Syracuse University won the 2015 NEACURH School of the Year award. This bid is the submitted document for the School of the Year award at the 2015 NEACURH Minis No Frills Conference at Endicott College. The bid details the efforts of the organization throughout the 2014-2015 academic year.

1. GRHAT
WONDERS OF
THE WORLD
A L L E X P E N S E PA I D T R I P
!
!
F l i g h t f r o m :
Syracuse University
NEACURH Mini No Frills 2015 - School of the Year
1
Published By: Malik Evans

2.
!
Flight Number Destination
3 Letter of Intent
4-5 RHA Executive Board Members
6-8 RHA Structure
9 RHA Committees
10-11 Residence Hall Groups
12-13 RHA Goals
14-17 RHA Programs
18 RHA Leadership Nights
19 Challenges
20 Budget
21 NACURH
22 NEACURH
23 Syracuse Students
24-26 Appendix
27-29 Letters of Support
Travel Pass
2

3. Boarding Pass
RBDs, NCCs, Distinguished guests, Fellow Institutions, and Mooselovers:
It is with great excitement, orange pride and love for the organization of RHA that we, the Residence Hall Association
Executive Board 2014-2015, National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) 2014-2015, South Campus Outstanding Program
Excellence (S.C.O.P.E) 2014-2015 at Syracuse University submit our bid for the 2015 NEACURH Mini No Frills School of
the Year. Ever since our elected officials assumed office, we knew that this would be the best year that Syracuse
University residents will see in a very long time. The tireless efforts of the student organizations have empowered one
another and encouraged an active general body of 45 members to remain focused on objectives and goals throughout the
year year. With our passion and ambition, we believe that RHA has regained its title of the best student organization on
campus. We have accomplished outstanding programs and initiatives for which we are anxious to share with the world.
!
The Residence Hall Association is no stranger to Syracuse University. RHA at Syracuse University was founded in 1977,
with the continuing mission of making “Halls into Homes.” The organization has moved this mission forward for more than
35 years and has not faulted. We have been a NEACURH affiliate for over 20 years, showing commitment to not only
SU’s campus, but also to NEACURH and NACURH. This has allowed Syracuse University’s RHA to develop the most
outstanding student leaders that have taken their leadership potential to NEACURH. Danielle Sutton-Puusalu was the
NEACURH Regional Director for the 2012-2013 academic year; Zachary Chase has also served as the Regional
Communications Coordinator for New York State. Both of these leaders served on our Executive Board of RHA at
Syracuse University before stepping up into a regional board of directors positions. People like the aforementioned
personnel are the ones that led this year’s RHA to be the strongest.
!
To continue the efforts by our predecessors, Syracuse RHA members met two weeks before the beginning of the fall
semester to prepare and set expectations and goals for the upcoming academic year. We restructured the organization’s
mission to focus on advocacy, service and leadership development for the residents of Syracuse University. This year’s
Executive Board was compelled to be impactful on campus, and reassure residents why they loved living in the residence
halls on campus. The Executive Board also had a busy year ahead by hosting the 2014 NEACURH Regionals
Conference, building a relationship with resident advisor staff members, and empowering the general body members to
represent their constituents and reach their full potential.
!
We feel that the Residence Hall Association at Syracuse University has successfully fulfilled its goals and objectives with
passion, love and dedication. In addition to expanding outside of the university, we stayed actively involved with
NEACURH and NACURH, keeping in mind that our history is a fine foundation.
!
The positive campus response from students, administration, such as our current Chancellor Kent Syverud, faculty and
the community emphasizes our reasoning for submitting a bid for the 2015 NEACURH Mini No Frills School of the Year.
Detailed in the bid are examples of our efforts during the academic year. We thank you for considering our bid for School
of the Year, and we hope that you enjoy your flight on Air Orange!
!
Mooselove,
The 2014-2015 Syracuse University Residence Hall Association Executive Board
! 3

4. !
Major: Dual - Marketing and
Advertising
From: East Stroudsburg, PA
Favorite dination: Puerto Rico
RHA experience: Community
Council President
(2013-2014), RHA Executive
Board Member of the Year
(2014)
Director of Leadership- Hannah Kim
Director of Administration and Finance- Huimin (Tina) LiPresident - Malik Evans
Major: Undecided
From: China
Favorite destination: France
RHA experience: Community
Council Representative
(2013-2014), RHA Executive
Board Member
National Communications Coordinator - James Silverman
The Pilots
Residence Hall Association Executive Board
2014-2015
Major: Social Work
From: Virginia
Favorite destination: Playa
Marchiquita in Puerto Rico
RHA experience: Community
Council Representative
(2013-2014)
Major: Economics
From: Sandwich,
Massachusetts
Favorite destination:
Florence, Italy
RHA experience:
Administration and Finance
(2013-2014)
4

