Seigle Hall and Upper Fraternity Row will fall within the security perimeter for the Oct. 9 debate—a security precaution that Washington University is working with the Commission on Presidential Debates and the Secret Service on in order to make accommodations for those who live and have classes in that area.

The area, which will be fenced off by an anti-scaling fence, will be open to all—with a restricted number of entry points—until a “sweep” begins the Saturday night before the debate. At that point, only residents of the fraternity houses and those with clearance to be in the area will be permitted to enter.

This change is unlike the 2008 vice presidential debate, which only included the Athletic Complex and Francis Field.  But according to Washington University Police Department’s Chief of Police Mark Glenn, it was a change that had to be made due to increased threats across the world in recent times.

“That’s probably not the ideal situation that you want, but Secret Service is very accommodating,” Glenn said. “[Secret Service and the commission] understand that we’re a university, our main job is education, so they really work with us to make sure that we don’t impair on that educational aspect of our community.”

The sweep will be conducted by Secret Service, who will go into the houses to ensure nothing that could harm any of the candidates is contained inside the houses, Glenn said.  At that point, the space will be considered “secure.” After the sweep occurs, any time one of the residents leaves or enters the area they will have to present their ID—to be checked against a roster—and be subject to bag checks and metal detectors. A no-event policy will also be instituted Oct. 4-12.

Junior and Sigma Nu chapter president Eric Magliarditi, who lives in the Sigma Nu fraternity house, said he understood why these security arrangements have been put into place and are a small price to pay as a result of hosting the event.

“We’re right in the middle of everything so we’re going to see everything happen right on our doorstep,” Magliarditi said. “Some people might get mad for violation of privacy especially if they’re searching individual rooms, however I think everyone understands why they’re doing that. I don’t think anyone would have a problem with that.”

Glenn added that there would also be another line of fencing within the perimeter to keep the debate area separate from Fraternity Row. A map of exactly where the fences will lie has not been finalized yet.

Glenn confirmed that Big Bend Boulevard will be closed to all traffic between Forsyth Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway starting the night before the debate. He said to expect further closures, however—since the candidate’s routes haven’t been announced—they’re still unsure as to what those will be.

That uncertainty is a theme that’s been consistent among a lot of the details for the debate. Due to the last minute and sensitive nature of debate security and protecting the candidates, many details and procedures either have to be kept confidential or are being changed up to debate time.

Glenn said they’re also in communication with the team handling the debate at Hofstra University on Sept. 26 and will make changes based on the issues they face.

“We’re going to hopefully have a lot of those details ironed out [in the next week or so],” Glenn said. “It’s kind of ebb and flow based on different needs that are popping up at the last minute.”

Leslie Heusted, executive director of Campus Life, said the administration is making sure to be in constant communication with students—specifically those living in the security area.

“I think communication is a big key so people will know what to expect,” she said. “It’s about anticipating the questions and getting the word out there so people know.”

She emphasized that as the debate gets closer, security measures will amp up. She added that a daily email will be sent to residents of the fraternity houses starting Oct. 3 informing them of any updates.

“We’re really working very closely with the Commission on Presidential Debates to make sure that we’re meeting all of their guidelines and then we want to make sure that we’re communicating that information out,” Heusted said.

Residents also have the option to be moved elsewhere in Residential Life for the weekend if they choose, however Heusted said no one indicated interest in that option.

While the South 40 is not directly affected by the security perimeter, Glenn said there will be a heightened security presence.  Students are also advised to carry their Washington University IDs with them at all times as a no guest policy will be enforced by ResLife from Friday, Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. through Monday, Oct. 10 at noon.

Similar to the South 40, Lower Fraternity Row will not be in the security area, but the same ID, event and no guest policies will apply.

“We increase our presence over here just to ensure that no one is coming into the residential area that’s not supposed to be here,” Glenn said. “We don’t want people disrupting our students or especially what we consider their home—that this is kind of an off-limits area for visitors to come in and march or try and recruit people to their side or get their message across.”

To account for non-Washington University visitors and protestors, the University is setting up the Public Expression Zone on the intramural field at the corner of Forsyth Boulevard and Big Bend Boulevard. Heusted said a small stage and amplified sound will be set up and those who want to speak can register in advance to do so.

“This is the area we are providing for them to embrace the fact that we want people to have an ability to speak, but also acknowledging that we need for the campus to be available for the Washington University community and not those who are not a member of that community,” she said.

Heusted said they will relegate all non-Washington University protests to that area, but student protests will be allowed on campus. However, students must be prepared to show a school ID if asked.

Glenn added that they are still preparing for any unexpected disturbances that might arise.

“That’s the unknown for us—is what we’re going to see from different groups,” he said. “We tend to take the mantra that we plan for everything in the event it happens.”

Glenn said that once the debate is over, a similar phase out approach will take place to get campus back to normal.

“Once the candidates [leave], some of those restriction will kind of ease on coming and going,” Glenn said. “It’s a little quicker getting back to normal.”

But, Glenn and Heusted agreed that while students should respect the rules set in place for the debate, they should also take advantage of the exciting time on campus.

“I’ve worked on many college campuses and the energy and excitement around that day and that event was more than I’ve ever experienced on a college campus,” Heusted said. “I worked at Division I athletic school when they won the Final Four and still this topped that in terms of the amount of energy that was around the debate, so I just think it’s so important to be able to fully engage, take advantage of everything that you can and then also recognize that we are following rules… we want to make sure that it’s the best community experience possible and that we are all mindful of how we can take care of each other so we can all experience it together.”