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Student Leadership

Housing & Residence Education promotes leadership opportunities within the residential communities. Below are some of the ways to get involved. 

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

As a member of our residential community, you are automatically a member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA is the official voice of on campus residents and works closely with department leaders to promote a great residential experience for students. In addition to advising Residence Life on issues of policy and budget; RHA is a programming and leadership development group, putting on large-scale programs and fun events.  Find out more or get involved at housing.ucmerced.edu/rha.

Community Councils

Each community has a Community Council to help govern events and activities. All residents in the community are members of their community council. Elections for leadership positions are held in the fall, and all students living in a building are encouraged to participate in the nomination and election process. Community Councils plan regular educational and social events for their community. To get involved in your hall council, talk with your REC or RA. Develop your leadership potential through Community Council. Serving on your Community Council provides an opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills that you can later take with you to other student organizations at UC Merced and the greater community. Serving on Community Council can also be a springboard for future leadership opportunities on campus.

Organization chart of RHA and the Community Councils

National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)

The National Residence Hall Honorary is the only nationwide organization that exclusively recognizes leaders in residence halls; it is also considered the recognition branch of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH), Inc. NRHH is the premiere honorary dedicated to recognizing the top 1% of leaders living in residence halls. NRHH’s outstanding leaders demonstrate excellence in scholastics, are role models of service, are bestowers of recognition and are exercisers of leadership. Find out more or get involved at housing.ucmerced.edu/nrhh.