The Residence Hall Association Thursday was full of Mardi Gras beads, festive t-shirts and a guest appearance by “The Ladies’ Man.”

RHA President Alison Mormino, disguised as “The Ladies’ Man,” and the rest of the RHA executive board, entertained the RHA to encourage member involvement.

“I am challenging those of you who attend RHA meetings to do more than just listen and start getting involved,” said Krista Sanderson, RHA vice president.

In other RHA news, members considered a housing rate increase proposal.

Senate Speaker Adam Weyhaupt spoke before the RHA to explain the proposal, recommended by the senate Wednesday.

“We recommended rates with decreased Dining Dollars, that the newspaper program in the residence halls is continued, and that no paper towel (dispensers) should be installed in the residence halls,” Weyhaupt said.

The RHA also debated whether to recommend the residence hall newspaper program and a plan to install paper towel dispensers or hand driers, expenses that would cost students $17 a year.

Nick Skipitaris, chair of the senate’s housing committee, said students pay only for the newspapers people use.

“USA Today came to EIU and said that out of 100 papers, if 50 are used, we only pay for the newspapers that are used, and the rest are recycled. We do not pay for the excess papers,” Skipitaris said.

The RHA voted unanimously in favor of the newspaper program and against the installment of paper towel dispensers.

Mormino also presented a constitutional amendment that would merge the positions of RHA treasurer and RHA vice president for fundraising and recognition into a single position, RHA vice president of finance. The amendment was tabled.

Amy Grammer currently handles the duties of both positions.