House Councils are leadership groups on campus that elect student officers and boards to represent and serve as the voice of all students living in the various residence halls at UMass Amherst. They organize fun events, address community issues, and coordinate service projects. House Councils are part of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and work closely with the RHA Executive Board to advocate and create a positive change for students.
What is the difference between House Council Executive Board and General Body members?
Executive boards are primarily responsible for governing and advocacy. House Councils at UMass Amherst are structured with four primary executive officers: President and three functional Vice Presidents. General body members are responsible for planning activities that meet the needs of residents and facilitate the building of a cluster community. Together, these subgroups are a House Council!
I definitely want to be involved! What happens if I don't win my election?
Many students will choose to fill out a nomination form. On that form, you may indicate if you are interested in serving as a general body member.
Contact your Residence Director or Residence Hall Coordinator for more information.
What do the Executive Board positions do?
President
- Oversees the operations of your House Council
- Develops meeting agendas and conducts/facilitates weekly House Council meetings
- Meets weekly with advisor and other House Council officers
- Encourages interaction and discussion among group members
Vice President of Leadership Development
- Creates professional development workshops for the executive board
- Attends weekly RHA meetings (Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.) to serve as the voting representation for the residence hall
- Takes place of President in case of President's absence
Vice President of Public Relations
- Primarily responsible for communicating with the cluster community
- Records meeting minutes
- Provides minutes to House Council President and advisor
- Markets and designs publicity or activity promotions
Vice President of Financial Administration
- Responsible for all money management of the House Council including proper depositing and record keeping
- Monitors ethical money allocation
- Submits budget report to advisor monthly
- Submits funding requests to RHA
Why should you join?
- Gain Budget Skills – Acquire practical budget management skills.
- Develop Leadership – Gain interpersonal and team skills.
- Make Friends – Meet and get to know people, and develop friendships.
- Network – Form networks with staff and faculty in the department.
- Impact Peers – Make a difference in the lives of students through programs.
- Improve Community – Make suggestions that help improve the community.
- Have Fun – It's fun!
How do I get involved in House Council or General Body?
Please see the application posted in your Roompact account. House Council is only open to residents living on campus. Please email @email for any further questions.