California State University, Northridge, will hold its first on-campus dance in three years on Thursday after officials lifted a ban imposed after a number of violent clashes at student-run events.

University officials and students have developed guidelines to strengthen security at dances, which were banned in the autumn of 2001 after off-campus visitors started several fights at campus events. In at least one case, shots were fired, but no one was hurt or injured, said Anne Glavin, chief of police at CSUN.

"We want the students to be safe," said Glavin. She said definitions are clearer in the new guidelines, and the approach to decision-making is systematic.

Under the new policy, campus police will base decisions about how much security is needed on the expected number of participants and the track record of the host group, Glavin said. For example, a large fund-raiser that would attract off-campus guests would require more security than a students-only dance.

Alcohol may not be sold or consumed at an on-campus dance, which will be limited to 500 people in most cases. And the university will use armed, sworn police officers for security, Glavin said.

Thursday's dance will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Pan-African Studies Department. Dances organized by a student association and two fraternities have also been scheduled.

"It's another way for the student community to come together and act as a community," said Cecilia Ortiz, meeting services manager for the University Student Union. "Every weekend, the campus becomes a little bit of a ghost town."

Students said they were pleased the ban was lifted on dances.

"I would definitely check them out," said Gloria Ponce, 21, of Mission Hills, a screenwriting major. "I like 1980s music, and a variety of music, but if I hear hiphop, I'm gone."

"I used to be president of a swing dance club here," said Spencer Ishoy, 24, of Northridge. "I have a lot of Asian friends who love to dance."

William Watkins, CSUN associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said he and a 25-member committee, including 11 students, have been working on the guidelines since the ban was imposed. Ortiz said the guidelines were completed Oct. 4.

For now, all dances will be held in either the Student Union Building or the satellite buildings, and they will be booked through her office, Ortiz said.

Event organizers pay a small rental fee plus additional costs for equipment and security.

Jamison Keller, adviser for the 1,300 sorority and fraternity members on campus, said most will continue to hold their dances off-campus so they can serve alcohol. Off-site venues typically provide their own security.

But Keller said the lifting of the ban will provide additional fund-raising opportunities for campus clubs and for students who are under 21.

"I definitely see that this is going to decrease the perception that this is a commuter campus with nothing to do," Keller said.