TO THE EDITOR:
I write in response to the Sept. 3 letter ""RHA Should Fund Student Self-Defense Programs."" The Residence Hall Association's budget for 2008-09 approaches $50"0 half of which is geared toward resident programs. These programs reflect fundraising efforts afforded us by student expenditures via Move-in Marketplace.
While this amount does not cover occupancy fees the opportunity to attend RHA conferences and for the internal investment these funds provide is critical in the collaboration between the RHA Executive Board and Board of Governors. This helps us better serve students and obtain new perspectives from RHA groups nationwide. Though a portion of our funds go toward publicity our program spending dwarfs this sum by a factor of 10.
Association with quality programs provides the source of broadcasting our goals across communities. The RHA regards Project Dinah highly in its effort to promote on-campus safety awareness echoing our chancellor's concerns.
However this particular program did not mesh with an effective resident programming package due to cost versus student benefit. The cost per resident was about three times the average program cost. The RHA will never overlook a proposal promoting campus safety and feels confident that Project Dinah will be successfully funded through other means. It is historically funded each year by safety and security committee and student-paid security fees.
The RHA is excited to entertain continued program proposals geared toward campus safety and we urge any interested individuals or groups to do so. Please visit our Web site to participate in the improvement of your campus community and thank you for allowing us to be your voice on campus.
Ryan Spears
External Affairs
Residence Hall Association