RHA ready to expand

Of the 7,000 freshmen who moved into the dorms last week, few know that they have input into decisions about dorm and dining hall policies. The Residence Halls Association, run by students, is intended to give students a voice in important Residential Programs and Services decisions.\n“We exclusively represent all of the freshmen, which is usually a group that doesn’t know who represents them,” said Luke Fields, RHA vice president of internal affairs. “We want to let freshmen know they have a voice through us.”\nFor years, RHA has been committed to helping students living in the residence halls, feel at home.\nIn fact, several members said that making the freshman voice heard was a top priority in RHA’s agenda for this year.\nRHA is also looking to grow while still remaining a close group after a recent change in constitutional structure. They plan to get people involved and keep them involved through volunteering.\n“We’re going to try and expand RHA,” President Adam Pozza said. “Despite whether or not they live in the hall, we’re reaching out to students and contacting numerous groups and other governing bodies in an effort to be more noticeable.”\nEach member interviewed felt that being involved in residence hall governments is a great experience.\n“I feel the best thing (about being involved) is to develop networking skills,” Dan Sloat, vice president of programming, said. “It also helps facilitate training experience. For instance, if you’re a social work major helping in philanthropy you can use what you learn in the classroom and apply it.”\nRHA involvement has helped other members grow in different areas.\n“Everyone around me is actually making an impact,” Sarah Colan, vice president of student affairs, said. “I wanted to be in with other motivated people; to have that experience changes you and your confidence level.”\nFor more information about or to join RHA, go to http://www.indiana.edu/~rha/.