Since Jan. 26, Marquette is prohibiting guests from checking in with a driver's license, according to the Office of Residence Life.

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The next time you bring guests to your dorm, remind them to bring their Blockbuster card.

Marquette has begun prohibiting guests from checking in with a driver's license, according to the Office of Residence Life.

"The desks are accepting different forms of photo IDs, like a military ID, work ID, Marquette ID, a library card – anything to prove you are who you say you are," said Richard Arcuri, the associate dean for administration. "This policy is not just active in the residence halls but everywhere on campus, in the library, the Rec Center and the Rec Plex."

Marquette recently enacted this procedure after discovering that under Wisconsin law, it is illegal for anyone to keep a driver's license or state ID that isn't his or hers.

According to Arcuri, a lawyer tried to enter Raynor Library with his driver's license and was let in. He later wrote a letter to the university describing how Wisconsin prohibits anyone from holding another person's driver's license, and that Marquette must change its policy.

"To be in accordance with the law, we must follow these procedures," Arcuri said. "It would be far easier to accept a license – the highest form of ID – but the state can find you if you are holding IDs."

A Marquette ID is valid for use. If the guest has a driver's license but no photo ID, another form of ID will be accepted.

"If they don't have a picture ID, they have to prove it with two forms," said Moises Gomez, a Cobeen desk receptionist and a junior in the College of Business Administration. "You have to have something with your name on it."

Other acceptable IDs include high school IDs, library cards, blood donor cards, insurance cards and immunization cards. The desk will not hold credit cards, passports or Social Security cards, but these can be used as verification of a person's identity.

Also, a photo ID must be presented to check out keys or equipment from the desk.

"It seems to be working fine," said Kizzie Walker, Abbottsford's facilities manager and a graduate student. "We've posted signs everywhere – it's just something we have to get used to."

Many of the desk receptionists said they agree.

"The (resident assistants) did a really good job of letting people know about the new policy," said Heather Hartman, a Schroeder desk receptionist and senior in the College of Arts & Sciences. "I haven't had any problems."

Fliers explaining the new policy have been posted at some desks, so residents shouldn't run into many surprises when checking other people in.

"It can be cumbersome to write everything down," said Mike Plantan, a Cobeen desk receptionist and sophomore in the College of Communication. "But other than that, it has not been too bad."

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