Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) has one slate running for its president and vice president position.
IRHA is a student-run organization that represents all students who live in residence halls and plans events for students. It primarily focuses on concerns with students while organizing free events for residents.
Grant Pautsch, a sophomore student studying community and regional planning, is the candidate running for president. Qin Stephenson is a first-year design student majoring in community and regional planning with a minor in leadership studies.
Voting will begin on April 14 and close on April 16 for residents who are re-contracted to live in on-campus residence halls next year.
The following interviews with the candidates were conducted by email.
What are the most significant issues facing your constituents, and how do you plan to address them?
Both: “One significant concern of our residents has been access to meals on campus. In particular, we know that Wallace and Wilson Halls will be increasing in occupancy next year, and we will have around 1,000 residents who are physically disconnected from campus. Currently, the dining center in their commons, South Side Eats, has just one meal service per day five days a week. There are challenges facing ISU Dining in increasing service availability, but in our term, we will work with the amazing staff in that department to find solutions to improve this service and food accessibility for all of our residents.”
“Additionally, we understand that many residents are concerned with developing a sense of community, especially with recent changes that have hindered the effectiveness of University programs. IRHA has been very lucky to have had a very hardworking and passionate director of events this year, and we believe we have learned a lot from her that will allow us to continue to host successful events and give residents an outlet to meet people they feel comfortable around and supported by. Parliament members also have the opportunity to host events using a discretionary fund, and we will work with them starting early in the year to get bills presented, passed, and putting students’ activity fee to good use.”
What are your qualifications for being President/Vice President of IRHA?
Pautsch: “I have served as the President of the Eaton Hall Council this academic year, and through that position I became a member of the IRHA Parliament. I have had many opportunities to work with the executive board members throughout the year, especially while assisting with and planning IRHA events, which has helped me to understand both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind our organization. I feel that my strength lies in my willingness to collaborate with other groups to expand the capacity of IRHA to serve its residents. I’m especially excited for the partnership that has already begun to emerge with the incoming President and VP of Student Government, as well as with the Residence Hall Senators who sit as non-voting members of IRHA.”
Qin: “I currently serve as the Vice President of Helser Hall, where I also represent Helser in IRHA. Since becoming involved with IRHA, I’ve joined the Events Committee and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), IRHA’s sister organization, which has developed my leadership and engagement in our residence halls. Through these experiences, I’ve grown greatly as a leader and had the privilege of working alongside passionate individuals who have supported and challenged me, helping shape the leader I am today; because of them and because of everything this organization represents, I have grown to understand the values IRHA has and the community it supports. My strength is my leadership style, which is rooted in support, honesty and empathy. I aim to uplift those around me, I’m also committed to helping new members grow into confident leaders and to making sure every voice is heard and valued. I also believe that leaders never stop learning, and I’m open to continued growth through my peers’ experiences, ideas and feedback.”
Why should students vote for you?
Pautsch: “I believe Qin and I’s passion for IRHA and the Res. Life community is what makes us the most qualified for our respective positions. Even before campaigning season officially began, we were meeting with university departments and offices to introduce them to our platform points and explore the ways we could improve various aspects of the resident experience. We know that our peers are continuing to face many challenges in all aspects of their life, and we want them to understand that no matter where you live on campus, what your background is, or how long you’ve been at ISU, we’re more than happy to hear your concerns and connect you with people or resources that can improve your situation.”
Qin: “Grant and I stand out because of our shared passion for creating meaningful change and supporting those around us. Even before we decided to run, we had talked about our ‘why.’ We care so deeply about IRHA; it all comes down to our commitment to serving residents and helping this organization grow. Additionally, we both believe in authenticity. We want students to see us as real, approachable people who genuinely care. Whether it’s addressing concerns or just having a casual conversation, we want students to feel comfortable coming to us. We don’t want to be distant figures; we want to be a reliable resource that all residents know they can turn to. Most importantly, we’re here for the students. We want to build a stronger, more connected IRHA that listens, supports and grows with its community.”
What are your campaign platform points?
“Our platform slogan is ‘Shaping Our Tomorrow through Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and Dedication.’ When we present to Hall Councils, we have 11 specific platform points that we are working on, but there are two that stand out to us. Under Engagement, we have already begun working with Destination Iowa State and Cyclone Welcome Weekend to bring a great IRHA presence to students’ first experiences as a Cyclone. The partnership we have been forming works for all groups, where IRHA is going to be able to promote the amazing opportunities that we can provide residents (which ties into our Leadership goals), and in turn we will work to encourage everyone to start on that very first weekend getting involved in their community and making connections during all of the events. Additionally, we will continue to work with Student Government and CyRide to oversee the completion of the Towers Welch turnaround bus shelter and the planning of the transit stop and shelter that will be placed across the street from Jack Trice Stadium. Both of these demonstrate our Dedication to all students, especially those that face transportation challenges at Wallace and Wilson Halls, which will be increasing in capacity during our term.”
What’s one thing you wish more students knew about IRHA?
Pautsch: “This has been true under Braden and Julia, and it will be true under Qin and I – IRHA is inviting and accessible to all students, no matter their background in leadership or involvement. We want as many residents as possible to be a part of what we’re doing, and if you’re contracted in a residence hall next year, that can start as soon as Qin and I are elected. We will be filling our Executive Board positions following the banquet on April 17th, and next year we will have open positions in the Parliament, IRHA At-Large positions, and will always need more help on the events committee. So if you’re at all interested, don’t hesitate to reach out to either of us and we’d love to meet with you and talk about what opportunities you can have with IRHA.”
Qin: “I wish more students knew just how many opportunities IRHA offers to grow as a leader and that there are many ways to get involved! Whether through Hall or House Councils, IRHA Parliament, the Events Committee, or serving in an at-large position. No matter your background, experience level, or residence hall, you have a place in IRHA. One of the best parts of IRHA is the constant opportunity to learn from professional staff and fellow students passionate about leadership and community. I agree entirely with Grant: we want to make leadership accessible and inclusive for all residents. We aim to create a welcoming environment at every parliament meeting and event, where every voice is valued and everyone feels like they belong. IRHA is for everyone; we’re here to help you find your place.”
Editor’s note: The Daily may edit responses from candidates for style and grammatical errors. The content of their responses is never edited.
