RHA Signature Events
Week of Welcome (First Week of Class)
RHA participates in the university wide Week of Welcome via involvement with an annual committee and supports programs during that week through funding, participation, and publicity. Events during this week initiated by RHA include the Dance Cruise, Miami Bus Tour, and Panther Palooza.
Latinos Unidos (Late October) Taking place during Hispanic Heritage month, Latinos Unidos is a collaborative program between RHA and the Student Programming Council. It is a cultural festival celebrating people from all backgrounds, and specifically those who have contributed significantly to Hispanic culture.
Halloween Extravaganza (Halloween Day) Halloween Extravaganza is an opportunity for our residential students to connect with the children of faculty and staff through the Children’s Creative Learning Center. Each year a haunted house, costume contest, trick-or-treating, and a variety of other activities are organized to entertain the children and their families for the Halloween holiday.
Homecoming (Mid November) The annual Homecoming celebration is organized by the university’s Homecoming Committee. RHA and councils have the opportunity for involvement in the various competitions such as Banner, Float, Lip Sync, and other spirited events.
Thanksgiving Dinner (Sunday before Thanksgiving) This signature event was created to offer students from out of the area an opportunity to have a meal and fellowship in honor of Thanksgiving with other residents who aren’t able to be with their families. Entertainment and a community service component are also typically a part of the Thanksgiving Dinner.
B-HIVE Project (Near or on December 1st) B-HIVE stands for Be HIV Educated. This program was started by RAs to bring about awareness for HIV and AIDS, paying special attention to the growing population of infected individuals in South Florida. RHA picked up sponsorship of the event to ensure its continued financial support. HIV testing, fundraising for a local charity, entertainment, and other awareness initiatives are components of this program.
Mr. & Miss Housing (Late January) During the fall semester, each Council will implement a Mr. & Miss competition resulting in a male and female resident from each hall to compete in the Mr. & Miss Housing competition. Those who win in their areas and in the overall competition are seen as model residents and can be called upon for future programs and initiatives.
Dean’s List Gala (Mid March) A collaborative event between our Department and NRHH, Dean’s List Gala rewards students who have achieved Dean’s List status in the previous spring and/or fall semesters. Invitees have the opportunity to invite a favorite faculty member to this formal dinner and program. We also recognize our various partners from Academic Affairs who work with us throughout the year.
Charity Ball (Early April) Another program established by RAs, this program is now a registered student organization supported by RHA. Members fundraise throughout the year, collecting money for an international organization in need of financial support. This is culminated with the Charity Ball, a formal event that involves dinner, a program, and a dance.
Day of Silence (Mid April) In collaboration with Stonewall, RHA supports the funding of this day where students challenge themselves not to speak in recognition of the isolation and discrimination that many LGBT students feel as a result of their sexual orientation and lack of acceptance. This culminates with a Breaking of the Silence at the end of the day.
End of the Year Banquet (Mid April) This banquet is put on by the RHA E-board to recognize the work of the Councils throughout the year and serves as a transition for each of the Councils, as all previous and newly elected officers attend. This is also when NRHH inducts new members for the upcoming year.