosts will be held responsible for the behavior of their guests, he said.

Douglas Community Adviser Bree Moore said students should be extra careful with what they and their guests are doing in the residence halls this weekend.

“Don’t be stupid,” Moore said. “Stay out of the halls if you’re going to be doing stuff; security will be at an all-time high in all residence halls, so avoid them at all costs.”