UMD RHA - University of Maryland Residence Hall Association

About the RHA

WHAT is the RHA?
The RHA, or the Residence Hall Association is the primary student-run governing body that represents on-campus students here at the University of Maryland. There are over 11,000 undergraduate students who live on campus and it is the RHA’s responsibility to foster a community between them and represent their opinions and concerns to the University administration.

WHO do we represent?
The RHA represents all undergraduate students living on-campus. The campus is split into 14 sections, each comprised of a traditional high-rise residence hall or a set of apartment-style buildings. Every section has their own individual RHA hall/area council composed of students that represent those residents living in their area. This allows every student on campus to be represented by a group of students who share their living arrangements and can advocate for the issues that they see most prevalent in their buildings. The RHA councils design and implement programs to build community and socialization among their residents and between halls.

WHO do we work with?
The RHA works directly with the Department of Residential Affairs, including the Departments of Resident Life, Residential Facilities, Dining Services, and Transportation. We are the only student group that has the opportunity to meet directly with the directors of these departments on a regular basis and have primary student over the decisions these departments make. The RHA has been increasing our influence in other University departments, including academic affairs, recreation services, and campus facilities. We also work on many projects with other prominent student groups on campus and organizations and charities in the local area.

DEVELOPMENT over the years…

The RHA has been a prominent student group on campus for the past several decades. After many years of following the original structure, twelve years ago a determined group of students put their heads together to develop the current constitution we now follow. They constructed a detailed organizational system that brought out the best that the RHA councils, committees, Senate body, and individual members have to offer. Since then, we have continued to improve the amount of influence and level of efficiency in every sector of the organization. Members are taught how to turn their passion for student issues into tangible changes, whilst keeping their professionalism and open mindedness at the highest levels. As each new year begins, we look for opportunities to expand student influence in the matters that affect them at this university and make sure that every resident's VOICE is heard.

RHA’s SUCCESS
RHA Influence over Campus-Wide Policy The RHA prides itself on its ability to effectively communicate student concerns to university administrators. Since its creation, the RHA has been working with the 4 departments within Residential Affairs to effectively advocate for change the students want to see.

Policies the RHA has helped develop in recent years:
Resident Life

Moved the Apartment Living for Students of Different Genders trial into a standard living option for upperclassmen
Successfully advocated for and helped design the implementation of the On-Line Room Selection
Implemented a rank system to be applied to junior-year students to deal with the housing shortage

Residential Facilities

Weighed in on the building structure and function of the newest Residence Hall – Oakland Hall
Worked to introduce more sustainable functions in the residence halls, such as reducing energy consumption and decreasing waste
Worked to implement peepholes in the doors of residence hall rooms

Dining Services

Weighed in on development and design of 251 North Dining Hall
Helped develop reward system to reduce carry-out container use
Helped eliminate mandatory focus dates for all students
Regular implementation of Dining Point Donation Drives to help raise money for local charities in need of food assistance
Worked with the chief chef to develop a variety of healthy dining options

Transportation

Advocated for outfitting Shuttle-UM buses and bus stops with GPS locater systems
Advocated for the continued use of Biodiesel Fuels
Continuous input on the placement and logistics of the Purple Line

Other Services and Achievements

Successfully hosted 2010’s annual CAACURH conference at UMD for the first time in CAACURH history. RHAs from across the region attened in November 2010.
Headed campus-wide involvement in “Go Cross Campus”, an online game of Risk, for the 2nd year in a row
Organized Town Hall Meetings for residents to voice concerns directly to department directors
Collaborated with other student groups to support University-wide functions, such as the annual Autism Walk and the Keep Me Maryland Donation Drive

Annual Hall/Area Council’s Programs
Residents all across campus look forward to these much anticipated events on a yearly basis. Keep on the lookout for exciting programs that YOUR council is putting on TODAY!

North Campus Luau
Commons Block Party
Cambridge Community Finals Scream for Ice Cream
BCC’s Got Talent
Denton Halloween Party
Hagerstown Midnight Pancake Breakfasts
South Hill Casino Night
North Hill Area Olympics