While walking around campus, there is much to consider in terms of involvement and leadership. One organization, the Resident Hall Association (RHA) has brought the seven residence halls together under one institution.
RHA is an organization that is geared to build involvement amongst resident students on both the Briarcliff and Pleasantville campuses. Within the organization there are many traits that create a more vibrant, yet motivating environment. RHA President, Christine Vega has taken ahold of the reigns and has brought attention to this resident centered organization.
“Our goal is to build membership and empower community,” RHA president and senior criminal justice major Christine Vega said.
With the attendance of all seven residence halls, RHA has an active membership of at least 40 students involved in hall council. Its’ national organization, the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH), and the chapter on Pleasantville recognize all students as being a part of RHA. However, in order to receive all of the benefits (i.e. housing points) it is highly suggested that students become active within their own residence communities. But it isn’t all fun and games either; leadership plays a large role in RHA and that’s not something the organization gives up on easily.
“Many students get involved in Hall Council and become e-board members of RHA, Resident Assistants, and members of other organizations as well,” Vega said. “It is really an opportunity that we provide for students, even commuters.”
Due to their national bylaws, commuters are technically not allowed to be members of RHA, however, they are permitted to attend events. The organization is currently in the process of building a plan to bridge the gap between residents and commuters, for example by partnering with the Commuter Advisory Board (CAB). Another way that RHA gains the attention of commuters is through some of their more prominent events, such as annual movie nights and RHA Month.
RHA Month is dedicated to programming for resident students and the campus community. Each resident hall is responsible for organizing an event to promote to the entire campus. One of the more well-known events is Townhouse Day, which typically takes place at the end of April.
“One of the most beneficial parts of Townhouse Day is that it allows students to interact with peers who they don’t normally see around campus,” townhouse president and senior business management major Ryan Valdez said.
RHA plans on hosting the Harry Potter Leadership seminar, an event that combines fun and skill
into one house of wizardly wicked students. This idea stemmed from their parent organization, NACURH.
“The Harry Potter Leadership seminar was taken from NACURH and applied to college campuses,” Vega said. “Students will learn about themselves based off of the houses within the Harry Potter series. It’s very interesting and is a great way to build involvement.”
Whether placed into Slytherin or Hufflepuff, RHA takes pride in their students and their college experiences.
“Being a member of RHA is one of the best things that has happened to me while at Pace,” Vega said, “But also, remember that you are only as strong as the community you live in.”
The Harry Potter Seminar will be co-sponsored with the National Resident Hall Honorary and will take place on Nov. 3, 2013 at 6 p.m. in Butcher Suite.