5. The Pilots
Residence Hall Association Executive Board
2014-2015
!
Major: Citizenship and Civic
Engagement, English and
Textual Studies
From: Toronto
Favorite destination: Canada
RHA experience: General
Body member
Major: Sport Management
and Information
Management
From: New York City
Favorite destination: Tel Aviv,
Israel
RHA experience: Community
Council President (Fall 2013),
Finance and Administration
of Executive Board (Spring
2014)
!
Major: Broadcast and Digital
Journalism
From: New Jersey
Favorite destination: Little
Italy, New York City
RHA experience: Community
Council Representative (Fall
2013), Director of Public
Relations of Executive Board
(Spring 2014)
!
Major: Political Science and
International Relations
From: Coral Springs, FL
Favorite destination:
Washington DC
RHA experience:
Community Council
President (Fall 2015)
5
Director of Civic Engagement- Nedda Sarshar
Director of Public Relations- Stephen Milewski
Director of Programming- Mallory Miller
Director of Advocacy- Domenica Vera

6.
Great Pyramid of RHA
Mission:
!
The Residence Hall Association of Syracuse University is comprised of an
executive board, community council members,
and the general body. These entities work in
close kinship to move forward the mission of
the organization – We will provide enjoyable
education, community service, diversity, and
social experiences and act as a resource to
foster student leadership within our residence
halls and our community. We will serve as
advocates on behalf of the residents living
within University housing at Syracuse
University. This mission has been embedded at
all levels of the organization. The members are
aware of their duties to the residents and held
accountable by the administration of the
university.
Syracuse University’s Residence Hall Association mission statement:
This year we created a mission statement unique for our Executive Board - to focus the organization and to
remind individuals what the goal is that we wish to accomplish;
“Our
Executive
Board
shall
work
to
empower
the
student
body
by
providing
resources
and
opportunities.
We
will
strive
to
guide
students
toward
success
in
and
out
of
the
classroom
through
educational,
social
and
collaborative
programming.
We
will
advocate
for
and
improve
the
conditions
of
student
life
at
Syracuse
University-­‐
forever
embodying
RHA’s
vision
of
making
halls
into
homes.”
The RHA Executive Board will consist of 8 members – President, Director of Administration and Finance, Director
of Advocacy, Director of Leadership Development, National Communications Coordinator, Director of Public
Relations/ Historian, Director of Civic Engagement, Director of Programming. All of the members of the executive
board must reside in University housing under the Office of Residence Life (on either North or South Campus) for
the academic duration of their term. Each person holds ten office hours, besides the President, who holds fifteen; they
also attend all Executive Board meetings and General Body meetings, serve as liaisons for community councils every
week, and attend weekly one-on-one meetings with a RHAAdvisor and the President.
Members of the Executive Board are committed to moving forward the mission and vision of the organization and
their respective mission statement, which was set in the beginning of the year. Working closely together to ensure
success and collaboration in every endeavor. Each Executive Board member has additional responsibilities aside
from their positional requirements, which shows true dedication to The Office of Residence Life and the
Residence Hall Association.
About us:
6

7.
On an operating team it is important to hold each other accountable and have a system of checks and
balances to ensure that a single member does not have an enormous amount of power. Throughout the
semester there are expectations set for one another and requirements that we expect one another to fulfill.
Should an Executive Board member violate their requirements, roles or responsibilities as set forth in this
constitution, whether through actions, words, language or anything that undermines the standards of
RHA as set forth, there are sanctions that may be levied against them in order to hold them accountable
at the discretion of their advisors. An Executive Board member may be required to attend a meeting with
an RHAAdvisor and/or the RHA President. The Executive Board member may have their stipend
reviewed, and if deemed necessary by the RHAAdvisors in consultation with the RHA President,
reduced or denied with input from the Executive Board. These sanctions are put forth to assure residents
that we are producing the highest level of quality of work on their behalf, and working to ensure the
transition from halls into homes.
Accountability
Executive Board Turbulence
7
Every resident who lives in Syracuse University on-campus residence halls or apartments, under the
jurisdiction of the Office of Residence Life, is a non-voting member of the RHA General Body. The voting
members of the RHA General Body is required to consist of 12 Community Council Presidents, 12
Community Council Representatives, and any additional members to attend meetings. These members are
elected by the residents of their respective halls, which take place at the beginning of the academic year.
Any member of the non-voting general body can obtain the right to vote by attending two consecutive
general body meetings. Any current voting member who misses two consecutive meetings can lose their
right to vote. General Body meetings occur once a week for approximately an hour and a half at one central
location on main campus. The meeting consists of icebreakers/team builders, Executive Board member
updates, reminders concerning: campus events, initiatives or community service opportunities, general
discussion about advocacy related concerns, and committee updates.. In an effort to spice General Body
meetings up, we coordinate community members and officials of the university such as the Chancellor,
FixIt— the campus maintenance crew— and other members who have a stake in residence life to speak to
their general body members and listen to their grievances or bundles of joy.
People that keep us flying!
The General Body

