The Residence Hall Association (RHA) consists of an executive board, professional staff advisors, and numerous senators representing each residence hall across the UNL campus. Every spring, RHA hosts online elections and position appointments for the following academic year to fill positions in the RHA executive board positions.
If you are interested in running for a position, please read below for more information about positions, how to apply, qualifications, and timeline. If you have any questions, please contact the RHA at rha@unl.edu or the RHA Advisor & Election Commissioner at ablasko2@unl.edu.
Election Process and Timeline (Spring 2025) - RHA President, External Vice President, & Internal Vice President *NOW CLOSED*
- Monday, March 24 - Applications for RHA senior executive board roles (President, Internal Vice President, & External Vice President) are due, submitted here:
- Tuesday, March 25 – Presentations of senior executive candidates to the RHA Senate
- Each candidate will be allocated five minutes to present to the RHA Senate and all attending guests and 5 minutes for questions, extendable up to 10 minutes
- March 31-April 2 – Electronic elections
- Candidates information will be provided to all residents via email
- Ballot will show the final vote of support from the RHA Senate
- Tuesday, April 8 – Results of the electronic election announced to the RHA Senate following confirmations with candidates
Appointment Process and Timeline (Spring 2025) - RHA National Communications Coordinator (NCC) & Directors
- Wednesday, April 9 – Applications for RHA National Communications Coordinator (NCC) & Directors are due
- Wednesday, April 9 – Monday, April 14 – Interviews & selection of Directors
- Each position will go through a 15-30 minute interview with the RHA President, Internal Vice President, & External Vice President (Executives) - Elect, guided by the RHA Advisor & informed of the status of their candidacy before
- Tuesday, April 15 – Presentations of NCC candidates & selection by the RHA Senate
- Each candidate for NCC will be allocated four minutes to present to the RHA Senate and all attending guests and 5 minutes for questions, extendable up to 10 minutes
- The current NCC (unless they are reapplying for the position) will provide no more than a 2-minute dialogue on who they support for the role of NCC
- The RHA Senate will discuss and vote to confirm the NCC for the next academic year
- Tuesday, April 15 – RHA Executives – Elect present their selected candidates for Director positions for confirmation by the RHA Senate
- The RHA Senate will be presented with a bill for each position with a listing of all eligible candidates who have applied and reasons for the selection of the final candidate
- The RHA Senate will be given a chance to question the presenters for up to five minutes (extendable by 10 minutes)
- The RHA Senate may then choose to confirm or deny the candidate selected. If a candidate is not approved, the RHA Executives – Elect may choose from the remaining candidates who wish to be considered, re-open the appointment process, or fail the search.
General Requirements
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Be in good disciplinary standing
- Be a current general member (resident) of the UNL Residence Halls
- Live in the residence halls during the duration of their term in office
- Cannot serve in any graduate or professional staff housing positions during the duration of their term
- If elected, attend the Officer Transition Meeting, to be scheduled following elections
- If elected, attend Fall and Spring Hall Government Officer Training unless excused by RHA President and/or RHA Advisor
- Dates are tentative based upon Academic Calendar: Fall (August 12-15, 2025) | Spring (January 7-9, 2026)
Special Position-Specific Requirements
- President, Internal Vice President, & External Vice President - Have lived in the residence halls for at least one semester
- President - Cannot serve in the role of Resident Assistant
RHA Elected Positions - Responsibilities & Benefits
President
External Vice President
Internal Vice President
RHA President - Responsibilities
- Provides direction & vision for RHA and Executive Board
- Sets agenda, runs RHA Senate meetings and makes decisions on RHA Senate tie votes
- Acts as an Association representative and liaison to campus groups, committees, organizations, and University Housing administration
- Serve or appoint a representative for the Parking Advisory Committee, Police Advisory Committee, & Executive Vice Chancellor Board Meetings
- Appoints National Communications Coordinator, Directors, and appoint replacements for unfilled officer positions
- Chairs the RHA President's Committee
- Submits legislation for approval to the RHA Senate on behalf of the Executive Board
- Represents the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at regional (MACURH) & national (NACURH) conferences and virtual meetings
- Spends approximately 10-12 hours a week supporting the Residence Hall Association and its efforts
- Host weekly office hours and/or table for the Association
- Assist coordination of and attend fall and spring hall government officer training:
- Commit an average of 11 hours or more per week to Association business
RHA President - Benefits
- University provided meal plan for the term of office
- $3,200 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA External Vice President - Responsibilities
- Sets agenda and runs Executive Board meetings for RHA.
- Assumes the duties of the President in their temporary absence.
- Manages training for RHA Senate members on roles and requirements.
- Tracks senator attendance, quorum, and manages Senator impeachment processes.
- Meets regularly with committee chairs to manage event request submissions, event calendar, and guidance/assistance with event planning & committees.
- Plans the end of the year recognition banquet for RHA & NRHH in conjunction with NRHH.
- Spends approximately 8-10 hours a week supporting the Residence Hall Association and its efforts
- Host weekly office hours and/or table for the Association
- Assist coordination of and attend fall and spring hall government officer training
- Attend & participate with NRHH Leadership Retreat & Summit
RHA External Vice President - Benefits
- $2,600 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA Internal Vice President - Responsibilities
- Manages RHA budget and submits all necessary payment requests and forms on behalf of RHA as outlined by SOFS.
