The Inter-Residence Hall Association is scheduled to discuss and approve its budget for the 2005-06 academic year Thursday.

“The budget will probably be a big part,” said IRHA President Drew Larson.

“I’d expect some healthy debate.”

Larson said he believes there will be discussion about the amount of money that will be proportioned for Free Friday Flicks, which provides a free movie each Friday on campus.

The proposed budget requests $16,000 for the 2005-06 academic year.

Jared Wilson, IRHA director of special events, said the amount of money proposed to go to the program could lead to discussion in the meeting because the amount is a significant portion of the proposed budget.

Results for Wednesday’s IRHA elections are planned to be announced at the meeting, as well, said IRHA Election Commissioner Ross Kelderman. The election will determine the IRHA president slate and representatives for the 2005-06 academic year parliament.

“Last year, I was disappointed because nearly every position ran unopposed,” Larson said.

“We have a lot more candidates this year; we have tons of people running. From what I’ve heard, all the candidates are spectacular.”

Those elected Wednesday are scheduled to be seated at the next IRHA meeting April 14.

With the approval of changes to the bylaws and constitution in recent meetings and the scheduled budget approval Thursday, Larson is optimistic that the elected president will conduct business more easily.

“Their job is to provide the vision,” he said.

“I think their roll has expanded.”

Jon Lewis, director of ISU Dining, is also scheduled to visit with the group Thursday as a follow-up to a visit he made earlier in the semester. He is also planning to address questions regarding schedule changes to the Maintenance Shop in the Memorial Union.

Members of IRHA had questions that pertained to ISU Dining that he was unable to answer at the last meeting, and he will be returning Thursday with answers, Larson said.

In other business, Carl Carlson, IRHA vice president said he expects the group to finish bylaw revisions.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Gallery Room of the Memorial Union.