8.
Community Councils
8
At Syracuse University, there are a total of 11 community councils. The
community councils consist of elected residents in their respective
halls. Each of these community councils represent anywhere between
one or three residence halls and have one community council advisor
who is normally an Assistant Residence Director (ARD)/professional
staff member, of those halls. Each community council consists of one
President, one Community Council Representative, an Administrative
Coordinator (Treasurer/Secretary), Floor Presidents, and additional
positions as necessary.
Sky Halls I, II & II
Lawrinson (Tower Power)
Brewster/Brockway/Boland (BBB)
Day (DAYmocracy)
Dell Plain Ernie Davis
Flint
Watson
Haven/Walnut/Washington Arms
Sadler
Shaw/Lyons (SNL)
Communication is key for the success of any organization. This year we have
enforced our ‘Adopt-A-Hall’ program, in which members of the Executive Board
act as liaisons for each community council, and interact with them on a small-scale
level to serve as a mentor and offer advice when needed. This program allows for
RHA Executive Board members to know how every halls is successfully completing
their initiatives and program ideas, but also allowing the members to build
relationships. Building a relationship is the essence of RHA’s values, which has
productive results in the long-run. In addition, members of the Executive Board can
empower their community council members to reach their goals, and to remind
them why they joined RHA — to make their halls into homes.
New communication tool
Booth/Kimmel/Marion (BKM)

9.
9
Committee Lights
Committees allow for close interaction among the General Body members to focus on a particular
entity of residence life. Committees also are an important part of making sure that RHA is
successful in planning and implementing events, advocating on behalf of residents, and voting on
co-sponsorship proposals. At the beginning of the 2014-2015 academic year, RHA consisted of
four programming committees (educational, social, diversity, and community service, in addition
to a finance committee). The structure of these committees has shifted to better serve the residents
of Syracuse University, and fit the newly revised mission statement of the RHA Executive Board-
to empower the student body by providing resources, to offer successful programming and to
advocate upon their needs regarding student life at Syracuse University. The newly comprised
committees are programming, finance, and advocacy.
Programming Committee:
Be chaired by the Director of Programming, and be
comprised of members from the General body
Be primarily responsible for coordinating and planning
campus-wide programming initiatives
Also be responsible for ensuring that resources are
made available to community councils and
aid in promoting successful hall-wide
programs
Meet at times and on dates as decided by the Director
of Programming, in consultation with the
committee
Submit reports to the RHA General Body
Be chaired by the Director of Advocacy, and be comprised of
members from the General Body
Be primarily responsible for advocacy initiatives
Meet with University departments and student organizations
respective to advocacy initiatives as
necessary
Meet at times and on dates as decided by the Director of
Advocacy, in consultation with the
committee
Submit reports to the RHA General Body
Advocacy Committee:
Be chaired by the Director of Finance and Administration, and be comprised of
members from the General Body
Vote on co-sponsorship proposals and ensure that the RHA co-sponsorship budget is
used to put on beneficial programs for the residents of Syracuse University
Foster the growth of emerging student leaders
Promote successful programs
Promote RHA through sponsorship
Provide training to community council Administrative Coordinator
Provide financial advice to community councils
Deliberate on other financial matters as deemed fit by the Director of Finance and
Administration
Finance Committee:

10.
10
NRHH: The Orange Chapter
Ask yourself the question: “Have you been recognized today?” The Syracuse University Orange Chapter
of NRHH asks that question every day. The current Orange Chapter can be described as the “little engine
that could.” What began this year as one determined returning member has expanded ten-fold and added
a full executive board full of life and gusto. Bonding quickly, the seven executive board members have
made it their mission to make the Orange Chapter stronger than ever in this rebuilding year. NRHH has
launched its recruitment campaign, centered on a basketball theme of joining the “National
Championship Team.” The campaign has taken off and NRHH’s name and the value of recognition are
spreading throughout the residence halls.
The Orange Chapter has not merely stopped at rebuilding, but has worked to implement the mission of
NRHH through recognition endeavors. In keeping with tradition, they have begun to recognize a group
or organization each month. This past month, the chapter chose to spotlight the staff members in dining
halls for their hard work and late nights. Emphasis has been placed on educating those in the residence
halls about the OTM process through presentations, forums, and bulletin boards. They have even
spearheaded a hall-wide competition to submit the most OTMs per month to win the F.I.S.H.B.O.W.L.
(First in Submitting Highly Bodacious OTMs with Love) of candy to share at the residence hall’s main
desk. They have recognized some incredible student leaders, staff members, and groups for the months
of January and February, with the hopes that March will bring an outpouring of new submissions. They
have also divided right into the distribution of A.B.C.D.’s (Above
the Beyond the Call of Duty) to give a quick thank you to members
of the residence hall community for their contributions.
With the new dedication and drive behind the Orange Chapter of
NRHH, one would never know that it’s currently powered by so
few. There are no limits to how far the Orange Chapter can come
this year and this semester’s inductions promise to bring NRHH at
Syracuse University to new heights so that it may recognize not
just today but for many years to come!
NRHH awards Department of Public Safety Office, Edward
Babcock, for his commitment to the university and the
students
TEMPLES of RHAOther residence hall groups

11.
11
TEMPLES of RHA
RHA has a great balance with the help of S.C.O.P.E., which focuses
its attention and resources on the residents who live on south
campus- approximately 7 minutes away from main campus by car.
The South Campus Organization for Programming Excellence is a
leadership organization for residents living solely on South Campus.
Students involved in S.CO.P.E meet weekly to plan diverse,
cultural, educational, recreational, and community service oriented
programs for South Campus residents. All students who are current
residents in the South Campus area are eligible to join as a general
body member, assisting in the creation, planning and
implementation of programs. This year S.C.O.P.E. has been a major
resource for its residents by coordinating programs such as BINGO
night, quick breakfast tutorials, Halloween Haunted House and
campus advising open discussions and sex education.
S.C.O.P.E. has programs on South Campus that help on-
campus apartment residents learn how to live independently.
This year they added survival kit lessons for the residents that
live on South Campus. Programs like this are very beneficial
for the students because many have kitchens, but may not
know what to cook or how to cook. S.C.O.P.E. wants no
resident to have to struggle during their food preparation.
S.C.O.P.E. implemented new information sessions to
benefit the prospective South Campus residents
about the housing lottery system that takes place
every year. Students had the opportunity to talk to
the S.C.O.P.E. Executive Board and professional staff
members due to the organizations ability to offer
this amazing information session.
Other residence hall groups

