The Residence Hall Association reviewed a draft the Fiscal Year 2014’s room and board rate that would see a 2-percent increase.

The presentation, given by Mark Hudson, the director of University Housing and Dining Services, explained a proposed 2-percent increase in the room and board rate.

“We have to make adjustments constantly to make sure the students’ needs are being met,

he said.

The proposed room and board rate increase is the lowest it has been in 37 years by almost a percent, Hudson said.

“We’re pleased to offer what is considered a reasonable increase for the rate,” he said.

Factors in the increase include heightened food costs, a need to use project money to balance the budget and a need for more bandwidth.

“Our budget is down about $6 million because of lowered enrollment, so consequently we don’t have as much money for projects,” he said. “We have to build that money back into the base so we can keep doing things students are telling us they want.”

The student satisfaction survey for University Housing and Dining Services was a success in the end and had a 25-percent response rate, Hudson said.

“We had 94 percent of students answer that they enjoy living in the residence halls, so we’re excited about that,” he said,

RHA President Eddie Hillman encouraged the RHA members to join the Food Service Committee because they still need a few more participants.

Hillman also encouraged the RHA members to take part in the “Erasing the Distance” diversity program about mental health issues on Dec. 5.

“Erasing the Distance” will take place at 3 p.m. in 7th Street Underground and 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Calla Summers, the national/Illinois communication coordinator, revealed the delegates for the Illinois Residence Hall Association conference in February.

The delegates include 12 RHA members, including executive board members.

The National Residence Hall Honorary will have its annual Winter Wonderland program on Dec. 7.

Elizabeth Burbatt, the NRHH historian, said they are still looking for people to volunteer for the program.

“We invite all the kids from the community to come to Eastern and we put on a big event with bingo, prizes, Santa and crafts,” she said. “It’s always such a blast.”

The RHA also discussed $28 half-zip jackets that will be ordered over winter break.

The RHA will have its last meeting of the year at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 in Weller Hall.

Robyn Dexter can be reached at 581-2812 or redexter@eiu.edu.