Editorial:

Feuerborn and Thomas show potential in RHA

Newly elected RHA president and vice president vow to keep bias in check.

Published March 2, 2009

The announcement of a new Residence Halls Association President-elect Rachael Feuerborn and Vice President-elect Lauren Thomas provides an opportunity for much-needed change within the organization. It's refreshing to see officers who have a realistic mindset and set of goals concerning this organization.

It's important for the new president and vice president to come into the positions with a strong mindset to be an active advocacy group for students, something that was beginning to vanish under recent leadership. Although events are important for the student body they shouldn't count as accomplishments -- making the residence halls a better place to live should.

Bringing a national conference to MU, an idea brought up in the election, might be a good idea, but it's important for Feuerborn and Thomas to spend time closing the gap between RHA and the students it serves. Getting respect on campus is the first step to garnering respect in the broader world of residence hall leadership organizations from around the nation. Fixing the internal problems should come before looking to any external activities and programs.

More comprehensive and effective communication goes along with the need for a stronger advocacy role. The issues with trayless dining during the last administration showed inappropriate communication and disregard for the wants of students.

The disconnect between RHA and the students it serves is something we hope and expect will vanish with the new administration. Feuerborn and Thomas stressed during their campaign their plans to keep their own opinions on the wayside and follow students' wishes.

We also hope to see an issue discussed among all slates come to fruition: letting students know at the beginning of the year what RHA is and how they can get involved to make their opinions heard. This opening of the communication lines and increasing awareness while making good on this promise is also strong step toward understanding what students in the residence halls want and need.

When the new leaders undergo training, we hope they'll pay close attention to all the intricacies of RHA so they figure out ways to fix all the problems currently plaguing the organization. They need to hold on to their realism and balance it with an optimistic outlook.