12.
RHA had many new goals this year and completely refocused our priorities to what
our residents want and need. Upon realizing that our Executive Board has sometimes
overshadowed and over-programmed our Community Councils and the campus
community, we believed it would be in our best interest to revamp the organization
to be as beneficial as possible to the residents. We could complete this task by
aligning ourselves with the newly appointed Chancellor’s Fast Forward initiative,
helping residents solve problems with productive solutions, and provide leadership
opportunities to allow Community Councils to plan and implement some of their
own programming.
12
On a flight with the rest RHA needs a recipe for success
Fast Forward Syracuse is a roadmap for the future
and a guide to help ensure the success of the
University in the context of a changing and
challenging higher education environment. It’s a
way to increase the value of the institution and the
degree students earn. It’s about making choices to
position and strengthen the University as a whole.
Since its June 2014 launch, Fast Forward Syracuse
has examined how we create academic excellence,
invest in our priorities and establish a strong
financial footing—while limiting the impact on
student tuition and enhancing the student experience.
RHA has been identified as one of the important pillars of
Fast Forward Syracuse University, and is on board with
Chancellor Syverud to move forward and better the living
experience on campus for residents.
RHA -Fast Forward Syracuse University
RHA President, Malik Evans, and Syracuse University Chancellor,
Kent Syverud

13.
GOAL Tower
Publicize RHA events, programs and initiatives to the residents and students of SU
Maintain a relationship with campus publications and media outlets
Set clear agendas and missions for the RHA E-Board
Ensure that one-on-one meetings are effective and have appropriate action items
set
Revamp the constitution to better fit the organization and future RHA E-Boards
Make sure the office hours are being utilized efficiently
Office renovations – Making the RHA office more appealing and work ready
Earning bid awards at the regional, minis and national level
Communicating with administrators about the happenings of RHA
Advocating on the needs and wants of students
Supporting the community councils
Having a clear streamline of communication
Make Enhance My Living Experience a continuous initiative that will benefit
various offices of SU
Successful civic engagement events
Graduation cords for seniors (RHA-send off)
Executive Board Goals
Efficient meetings
Supporting the general body through Adopt-A-Hall
Giving them the best leadership experience and
opportunities
More outside social events
Offering co-sponsorships
Publicizing their events to the greater community
Communicating with Resident Advisors and/or
Resident Directors
General Body Goals
Implement a new initiative to better serve the residents of Syracuse University
Enhance My Living Experience
Have open forums for residence life
Build stronger relationships with campus offices and departments
Office of the Chancellor
Campus safety
Housing
FixIt – Housing and Maintenance service on campus
Invite offices and departments to be “guest speakers” in our General Body meetings
Keep in contact with faculty and staff weekly or biweekly to give updates and relay
information
Advocacy Goals
Implement new programming ideas
2-3 Fall semester
2 Spring semester
Diversity awareness programs
Community building
Civic Engagement
Alcohol, sex, health, and gambling
awareness
Support the Community Councils to
hold successful programs for
their respective halls
Programming Goals
Provide training to Community Councils so they can plan and implement new
programs
Provide 2 leadership workshops over the course of the year
Individual positional training session
Programming sessions with ideas as well as how to put on a program
Develop a resource binder for future Executive Board members
Information with how to lead a meeting, take notes, balance a budget, put on a
program, contact directory, etc.
Inviting new general body members to conferences
Provide training for the Executive Board
Fall and Spring training sessions
Facilitated by the advisors: Orientation sessions, team builders, retreats, etc.
Perform SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) after each
program and big event on campus
Conduct mid-semester and end of the semester reflection
Leadership Development Goals
13

14.
14
Golden Programming Bridge
CommunityService
We value programming as a great way to engage with the residents
and take them outside of the walls of their dorm rooms. Programming
is a great resource to provide our residents with social, educational,
diverse, and community oriented environments that differentiates their
experience compared to other college campuses. We have held an
array of programs since the beginning of the year, many of which are
described below.
For over eight years, Syracuse University RHA has created a great relationship with the Boys and Girls Club of the
greater Syracuse area. This year we implemented a new program, which was inviting the entire campus community and
engaged the residents of the halls. The different residence halls at Syracuse University, took
part in a campus-wide trick-or-treating event that invited inner-city Syracuse children onto
campus. The children who came are from the Syracuse area, in which they live in
neighborhoods that may be dangerous and therefore prevents them from trick-or-treating on
Halloween. This event provided them with a safe, relaxing and entertaining environment to
take part of an experience that is essential to one’s childhood.
The event was managed by each Community Council, in which they were assigned a certain
number of kids to ensure of their safety and walk with them around the hall to retrieve candy
sponsored by RHA from the residents. The residents in the hall volunteered their time to
distribute the candy that RHA had provided. Over 400 residents volunteered to decorate their
doors, wear customs and give candy to the children attending the event. After the children
were finished trick-or-treating around the residence hall, they congregated in one of the hall
lounges for a conclusion event. For the conclusion event, some halls had face painting, arts
and crafts, electric slide, cupid shuffle, pumpkin decorating, and other exuberayting
activities to excite the children. Some of the halls who have underground tunnels,
decorated this area to create a maze for the children and a small-scale haunted house.
Creative ideas like this exemplifies the dedication of our students to the outside
community. We are inviting and more than willing to collaborate with others to offer a
different experience for all. This was a fun-filled and successful event, which is aimed to
be an annual program for the years to come at RHA. See
Appendix 1
Trick-or-Treating with the Boys and Girls Club

