Plans for a multitude of events are underway for the Residence Hall Association as well as the residence halls in the coming weeks. On Thursday, representatives from RHA met in Stevenson Hall for their first meeting of the semester.

One main event sponsored by RHA this fall is the Residents On Campus Fest occurring Sept. 27 through Oct.1. Activities for ROC Fest will include a scavenger hunt and bingo.

Shannon Davis, president of National Residence Hall Honorary, announced the plans for Breast Cancer Awareness Week where they will be selling shirts around campus.

Each residence hall representative gave a report on recent events in their halls. Douglas Hall had a ‘Bags and BBQ’ tournament and Carman, Andrews, Lincoln, McKinney, Taylor, Lawson, Stevenson, Thomas and Weller Halls had ice cream socials this past week to welcome students. In the coming weeks the residence halls host a variety of events ranging from a Rubber Lovers meeting and banana splits social to a stoplight party between Andrews and Thomas Hall.

Mark Hudson, director of University Housing and Dining, stressed the importance of RHA meetings.

“(These meetings) serve as an important function. They are the student’s voice about what’s working and they help keep the community alive,” he said. “RHA is fun; it gives a sense of connection.”

Hudson also talked about the recent renovations done to Stevenson’s dining center, which will be open Tuesday.

Hudson said he appreciates the patience students have given.

“I hope students will like it and come over to check it out,” Hudson said.

During the meeting, Jake Nees, RHA president, made note of the group’s website. He said the site has dates of upcoming meetings and events.

Nees also encouraged attendees to check out RHA’s Facebook &Listserve pages. He said the representatives can use these websites to stay informed.

“We can use these websites to communicate with each other,” Nees said. “It’s also an awesome way to get to know each other.”

At the beginning of the meeting, Dondre Keeler, vice president of RHA, discussed the importance of membership cards.

“It’s a great way for the (executive) board to put a name to a face and know more about everyone,” Keeler said.

He also encouraged members to sign up for committees.

“You can take a step up as a leader,” Keeler said.

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-7942 or smhall3@eiu.edu