NIU’s Residence Hall Association is hoping to maintain its status as one of the best in the nation this year.

RHA is the student government within the residence halls that does more than just govern, said RHA President Keith Kruchten. The organization also does various programming, makes physical improvements to the halls and are activists for the residents through leadership and diversity education, he said.

In April, the RHA elected a new executive board that will lead the organization during the 2004-05 school year.

Leslie Cihock, acting RHA programming vice president, said she is looking to plan new creative projects that have not been done before. She is currently working on RHA week, which includes a variety of programs geared toward getting students involved.

This year’s RHA Week will be on the week of Sept. 20. Flag football, hall giveaways and Mission Improvable, a Chicago-based improv comedy group, are lined up, Cihock said.

There will also be tailgating before the football game that Friday and a trip to a White Sox game that Saturday, she said.

Besides planning its events, RHA is in the process of revamping the selection of television stations the residence halls receive. RHA gathered student opinion last spring when it handed out surveys asking residents’ opinions on which channels they wished to keep and those they did not. Kruchten said they are in the process of examining the results.

However, he said the television change will not take effect until fall 2005 unless demand is immense.

Excell Lewis, graduate assistant for leadership/development, said he expects RHA will help with the overall enhancement of student knowledge. Lewis said he wants to make it a platform in developing dynamic student leaders.

Students wishing to participate in RHA are welcome to attend weekly hall council meetings at 9 p.m. every Tuesday in their residence halls.

The Eight New RHA Executive Board Members

President – Keith Krutchen

Administrative Vice President – Alex Geer

Vice Programming – Leslie Cihock

Treasurer – Andy Sears

Acting Secretary – Sara Goeken

National and Illinois Communications Coordinator — Jamie Besonen

Public Relations officer — Leslie Cihock

Believing in Culture President – Natia Stubblefield