15.
Golden Programming Bridge
CommunityService
15
Orange Angels is an annual tradition that just celebrated its ninth birthday at the Syracuse Residence
Hall Association. While everyone else gets ready for finals and plans their Christmas break, RHA
hurries to give back to the community in a fundraiser that allows Syracuse University students to raise
money for one local child who would not normally be receiving a gift for the holiday season. In
partnership with five Boys and Girls Clubs in Syracuse, RHA was able to raise money for over 250
children this year. In previous years when Orange Angels had been
completed there had always been some trouble getting gifts that
were the same prices all around the board—there would be
situations where one child would receive a gift worth twice the
amount of another child. The problem occurred when some
residence halls were able to meet their fundraising goals and others
were not. This year, the e-board of RHA was able to obtain the
names, ages and genders of each child in the Boys and Girls Club
and distribute them out efficiently to each residence hall. The e-
board also stressed that all residence halls should aim for $10 per
child—thus, ensuring that all gifts would be around the same
quality and not unequal. As a result, Syracuse University was able to raise
over $3000 for Orange Angels— leaving about $500 extra that went to purchasing new games and
materials for the centers of the Boys and Girls Clubs to keep for the children.
!
Another issue that came with Orange Angels was how to fund for gift-wrapping—since all the gifts
had to be wrapped before they could be delivered to the Boys and Girls Club. The e-board of RHA
solved this issue by asking for donations from the community service fraternity on campus, Alpha Phi
Omega. Members of Alpha Phi Omega were able to log volunteering hours for every roll of gift-wrap
that they donated to Orange Angels. Even after 250 gifts we still have over 50
rolls of gift-wrap sitting in our office, waiting for new Orange Angels to come.
!
Orange Angels
Presents wrapped and ready to go!
We delivered to some of the Boys and Girls Clubs!
RHA fundraiser at Yogurtland — Proceeds go to the cause

16.
Golden Programming Bridge
Educational
Condom Casino
Have you ever wanted to experience the Las Vegas lifestyle, but also gain
some sort of educational component? Condom Casino would be perfect for
you! This year, this event was a favorite among all students at Syracuse
University. We had about 200 students across the campus participate in the
event for their chance to win prizes and valuable knowledge. The program
consisted of a number of different casino games at which they could win
chips to win prizes. There were tables with education pamphlets about safe
sex on campus. The program brought in different student organizations
that work to promote safe sex from different demographic perspectives.
They hosted Sex-Jeopardy and Trivia games so
that players could keep playing after losing all
of their chips! By the end of the night, even if
you didn't leave with any prizes, everybody left
with a goody bag of condoms!
16

17.
Golden Programming Bridge
AlittlebitofeverythingFun,communityserviceandeducational
OttoTHON
17
This year RHA, partnered with a group of students in OttoTHON to bring the first dance marathon
to Syracuse University to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. OttoTHON is an
enormous campus-wide fundraiser, where all proceeds will stay local in the Syracuse area at Upstate
Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year OttoTHON raised $84,913.33. From this record breaking
event Syracuse now holds the record for the highest guests registered for a first event dance
marathon, for which we had over 1,000 participants registered. We also were the highest fundraising
first year Dance Marathon in the Northeast, and we beat Duke’s record for their Dance Marathon
this year! OttoTHON is a huge philanthropy fundraiser on campus. The Residence Hall Association
is proud to have brought this to campus.
See Appendix 2 for publications.
RHA and OttoTHON members went live on the morning news!

