Fifteen students were caught with underage alcohol possession and visitation violations just days before classes began, according to the Lindenwood campus crime log. 

The violation occurred Aug. 21 in Matthews Hall, a first-year dormitory. The case has been closed and referred to the Office of Student Development. 

Lindenwood visitation guidelines are different this semester, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The violation comes after the return of students to campus, and breaks the alcohol and new visitation guidelines agreed to by all students living on campus this semester. Student visitation officially began on Monday, Aug. 24. 

Shane Williamson, dean of students and associate vice president for Student Life and Diversity, said in an email that signs were posted in all dormitories to remind students of the new visitation guidelines, as well as the repercussions for breaking them. 

“The signs also provided notice to all residents if one resident violates the visitation policy, then all the residents will have to be relocated to a residence hall and additional sanctions maybe be applied,” Williamson said. “Students who violate the visitation could face sanctions that results in immediate loss of living on campus.”

As for how Lindenwood will enforce these guidelines, Williamson said that for the health and safety of the campus community. Residential Life and Public Safety will conduct rounds, which were also done in the past. 

Williamson also said that students should hold those who do not follow the new guidelines accountable because they are risking other students’ lives and the school year remaining on campus. 

“Students who do not follow the face covering, physical distancing, and visitation policies are jeopardizing their life and the lives of others,” Williamson said. “I hope students will hold their peers accountable because we have worked very hard to open our campus and we want to keep the campus open and everyone safe.”