- Submits spending guidelines and budget allocations for Senate approval each semester.
- Reports to the RHA Senate & Executive Board on current allocations, expenditures, and changes to spending policies and procedures.
- Monitors compliance of RHA policies and requirements for funding allocations.
- Take and distribute minutes at meetings of the RHA Senate and Executive Board.
- Assists President with setting agenda and preparing paperwork for RHA Senate meetings.
- Maintain the RHA website, listservs, internal files, records, and archives for the RHA Senate & Executive Board.
- Maintain the RHA office including mail, office hours, messages, display board, etc.
- Be knowledgeable of and assist in upholding the bylaws, constitution, and organizational procedures of RHA.
- Spends approximately 8-10 hours a week supporting the Residence Hall Association and its efforts
- Host weekly office hours and/or table for the Association
- Assist & participate with NRHH Leadership Retreat & Summit
RHA Internal Vice President - Benefits
- $2,300 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA Appointed Positions - Responsibilities & Benefits
NCC
Director of Public Relations
Director of Diversity & Inclusion
Director of Programming
Director of Special Events
RHA National Communications Coordinator - Responsibilities
- Advertise and encourage involvement in regional (MACURH) and national (NACURH) opportunities, grants, and awards
- Select & coordinate delegations to attend MACURH and NACURH conferences
- Attend regional and national business meetings and chats as the official voting representative of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Report to RHA on regional and national business matters that impact the campus and its affiliation status with NACURH
- Maintain resource files of program materials acquired at conferences, and serve as a general programming resource for RHA and local hall governments
- Coordinate submission of all regional and national awards on behalf of RHA
- Spends approximately 7 hours a week supporting the Residence Hall Association and its efforts
- Host weekly office hours and/or table for the Association;
- Attend fall and spring hall government officer training
- Attend & participate with NRHH Leadership Retreat & Summit;
RHA National Communications Coordinator - Benefits
- $2,100 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA Director of Public Relations - Responsibilities
- Oversee the movie channel and movie channel suggestions
- Consistent Association tabling
- Develop a comprehensive First Six Weeks strategy with emphasis on large-scale Association recruitment
- Ensure that the plotters are up-to-date and relevant
- Responsible for the distribution of flyers and other marketing materials
- Develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies to enhance the organization's visibility, reputation, and reach
- Work with executive leadership to align PR strategies with organizational goals and objectives
- Oversee the creation and distribution of written content and/or manage social media content strategy, ensuring consistency across platforms
- Ensure the organization's culture and values are communicated clearly to potential members
- Design, implement, and oversee 2-4 programs/initiatives per semester
RHA Director of Public Relations - Benefits
- $1,850 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA Director of Diversity & Inclusion - Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the organization'[s social impact and inclusion strategies, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values
- Identify opportunities for collaboration with external partners to support programs and initiatives that foster inclusion and social good
- Promote cultural competency across the organization, ensuring programs and initiatives are sensitive to, inclusive of, and contain diverse cultural perspectives.
- Advocate for social change and equity in the broader community, including participation in industry-wide DEI initiatives and standards development
- RHA views inclusion as: The practice of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized. The Director of Diversity & Inclusion will amplify, advocate for, and include people of diverse cultures, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, and any other unmentioned protected status. The role should go above just including these individuals but work to make their participation a fundamental part of events, planning, and campus initiatives.
- Design, implement, and oversee 2-4 programs/initiatives per semester.
RHA Director of Diversity & Inclusion - Benefits
- $1,850 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA Director of Programming - Responsibilities
- Oversee the design, development, and execution of programs, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of target audiences
- Events may include but are not limited to BINGO! Nights, Cooking with Chef Paige, etc.
- Collaborate with senior officer leadership to establish short and long-term programming objectives
- Foster a collaborative and creative team environment that encourages innovation in program design and execution
- Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve program goals
- Manage event timelines and ensure deadlines are met for preparation, communication, and execution
- Build a sense of community amongst participants by creating interactive and participatory program experiences
- Plan, oversee, and/or execute at least 4 programming events per semester
- Empower Senators to plan and host events
RHA Director of Programming - Benefits
- $1,850 leadership credit per semester for term of office
RHA Director of Special Events - Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the overall strategy for special events-- such as Homecoming, Turkey Trot, the RHA Dance, and Battle of the Halls-- ensuring they align with the organization's goals, brand, and objectives
- Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, venues, and suppliers to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service delivery
- Manage all logistical aspects of special events, including venue selection, transportation, permits, technology setup, and event timelines
- Ensure all event materials are prepared and distributed on time
- Coordinate on-site event activities, troubleshooting issues as they arise to ensure smooth execution
- Lead and oversee event planning, assigning tasks, managing workloads, and providing guidance and support
- Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, partners, and media outlets, to enhance event visibility and ensure their support
- Host events per the Senate's discretion (ie. funding approval and Senator requests)
- Plan, oversee, and/or execute at least 2 programming events per semester
RHA Director of Special Events - Benefits
- $1,850 leadership credit per semester for term of office