18.
Falls of Leadership
Turn Up for Leadership
Director of Residence Life, Terra Peckskamp, gives
keynote speech at RHA's Leadership night
This year, the Office of Residence Life’s Leadership
Committee hosted a leadership night for the residents at
Syracuse University. The theme of the leadership night was
‘Turn Up for Leadership’ – where students could interact
with professional staff members to discover their leadership
skills and gather with others students to discuss their
leadership efforts in workshops in a fun and productive
environment. This event is collaboration between NRHH,
S.C.O.P.E. and RHA. We promote the event together and
facilitate the workshops with professional staff members
from the Office of Residence Life. This year the workshops
were: President’s Boardroom, How to program efficiently,
How to collaborate, How to solve conflict, Skills of the
mastermind, and professional development. The workshops
were a safe space where residents participated in games,
discussions and activities to discover their leadership skills.
Director of Residence Life, Terra Peckskamp, opened the
night with remarks regarding her 16 years at Syracuse
University, and her trials and tribulations of leaderships, but
also how she has overcome obstacles to build a strong office
of leaders that helps students grow.
Mini-Leadership Night
January 2015, RHA hosted for the first time a second leadership night primarily
for the general body of the Residence Hall Association. We felt that the general
body was disconnected from one another, and only knew each other when we
interacted at the meetings on Tuesday nights. This leadership night was small-
scale, but we knew it was necessary to create greater chemistry and build
relationships with one another. The night was led the participation of RHA and
Scott Catucci, the Associate Director of Outdoor Education and Student
Development. Scott reinforced the mission and objectives of RHA, and how it is
important for us to understand each other’s leadership style. To accomplish this
goal Scott facilitated the leadership wheel. The leadership wheel is a leadership
measurement about what type of leader you are. Members of RHA and the
general body were able to understand their leadership styles, and how they can
better work with each other based upon their leadership characteristics.
18

19.
19
Empire Challenges
Budget
As detailed throughout the bid, many may wonder how is a budget much of a challenge for an
organization that has done so much? Well, the budget was definitely a huge challenge for Syracuse
University’s Residence Hall Association this year. Our budget is $28,500, which comes from the Office of
Residence Life. By hosting this year’s NEACURH Regional conference, and bring the first dance marathon
to Syracuse University the budget was a huge conflict. For many programs we had to gather sponsorship
from other organizations, and cut some things that we believed was not a priority at the time such as
having various food options at events or having late night events, in which we will be charged for having a
building open after-hours. For the NEACURH 2014 Regional conference, Syracuse RHA was able to get a
$5,000 sponsorship for the Student Association, which is Syracuse University’s student government. This
sponsorship allowed us to pay for regional swag and expenditures that popped up last minute. In
regarding to OttoTHON, RHA was able to overcome the budget issues by acquiring sponsorships from
local vendors for food and also negotiating with SU staff to fit the budget, in order for the event to be
successful. We are thankful for our sponsors throughout the year, who have believed in our efforts and led
us to success.
Communication
Even through much success this year, there were still a few bumps in communication. Efficient
communication is difficult to master, and Syracuse University’s Residence Hall Association
experienced it frequently during the implementation of programs, and ensuring that everyone was
on the same page. There were times that some members believed that something was occurring
on a day that others were night. Recently, we had a situation of miscommunication for one of our
pump-up events for OttoTHON, Freezin’ for the Kids. One of the members believed that all the
shifts were covered, when there was an empty slot and no one was able to cover the shift to sell
ice cream. To resolve this conflict, members of the Executive Board, discussed how it is important
to communicate and hold each other accountable. Throughout the semester we have utilized
communication channels such as GroupMe, group text messages, FaceBook RHA groups, and
RHA list-servs to better the communication for all.
Time
Almost in every life endeavor, time is an opportunity cost. This year, for Syracuse University’s RHA, time
was a conflicting issue. There were many times that schedules conflicted with one another, being that
many members of the Executive Board are active on campus, but also true to their academics. In other
cases, time was an issue with planning programs. Syracuse University is a huge campus with over 300
student organizations. Planning beforehand is important because there are a limited number of spaces
on campus where student organizations can have events. It was crucial for Syracuse University’s
Residence Hall Association to plan ahead because we knew that our programs were on tight timelines.
We have resolved some time issues by utilizing online doodles, and constructing actions plans for the
semester.

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Channel MONEY
RHA BUDGET
2014 - 2015
Beginning Balance $28,500.00
Expenses
Trainings:
RHA training $989.32
*Sponsored RA
collaboration events
$1099.56
Expenditures:
Co-sponsorship $2,500.00
Programming $5,305.16
Food $310.24
Leadership Night $923.16
Public Relations $881.71
Stipends $2,200.00
Conferences: $7,000
NACURH dues $110.00
NEACURH
registration
$1,342.00
RHA - OttoTHON
Sponsorship $3,500.00
*Catering FREE
*Balloons Donated
*Extra Community
donations
$110.83
Expenses
Venue $2,435.00
Merchandise $1,723.70
* This year RHA hosted its first ever Resident
Advisor training event. This is event was
implemented to better the relationship between
RAs and the Residence Hall Association.
Throughout event we mingled with one another
to discuss our plans in the residence halls and to
get to know each other personally. There were
activities such as face painting, cookie
decorating, dodge ball, and ninja. It was a great
bonding time for the 120 Resident Advisors and
the Residence Hall Association.
*For our first ever dance Marathon, RHA
was able to have sponsorships from the
community such as Insomnia Cookies, Tops
Supermarket and Balloons over Syracuse,
which helped leverage costs.

