The Residence Halls Association Senate voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the budget for the current semester that will allocate funding to each residential hall and RHA programs.
The committee approved the $26,047.88 budget for presentation to the Senate. More than $1,000 was not needed and was unallocated.
“The budget is pretty much the same as last year,” Heather Stephens, RHA treasurer said. “The only changes are small increases for the RHA banquet and scholarships for active RHA members.”
The funds from the approved budget are available for halls and RHA to use immediately.
About 25 senators representing each of the 15 living groups were present at the weekly meeting. About 10 RHA executives were also in attendance.
Thirty-five percent of the budget is allocated directly to the halls. Each hall is given a base allocation of $175.43. The remaining funds are allocated based on number of residents.
Kerr-Drummond, the largest hall with 689 residents, will receive $807.62. In comparison, Stinchcomb, the smallest hall with 130 residents, will receive $294.71.
After the meeting, Greg File, a Stinchcomb senator, said although they receive the least amount of funds, they still have plenty of money to cover its programming needs.
“RHA gives us enough money for the programs that we have with a little left over each semester,” File said.
Residential halls use the RHA funding to supplement funds from the department of residential life to implement programs for their residents.
“Some of the upcoming programs halls will use these funds for include the Patchin-Jones Tea Party and Bennett Jam,” RHA Senate Chairwoman Kimberly Geddie said.
The remaining funds are allocated for special projects, such as awards and banquets, and other RHA operating expenses.
RHA week and the RHA banquet are major annual expenses for the spring semester, Geddie said.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Shannon Baughman, a representative of the department of residential life, announced new plans to reward students who return to on-campus housing.
The “1, 2, 3, Reward Program” will give students discounts on room rates for how long they have lived on campus, Baughman said. Students will receive a 1 percent discount for each year they live in the residence halls beyond their first year for up to three years.
Residential Life will also offer free parking to all residents who return to the residence halls beginning next semester, she said. Returning residents will still have to register for their permits online.
National Communications Coordinator Bill Lacava said he will accept applications to attend the national RHA conference as an Oklahoma State University delegate until Thursday at 5 p.m. Applications are available in 100 Drummond, which is the RHA office. The national conference will be held at OSU in May.
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