Student behavior during this weekend's Spring Fling could affect whether the University allows the tradition to continue in the Quadrangle next year.
In past years, overdrinking and property destruction during the weekend festival have created a headache for administrators.
This year, Fling organizers say, will be a test year for the annual celebration.
If behavior during the event does not improve, University officials have told organizers, they may make changes to Fling next year. This may include changing its location.
University administrators "haven't been specific about what will have to change, but the location is definitely at the top of their list," Undergraduate Assembly Chairwoman and College senior Rachel Fersh said.
The UA passed a resolution earlier this year contending that it is necessary that Fling remain in the Quad.
But some administrators say the Quad helps make Fling a more dangerous event.
The majority of students living in the Quad, which encompasses three of the University's college houses, are under 21, Fling co-Director and College junior Makeda Kefale said.
"The administration recognizes that alcohol is readily available on college campuses," Kefale said. "The Quad is a very convenient place for people to go indoors and party ... without people knowing about it."
In order to improve behavior at this year's Fling, organizers took several steps to ensure administrators make no major changes next year.
"There is an attitude that it's this no-holds-barred, test-your-limits situation," Kefale said. "Unfortunately, this culture has arisen around it to create a problem."
The tagline for this year's Fling, Kefale said, is: "Changing the culture, while maintaining the tradition."
Kefale pointed to increased security and earlier bag checks for alcohol at Quad entrances as examples of this.
"We pushed for earlier and unannounced bag checks because we realized that the amount of alcohol smuggled into the Quad certainly contributes to the problems in the Quad," Kefale said.
Doubling the number of participants in FlingSafe, a student-run safety initiative, was another attempt to curb excessive drinking.
Social Planning and Events Committee President and Wharton junior Catey Mark said that organizers worked closely with Alcohol Policy Initiatives Director Stephanie Ives and other administrators to expand FlingSafe.
"We've had people on the Walk handing out flyers promoting responsible behavior," Mark added. "I think the awareness of FlingSafe has increased from last year."
In addition to expanding FlingSafe, organizers have contracted more security guards and Penn Police officers to be on duty during Fling.
Kefale said security guards will be patrolling the halls of the Quad to ensure students are safe.
"We're trying to encourage everyone to tone it down and pace themselves," Kefale said.
Fersh said she hopes the new initiatives have "made enough noise ... so that students are aware they're being watched."
Fersh added that property damage and alcohol abuse should decline this year as a result of the increased security measures.
"Students are responsible enough to show the administration that they can enjoy Fling without going too far," Kefale said.
