The Residence Hall Association, created five years ago and revived last spring, is redefining dorm life by helping students build community and connection on campus.
“We’re trying to build a culture where students can feel like they can go out on a Tuesday or Friday night and there is going to be something out there for them to find a sense of self,” said Kaitlyn Hougham, a senior elementary education major from Las Vegas, and building coordinator for Campus View I, Chancellor Apartments and University Inn. “College is about finding yourself, and we are trying to open opportunities about doing that.”
RHA is student-led with the help of adviser Penny Mills. The association consists of a president and three building coordinators.
This campus association organizes events on campus like Harvest Hangout, Mardi Gras and movie night. RHA also plans to work with other clubs and student services, like the Academic Performance and Tutoring Center, to create larger activities.
The organization hosts one main social activity each month, and then building coordinators will plan a smaller event for each of their specific buildings. The association will typically host four events per month. Each event is designed to hold value, like educational lessons or create community bonding.
“Helping students build memories and experiences on campus is one of the group’s main goals,” said Chris Uyleman, a sophomore general studies major from Orem, and the building coordinator for Campus View III.
The association encourages students to learn how to utilize their buildings, such as study rooms, lounges, kitchens and a gym. Briana Flory, a sophomore biology major from Henderson, Nevada, and the president of RHA, said most students don’t take full advantage of these spaces. So, RHA wants to change that, as well as become a resource students can come to for events.
“People are not only building their skills here, but they’re also feeling like they have a safe spot on campus,” Flory said.
Ashlee Phillips, a sophomore pre-engineering major from Henderson, Nevada, and a student living on campus, said most of their knowledge of RHA comes from attending the events.
“I don’t know much about RHA, but I did attend the Mardi Gras event last year and had a great time talking with people and hanging out with my friends,” Phillips said.
Students can volunteer at the events if they are looking for opportunities to get involved on campus. Those interested can stop by Mills’ office or scan the QR code found in the housing newsletter, as the association currently has two open positions.
