Editorial: RHA leadership shift provides opportunity for change
Published Oct. 26, 2010
Residence Halls Association President Rachael Feuerborn stepped down this week after a personal epiphany regarding how much she didn’t want to be in RHA anymore. Fair enough.
Now Lauren Thomas has been called into action as Feuerborn’s successor for the next two semesters. Thomas has inherited an office that holds a lot of potential for the percentage of the student body that lives in the residence halls. As of now, we see the main functions of RHA as the acclimation of freshmen and making life in the residence halls as comfortable and convenient as possible. However, we’ve noticed a lack of action in terms of events that have had an impact on students this semester, and we want that to change.
In internal restructuring of the organization, there are a few things we would suggest. Naturally, there are some don’ts. For instance, don’t push for further action concerning the creation of a judicial branch. The Missouri Students Association is already doing it, and focusing on internal infrastructure is irrelevant to the actual cause of helping students. Focusing too much on internal restructuring is the same trap MSA has fallen into before, and it doesn't lead to helpful changes for students' interests.
Also, don’t ignore fellow student leaders. Working with them is key to successful and consistent policies. Communicate with other student organizations, and continue communicating with students, including us. We've heard frustration voiced from other student government bodies regarding RHA's communication problems countless times, and we'd like to see all the government bodies work together cohesively.
Comments (2)
8:32 p.m., Oct. 26, 2010
Jake said:
I kinda agree with the Maneater's opinion that there is a lack of action in terms of events. It seems that all RHA has to offer now is Paint it Pink and the ALS Video Game Festival. Great ideas nonetheless, but RHA needs a hell of a lot more creativity. Why not look at other schools and see what they are doing?... Why not blow MSA out of the water in terms of campus safety? Do something POWERFUL. Instead of focusing on what seems like governmental structure (which sometimes builds organization don't get me wrong), there needs to be a HEAVY drive for events. Good ones. Memorable ones, like Paint it Pink and ALS. That is how RHA gets its name out there... And create events that have PURPOSE. Whether it is doing something philanthropic, getting people to vote in the upcoming election, whatever. Where's the enthusiasm?... That is where the problem lies. Granted there are several key players that set the stage for progress, but of a student body that represents around 7000 students, shouldn't everyone do something powerful for their constituency? What can serve as inspiration?... Think about it.
10:52 a.m., Oct. 26, 2010
Horatio said:
You shouldn't give Feuerborn a bye for "having an epiphany" and leaving. Imagine if the MSA or LBC Presidents left basically two months into their term...