At Central Michigan University, Hall Council is where the fun happens.

More than 30 people show up weekly for themed events at Trout and Robinson Hall weekly council meetings, many simply to get to know the students with whom they share a home away from home.

“Making people feel comfortable and happy is the best way to make hall council a place that residents want to be,” said Ashley Billcheck, Dearborn Junior and Trout hall maintenance leader. “That is what we strive for in every meeting.”

In Robinson Hall, chairs are arranged around a fireplace to create a relaxed atmosphere. Trout hall features recreation style room seating which promotes informal socialization.

“We are all friends and we promote an inviting atmosphere where people can feel free to open up and ask whatever they want,” said Trout Hall President, Johanna Slusser, a Zeeland sophomore.

Robinson Hall President Joshua Chinquee, a New York freshman, stressed the importance of attending meetings because of the impact he has noticed within the residence halls.

“This past school year has given everyone so many opportunities to get to know each other and develop relationships. We really clique with each other,” said Chinquee.

People chat and laugh a lot. During a recent meeting Trout council meeting, members discussed the announced resignation of University President Rao and shared personal experiences with the president.

“I was in the cafeteria taking my tray back and just as I passed by him, I let out a huge sneeze on him,” said Amanda Smith, a senior from East Lansing. “I was so embarrassed but he just laughed it off.”

Theme weeks offer a chance for hall members to break out of their comfort zones with friendly competition. People attempt to outdo each other to win the coveted “Best in Theme” award each week.

Attending members are encouraged to dress for the week’s theme. Robinson Hall’s current theme is to wear pink in support for Relay for Life.

Trout Hall members participated in a theme week entitled “career day,” which encouraged attendees to dress for their future careers.

Hall council members promote good study habits through a program called ’study bucks’ that offers a chance at winning a ten-dollar gift card to various Mount Pleasant businesses.

Brian Gregory, a Robinson Hall terrace floor resident assistant and sophomore from Royal Oak, went all out to support the cause when he proudly wore pink spandex leggings, short shorts and a pink hooded sweatshirt.

“As an R.A., it’s important to set an example, so I wanted to go all out to get people involved,” Gregory said.

studentlife@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Tracy Hammond