Senate
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.
SPECIAL ORDER: AVP Danielle Glaros and Senior Director Courtney Brown
SPECIAL ORDER (21-0-1): Confirmation of the 2024-2025 Dining Services Coordinator
SPECIAL ORDER (20-0-1): Confirmation of the 2024-2025 Senator At-Large
SPECIAL ORDER (18-0-1): Confirmation of the 2024-2025 Transportation Coordinator
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- NONE
SPECIAL ORDER: Presentation on Student Sustainability Fee
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- PASSED (13-0-1): Resolution CVB001F (A Resolution Approving the Mandatory Fee Proposed by the Office of Sustainability for Fiscal Year 2026)
PASSED: 11/13 Meeting Minutes (will be posted when finalized)
SPECIAL ORDER: Fiscal Year 2026 Dining Fee Proposal Presentation (Chris Moore)
SPECIAL ORDER: Fiscal Year 2026 Residential Fee Proposal Presentation (Dennis Passarella-George)
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- PASSED (19-5-1) - RESOLUTION LS001F: A Resolution Approving the Non-Mandatory Fee Proposed by the Department of Dining Services for Fiscal Year 2026
- PASSED (18-6-1): Amendment to Clause 4: "proposed a rate increase of 7.59%" changes to "proposed a rate increase of 9.33%."
- PASSED (24-0-1) - RESOLUTION MAO001F: A Resolution Approving the Non-Mandatory Fee Proposed by the Departments of Resident Life and Residential Facilities for Fiscal Year 2026
PASSED: 10/29 Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDER: Student Fees Process Overview Presentation
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- PASSED (22 - 0 - 1): RESOLUTION MAA002F: A Resolution to Encourage RHA and Dining Services to Partner and Host a “Floats 4 Votes” Voter Registration Drive Once Every Year
PASSED: 10/15 Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDER: Legislative Brainstorming Workshop
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- None
MEETING MINUTES (will be posted when finalized)
PASSED: 10/1 Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDER: VP of Student Affairs Dr. Patty Perillo
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- None
APPROVED: 9/17 Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDER: Student Fees Overview Presentation
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- None
SPECIAL ORDER: Parliamentary Procedure and Bill Writing Introduction
RESOLUTIONS/ACTS:
- PASSED (21-0-2): Resolution MAA001F (A Resolution to Approve the Amendments to the General Senate Operations section of the Standard Operating Procedures for the 2024 to 2025 Academic Year)
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.