Correction: In the original version of this article Grant Watts was quoted saying that RHA had no activities currently planned. It is only Thomas Hall that currently has no plans, not the rest of the RHA.

At its Thursday meeting, members of the Residence Hall Association discussed plans for its upcoming event Kids and Friends Weekend.

Kids and Friends Weekend is organized by the Programming Committee that allows younger siblings and friends to participate in programs put on by the residence halls.

Grant Watts, president of Thomas Hall, said that his hall currently has no activities planned despite the deadline being Monday, Feb. 13.

Jacob Deters, co-committee chair for Programming Committee, said that Kids and Friends Weekend is a great way to reach out to the Charleston community.

“It’s a great way for parents to get acquainted with EIU’s campus,” he said.

The Kids and Friends Weekend will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 in Buzzard Hall showing “The Muppets.”

Popcorn and drinks will be provided for “The Muppets” showing.

On Feb. 25, participants will register at 8:30 a.m. at Carman Hall and will participate in programs at different residence halls throughout the day.

Mark Hudson, director of University Housing and Dining Services, announced that Thomas Hall will become a coed residence hall in the upcoming fall semester.

Watts said that it will be interesting to see how the transition from the all male to a coed dormitory will go.

“Even though I voted against it, I’m ready to see how it goes,” he said.

Deters commented that with the female population rising at EIU, its a great way for Thomas to help with the space needed for incoming students.

James Calderon, sophomore music composition major and resident of Thomas Hall, said he thinks this change will go against tradition.

As one of two all male residence halls, Calderon says there is pride and tradition living in Thomas, and that can all possibly change.

Calderon also said that he fears the executive board’s policies will change when adding female residents.

This new transaction from all male to co-ed will be under a one year test run to see how it is received.

Thomas Hall has been an all male residence hall since 1964.

Hudson also announced that the EIU community will be able to use their credit cards at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Food Court and Java by next week.

The RHA voted on having credit cards machines last year and it been in process until now.

Michael Knuth can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].