Meeting Story

RHA ELECTS NEW VICE-PRESIDENT

Despite a number of issues and concerns regarding his eligibility, the Washington State University Residence Hall Association elected sophomore business student Jordan Vandermeulen as their new Vice-President.

Vandermeulen’s candidacy for Vice-President of the WSU RHA was the hot topic during their weekly meeting on Monday, Jan. 31. The RHA’s main concern focused on whether having both the President, and Vice-President from Stimson Hall would be an ideal idea or not. Council members were concerned with the Executive Board being too “Stimson-heavy,” with Vandermeulen on the Board.

“Some people think having both a President and Vice-President from Stimson could cause some controversy,” Vandermeulen said in his opening statement to the RHA. “It was my hope you would see it more of a synergy, which is nothing less than positive for this student body.”

Vandermeulen was then asked to leave the room, while the RHA had a round-robin discussion of his candidacy. Arguments were heard both for, and against electing Vandermeulen as their new Vice-President.

Council representatives from Gannon-Golds, Community, and Honors Residence Halls spoke in favor of Vandermeulen, citing his GPA, awards, accolades, and achievements. Stimson representative Sawyer Werner spoke of the benefits from having two Executive Board members from the same residence hall, and in favor of Vandermeulen’s Vice-Presidency.

“It’s saddening to me that you all see it as a detriment, instead of a bonus,” said Werner. “Like he said earlier, I’d like to be an advocate for the synergy he could bring to the table. I really hope you all could see it as a positive thing.”

Representatives from McCrosky, and Olympia halls voiced concerns about not having enough diversity on the Executive Board if Vandermeulen were to be elected.

“Our hall talked about wanting more variety, and diversity from a range of representatives from different residence halls on the Board,” said Olympia Resident Hall Representative Andrew Chamberlin.

The issue of Vandermeulen claiming to be a certified business major in an earlier meeting, despite him being a sophomore was also a point of conflict between council members. After a short discussion, it was concluded that while he is a second-year student, his amount of credit hours may actually make him eligible for certification into the business school, and was then dismissed.

After a brief recess, the vote passed to elect Vandermeulen as the new RHA Vice-President passed, and he officially took the position at 7:59 P.M.

“I feel like last year, not a lot got done,” Stimson representative Tristan Hanon said. “But, with Vandermeulen on board, I feel that we will.”