Benefits of Living on Campus

While you may be thinking that living in a residence hall will be the same no matter where you go to college, just remember that just as people have different personalities, The University of Akron has different characteristics and cultures. We believe our unique culture makes UA a great place to live.

The University attracts students from a variety of backgrounds - your roommate may be from another part of Ohio or another part of the world. You will build relationships with a wide variety of people.

You will have plenty to do with your new UA friends. The Residence Hall Program Board (RHPB) plans 40 events each academic year. There are also many activities planned by the Zips Programming Network (ZPN) for the entire campus community.

Residence hall living offers opportunities for each student to become a volunteer and leader. Whether it's Residence Hall Council (RHC), the Residence Hall Program Board (RHPB), hall government or a special committee, you can learn many lessons about living with others, and how to organize and plan special events for the benefit of everyone in your hall. From nationally known comedians to musicians and self-development seminars, there is something for everyone.

The University of Akron has been recognized many times for its efforts to provide the students who live on campus with a well-rounded experience. Most recently, UA was named the 2008 Regional School of the Year by the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (CAACURH). The University has received this award six times since 1989, and has been named National School of the Year twice during that period. UA also received CAACURH's 2008-2009 Commitment to Diversity Award.

The Department of Residence Life and Housing received three awards at the 2006 National Association for Campus Activities Mid America Regional Conference. UA also won the Outstanding School Spirit Award.

And, three times since 2000, The University of Akron was named campus of the year by Campus Activities Magazine.

Many of our students have described the residence hall environment as a "small college atmosphere with large university facilities and programs." This means at UA, you get the best of both worlds.

• Special Events

• Educational Activities

• Residence Hall Program Board (RHPB)

• Residence Hall Council (RHC)

• National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)

• Sigma Lambda

• Emerging Leaders Program

• Resident Focus

Special Events

It is fine for us to say, "Hey, we've really got a lot of great activities planned." But what you really want to know is, "What am I going to do during weekends on campus?"

Every week presents a new twist in student activities and entertainment - ranging from movies, Family Day, Homecoming and Sibs Weekend to road trips and Hall Fest. Here's a sample of past offerings:

• Family Day

This day-long event features a reception with University administrators, brunch with the family, a Zips football game and additional activities, including entertainment sponsored by the Residence Hall Program Board and Zips Programming Network. 

• Road Trips

Opportunities include holiday shopping, visiting Progressive Field to watch a Cleveland Indians baseball game or attending productions at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. 

• Hall Fest

This award-winning event features social and recreational activities sponsored by hall governments, Residence Hall Program Board, Residence Hall Council and National Residence Hall Honorary. 

• Sibs Weekend

Residence hall students are encouraged to bring their siblings to campus during spring semester. Age-appropriate activities are scheduled for the weekend, including basketball shoot-outs, face painting and performance by musicians, comedians, magicians and clowns. 

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Educational Activities

Each semester's calendar includes seminars and discussion groups on important topics conducted by students, staff, professors and community professionals. The topics are based on the interests and concerns of students. Activities have included:

• Alcohol Awareness Week

• Around the World in 80 Hours

• Community Service Projects

• Career Awareness

• Stress Daze

• Women's Issues

• Disabilities Awareness Week

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program & Children's Activities Fair

• Diversity Topics

• Leadership Training

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Residence Hall Program Board (RHPB)

RHPB is the major programming organization for the residence halls. It is run by a nine-member student board made up of four committees that handle everything from publicity to sound and lights and the booking of professional entertainers. Since 1997, RHPB has been recognized as the "Best Program Board" in the United States six times by three national entertainment associations.

Each RHPB committee is looking for help from you, our new students, to assist in organizing the year's programs. Membership on RHPB committees is an easy way to get involved. Introductory meetings are held at the beginning of fall semester. The RHPB office is in Ritchie Hall, or you can call 330-972-7861. Here's a list of committees:

• Major Events

One of the most visible committees on campus, its members are responsible for Welcome Weekend, Hall Fest, Family Day and Sibs Weekend. 

• Music & Comedy

This committee schedules dances, performances and sponsors the popular and award-winning 9:09 p.m. Entertainment Series and the 7:17 p.m. Coffee House Series. 

• Publicity

If you feel creative, then consider this committee. It plays a vital role in promoting upcoming events through the use of flyers, posters, table tents, etc. 

• Technical

The committee members affectionately call themselves "The Tech Crew". With the poser of light and sound, the crew enhances RHPB events. 

For more information, click here.

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Residence Hall Council (RHC)

This chief legislative body of residence hall student government includes members of the individual residence hall governments. It provides a forum to increase communication among students, staff, faculty and administration. RHC also offers educational, service, leadership and recreational programs, such as UA Leads, to meet the needs and interests of residence hall students.

In addition to the offices of President, Vice President of Internal Affairs, Vice President of External Affairs and Secretary/Treasurer, RHC has four executive directors in the areas of community services, diversity issues, historical and critical issues. The council has twice received the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) School of the Year Award for exceptional dedication to student organization in the nation and this is the highest award it bestows. Schools are judged on all residence life activities, programs and events.

For more information, click here.

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National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)

Only 1 percent of the residence hall population can belong to this prestigious organization. The students chosen for membership have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership. NRHH plans leadership workshops, recognition programs and service projects. UA has received "Best Chapter in the Country" recognition five times since 1990 from the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).

For more information, click here.

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Sigma Lambda

This new residence hall organization is affiliated with the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). The purpose of Sigma Lambda is to honor those individuals demonstrating outstanding service and leadership in the residence halls during their freshman year.

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Emerging Leaders Program

The Emerging Leaders Program is based on an application process in which 84 first-year students are chosen to partake on a journey of self-development and personal growth as they are emerged within the campus community as student leaders. Selected upon applications reviewed in the Spring, students are chosen who exemplify themselves as strong and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for growth, new experiences, leadership and a longing for community. Living in the residence halls, Emerging Leaders either reside in Ritchie Hall or potentially the Honors Complex. Nationally recognized as the 2008 CAACURH Community of the Year and recipient of the 2009 APCA Student Leadership Development Award, the Program integrates and acclimates students to the University through: academics, mentoring and involvement. As a community, the Emerging Leaders set the bar for future students from the contributions they make to the campus community through programs, leadership and service.

For more information, please click here.

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Resident Focus

Resident Focus is part of the Department of Residence Life and Housing. It is dedicated to improving the academic experience for students living and learning in UA residence halls. The Resident Focus program has a number of important components to engage resident students. MAP-Works and the Learning Lounge study spaces are just two of these pieces. A number of student-focused programming options are also offered through Resident Focus.

The resources and opportunities are available ... why not take advantage of them?

For more information, click here.

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