The Residence Hall Association is busy planning several events for students living on campus. However, the executive board does not have to prepare for RHA presidential and vice presidential elections.
According to current RHA President Nathan Boudreaux, students interested in running for the top two RHA positions had to file March 3-5.
“Doug Fields, the current vice president of RHA, and I were the only candidates to file,” Boudreaux said.
Boudreaux said the five other RHA executive staff positions are appointed by the president and vice president.
“Together, we call ourselves the magnificent seven,” he said. “Because we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for students living on campus, and through our programming and events, each member of exec staff works hard to guarantee the needs of our community are being met.”
Besides Boudreaux and Fields, the other members of the RHA executive staff are Chief of Staff Amy Scales, National Communications Coordinator Denelle Walker, Programming Director Monty Aghazadeh, Elections Commissioner David Dessauer and Information and Technology Director Chris Graham.
“I am really proud of the job RHA has done,” RHA Advisor James Brown said. “This has been a spectacular year.”
Students have even witnessed a change in RHA programming.
“RHA this year has improved a lot compared to my freshman year,” Jessie Tucker, political communication sophomore said. “There are a variety of new and creative programs, like Snowing in the South.”
Boudreaux said one of the goals of RHA was to be known for more than just block parties.
“The snow day we held on the parade grounds was a big hit,” Boudreaux said. “About 600 to 700 people attended, and it gave residents a chance to meet and unwind from the stresses of school.”
Scales said hosting Snowing in the South presented many obstacles for the executive staff to overcome.
“We had to have the event approved by the Dean of Students and then there were several other offices like Facility Services and LSU Police Department that we had to contact,” Scales said. “It was a lot of work, but the residents are worth it.”
The next events RHA has planned are midterm breakfasts in each of the residence halls.
“The breakfasts will take place from 11 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, March 10, in each residence hall,” Dessauer said. “Like the Chancellor’s pancake breakfast during finals week, this event will give students a break while they prepare for their midterms.”
Dessauer said donuts and beverages will be delivered to each residence hall.
“Students are very academically focused during midterms and stay awake later than usually,” Boudreaux said. “By hosting an event at night, we are giving students the opportunity to have a study break.”