21.
NACURH-opolis
21
Representation at the Annual NACURH
Syracuse University attended NACURH 2014 last May with a full
delegation. Our Residence Hall Association was able to engage in
networking, programming, and boardroom activities at the national
conference. Our representation at the annual conference included eight
delegates with two of them being first time delegates for a Residence Hall
Conference. After debriefing their experiences of first time delegates,
there was a gain of enthusiasm when it came to getting more students
involved in attending a conference.
NACURH OTM Winners
Syracuse University has been committed
to NACURH, with the hopes of continuing
its efforts. It has had 3 NACURH OTM
winners, and wishes to have more in the
upcoming years.!
NIC Report and dues
When Syracuse attended NEACURH 2013 at Stony Brook
University, our institution was selected to host the regional
conference in 2014. The presentation of this bid went along
with our affiliation for the upcoming year to allow the NIC to
recognize our ability to be an acceptable affiliate
institution.Syracuse University submitted annual dues, attached
our regional bid for submission into the Resource File Index,
and filled out the online affiliation form on time. In early
October, SU earned affiliation status under NACURH so we
were able to have voting rights to help voice our institution.
Chatting it up with peer universities
At NACURH, we were able to exchange
programming resources to not only our region but
also other regions. This was very useful in our fall
semester for programming.
SU Involvement
While at conference, our current National Communications Coordinator and
delegation helped contribute to the NEACURH roll call during NACURH to
win the best roll call out of any region in 2014. One of the goals of Syracuse
University’s RHA this year is to have a large portion of our general body to
get exposed to a conference and the resources available by NACURH.
Having this knowledge of what NACURH can provide and the networking
and programming resources of what a conference provides is essential to
the growth and enthusiasm of our Residence Hall Association. After hosting
a regional conference and engaging more first time delegates, our
involvement of students is able to drastically increase.

22.
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Land of the Moose
Syracuse RHA’s NCC, James Silverman, and RHA
conference member, Emily Dang, with NEACURH RCC of
Campus Development, Erin Mayo!
Conferences
In recent years, Syracuse University has proven itself as
an active participant in the NEACURH region. Delegates
attend sub regionals, Regionals, Minis as well as the
NACURH conference. It’s been a school tradition to send
the incoming RHA E-board on a summer retreat at the
NACURH conference. Our school has had a history of
bidding for regional awards and positions. The most
recent award bid was the NEACURH Regionals 2014 (bid
in 2013).
Hosting Regional Officers
We are proud to host a Regional Board Director and Conference Chair,
Ashley Siu (2014). Ashley previously served as the National
Communications Coordinator of RHA and then moved into the Regional
Conference Chair position of the RBD. Before Ashley, Syracuse University
hosted Zach Chase as the RCC of New York for the 2013- 2014 year.
Bringing NEACURH back to campus
Last November we hosted the NEACURH Regionals conference: Marty’s Spice
of Life. This conference not only offered programs and entertainment for the
region, it kickstarted the revival NEACURH alumni relations with special guest
(and Syracuse alumna) Danielle Sutton-Puusalu as the keynote speaker. The
delegation at this conference consisted of seven delegates.
OTM Lovers!
Syracuse’s NEACURH involvement doesn’t end just because conference does. We
bleed orange on NEACURH committees and through OTMs. Since last August, over
200 OTMs were submitted with 8 regional winners.
Sub-Regional
This year, Syracuse University has been unable to attend sub-regional
meetings. The Executive Board members have been active by
communicating with peer institutions and discussing the minutes that were
released through email. We have sent the minutes to community council
advisors and professional staff members in the Office of Residence Life, so
that they are aware of the happenings.

23.
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Students
Students of Syracuse University have been supportive of the Residence Hall Association, but also have noticed
the importance of the organization over the years. Students utilize the organization for sponsorship for events
within their residence hall to enhance their experience, but also notice the uniqueness of the organization, in
which they are able to have their voices heard. Students are able to see rapid change in their residence hall due
to the reactiveness of the Residence Hall Association Executive Board members. This year, through our Enhance
My Living Experience initiative, students have been able to communicate about their living experience directly to
the Residence Hall Association. See Appendix 3. They voice their recommendations of improvement and RHA
takes action by communicating with the designated university point of contacts that are able to fulfill the request.
This initiative has been widely accepted by the students are Syracuse University. The students benefit greatly from
RHA’s programs, which make a large university like Syracuse seem rather small.
Thank you for Flying!
We Fly Together

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Appendix 1
SUNews: http://news.syr.edu/residence-hall-association-hosts-trick-or-
treating-for-boys-and-girls-club-70219/

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Daily Orange: http://dailyorange.com/2015/02/ottothon-to-be-held-
saturday-will-raise-money-for-upstate-golisano-childrens-hospital/
Appendix 2
OttoTHON: http://www.ottothon.org

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Appendix 3
SUNews: http://news.syr.edu/residence-hall-association-aims-
to-enhance-living-experience-45123/

