Editor:
I would first like to compliment and commend Lana Groves on her dedication to reporting. Groves’ interest to cover the Residence Halls area is greatly appreciated. She has been in contact with me multiple times recently regarding the Residence Halls Association’s related visions, initiatives and programming.
In reference to Groves’ article (“RHA considers new voting system: Students might be able to choose their leaders online,” Feb. 11), I have been asked to clarify the following topics:
An RHA ad hoc committee was developed to reevaluate the RHA constitution and bylaws. Its purpose was to address issues that have come up with this and past years’ procedures and to make processes more fair, inclusive and serving to the full residential population.
The RHA Executive Board and the All Hall General Assembly meeting decided to approve an online voting system. This purpose is to provide all residents, not just to the residents who are able to attend the election meeting, an opportunity to vote for their leaders.
Two different proposals were presented to the Executive Board to amend and limit the current voting weights. The board was evenly divided on approving either, so the proposals were declined. Some conflicts of interest on the board also arose, but were redirected regarding candidates who are considering running for office.
The Executive Board also decided on pursuing an electronic survey to receive feedback on the RHA elections procedure and voting weights. This will be sent out to all residents.
If an RHA constitutional or bylaw amendment is decided upon, it will need to be approved by two-thirds of the Executive Board, two-thirds of the All Hall General Assembly and two-thirds of each Area Council before enacted. These documents can be viewed on our website at www.rha.utah.edu at the bottom of the About page.
RHA Executive Board meetings are not closed — they are just not open to all.
Names of individuals in the article were misstated. One of them was neither a student nor a resident.
No one can be fired because there is no hiring. People are elected or appointed, and a majority ruling impeachment trial or resignation would be the only exit from office. There was a request to approve media releases regarding speaking on behalf of the organization with the RHA President and Adviser, not opinion oriented.
In all, this was a good and well-intended article developed by Groves. Again, we appreciate Groves’ and The Daily Utah Chronicle’s continued interest in covering the Residence Halls area.
Thank you for your time, understanding and consideration.
Zach RuskRHA president 2007-2008