RHA's Senate meets every other Tuesday, during which senators meet to discuss resolutions that propose positive changes to resident life at UMD and interested guests watch in our open gallery seating. RHA is one of UMD's bodies of shared governance, meaning we work to pass legislation with Graduate Student Government (GSG) and the Student Government Association (SGA). Upon passage, RHA resolutions are not taken lightly. Campus directors and departments recognize that each resolution represents over 12,500 resident voices.
Legislation
Senators have the opportunity to present, debate, and vote on legislation advocating for their individual communities and the entire on-campus body. Recently, we have:
- Supported $15 hourly minimum wage for on-campus student workers
- Endorsed the creation of the Refillery, a sustainability project aiming to reduce student waste
- Supported Green Roofs & Green Walls on Campus
- Urged Residential Facilities to address infrastructure issues and improve flood response plans
- Encouraged the wearing masks on UMD-owned public transportation
Please click below for more information regarding Senate legislation.
Committees
In committees, Senators discuss initiatives and develop legislation to bring to the Senate Floor. Students work directly with top university administrators in:
- Resident Life & Housing
- Dining Services
- Residential Facilities
- Transportation
- Sustainability
- Diversity and Inclusion
Please click below for more information regarding Senate Committees.
2026-2027 Senate Meetings
Senate is always on Tuesdays–join us! Here are the 2026-2027 set Senate dates and locations:
Fall Semester:
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - Stamp Charles Carroll 2203K (also Fall Leadership Training Day)
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Stamp Charles Carroll 2203K
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - Stamp Charles Carroll 2203K
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Stamp Charles Carroll 2203K
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 - Stamp Charles Carroll 2203K
Spring Semester:
- Tuesday, February 2, 2027 - TBD
- Tuesday, February 16, 2027 -TBD
- Tuesday, March 2, 2027 - TBD
- Tuesday, March 23, 2027 - TBD
- Tuesday, April 6, 2027 - TBD
- Tuesday, April 20, 2027 - TBD
- Tuesday, April 27, 2027 - TBD