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28. SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE
!
February!23,!2015!
Dear!Members!of!the!Selection!Committee:!
My!name!is!Liz!Green!and!I!serve!as!an!Assistant!Director!of!Residence!Life!at!Syracuse!University.!I!have!had!the!
pleasure!of!working!directly!with!our!Residence!Hall!Association!for!the!past!two!months!as!a!coMadvisor!while!another!
Assistant!Director!has!been!off!on!family!leave.!My!experiences!with!and!passion!for!RHA!have!shaped!my!excitement!
for!stepping!into!this!role.!Please!accept!this!letter!of!support!for!Syracuse!University’s!Residence!Hall!Association!and!
their!bid!for!School!of!the!Year.!!
The!2014M2015!academic!year!has!been!both!eventful!and!rewarding!for!the!Residence!Hall!Association.!The!fall!2014!
semester!was!highlighted!by!an!incredibly!successful!NEACURH!conference!hosted!at!Syracuse!University.!In!addition!to!
the!planning!that!went!into!this!conference,!RHA!worked!with!each!residence!hall’s!community!council!to!raise!money!
for!local!children!during!the!holiday!time!through!an!initiative!called!Orange!Angels.!Orange!Angels!is!a!particularly!
important!initiative!because!it!partners!residence!hall!spirit!with!an!amazing!civic!engagement!opportunity!to!provide!
gifts!for!children!in!our!community.!!
I!am!incredibly!fortunate!to!be!able!to!work!with!RHA!this!semester!because!I!have!been!able!to!see!firsthand!their!work!
on!two!new,!largeMscale!initiatives.!The!first!of!these!is!an!online!survey!for!residence!hall!students!called!Enhance!My!
Living!Experience.!The!intent!behind!this!survey!is!to!provide!residence!hall!students!an!anonymous!format!to!voice!their!
concerns!and!celebrations!about!their!own!living!experience!in!the!residence!halls!and!how!that!can!be!improved.!Our!
RHA!executive!board!then!tracks!the!feedback!and!discusses!it!through!appropriate!channels!to!address!issues!as!
efficiently!and!effectively!as!possible.!The!survey!has!been!an!amazing!exercise!in!empowering!our!residence!hall!
students!to!advocate!for!themselves!in!an!easy!and!creative!way!to!garner!actionable!feedback.!
In!addition!to!this!survey!initiative,!Syracuse's!RHA!is!currently!serving!as!the!primary!sponsoring!organization!for!the!
first!ever!OttoTHON!Dance!Marathon!at!Syracuse!University,!an!event!to!raise!funds!for!the!Children's!Miracle!Network.!
Coming!up!in!just!a!few!days,!OttoTHON!is!anticipating!900!participants,!an!incredible!number!for!an!event!in!its!first!
year.!Through!watching!RHA's!excitement!and!enthusiasm!build,!as!we!get!closer!to!the!actual!event,!I!am!reminded!of!
the!capacity!of!student!organizations!to!advocate!for!an!important!cause!and!rally!such!a!large!number!of!people!on!
campus!to!do!the!same.!
It!is!clear!to!me!that!Syracuse!University's!RHA!is!a!strong!voice!for!not!only!our!residence!hall!students,!but!also!our!
campus!as!a!whole.!I!believe!these!examples!place!Syracuse!as!a!strong!contender!for!School!of!the!Year.!Should!you!
have!any!questions,!please!don't!hesitate!to!contact!me.!Thank!you!for!your!time.!!
!
Sincerely,!
Elizabeth!M.!Green!
Assistant!Director,!Office!of!Residence!Life!
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29. SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE
February 26, 2015
To Whom It May Concern,
I write this letter with great enthusiasm to express my support for the Syracuse University Residence
Hall Association (SU RHA) as the bid for School of the Year. This year the students of the SU RHA
have accomplished a tremendous amount, and are very deserving of the School of the Year Honor.
One of the major accomplishments this was hosting the 2014 NEACURH regional conference. The bid
team put in a lot of time to ensure that students from all over the Northeast region had an exemplary
experience while they were here for “Marty’s Spice of Life.” Hosting a regional conference takes a lot
of energy, attention to detail, and collaboration. The bid team worked with students and staff across
campus (and from other campuses!) to create an engaging and rewarding experience for all
participants. The students on the bid team, as well as the participants learned a lot, and made
Syracuse University a stronger campus because of their leadership and strong collaboration.
Another area that RHA has really had major impact is with advocacy. A new initiative, Enhance My
Living Experience, was launched in January. This is an on-line tool for residential students to provide
feedback and suggest improvements. The information comes directly to the RHA, and RHA students
then advocate for change. Enhance My Living Experience not only provides a vehicle for students to
share ideas and thoughts, but it also serves to connect a broader range of students to the RHA,
residential staff, and residential programs.
A final area that I would like to highlight is the RHA’s commitment to service. This year RHA is working
on two major service-related programs. The first, Orange Angels, occurred in December 2014. Orange
Angels is a toy drive for local children that the RHA coordinates. This year funds were raised to
purchase holiday gifts for over 350 children in need. The second service initiative is OttoThon.
OttoThon is a dance marathon that is raising funds for the Golisano Children’s Hospital here in
Syracuse. The fundraising goal is $105,000; OttoThon is set to occur this Saturday 2/28/15, and as of
today $65,000 has been raised. Both of these events require hard work, commitment, vision, and a
strong dedication to serving others. I am so very proud of the students of the RHA who have taken on
these challenges, and are doing phenomenal work!
I am thrilled that the Residence Hall Association of Syracuse University is bidding for School of the
Year. In my mind and heart, they already are. I know that because of the collaboration, advocacy,
and service that the students of Syracuse University’s Residence Hall Association deserve to win
School of the Year. I support their bid without reservation, and please feel free to contact me with any
additional questions.
Sincerely,
Terra L. Peckskamp
Director, Office of Residence Life
Syracuse University
111 Waverly Ave., Suite 200 / Syracuse, New York 13244-2320 / 315-443-3637 / Fax: 315-443-2633
http://orl.syr.edu
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