The document summarizes changes made to improve the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS) organization at Slippery Rock University from the previous year to the current year. Key changes include: 1) Increased collaboration with other campus organizations for co-programming events. 2) Established short-term and long-term goals for the executive board and the organization. 3) Clarified roles and expectations for executive board members, advisors, building buddies, and house councils. 4) Streamlined meetings and removed unproductive stipend meetings. 5) Updated the constitution and bylaws to formalize positions and processes like building buddies and impeachment.

1. Building Block
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
CAACURH
No Frills 2016
Present Day
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2. Campus level
How has involvement on a campus level grown from a previous year?
Old Practice:
Last year we worked with the university programming board, office of
multicultural development, and healthy outreach through peer education H.O.P.E. peer
educators. However instead of working together to program with these other groups we
helped more so financially.
Current Practice:
Currently we reach out to all the other clubs that we possibly can. We have goals
to work with the Athletic Department, Office of Multicultural Development, Black Action
Society, Greek Life, RockOut, Student Organization of Latinos, Hispanics and Allies
(SOUL), Student Government Association, University Programming Board, Healthy
Outreach Through Peer Education (H.O.P.E.) Peer Educators, Green and White
Society, and the Rotaract Club amongst other organizations.
We actively are co-programming with other organizations, so we can build
bridges and help each other. We find that working with all of the other organizations on
campus helps us grow, and reach more of the student body. It helps us fulfill our
mission and vision as well as meet the other clubs mission as well. We are all here for
the students so we work together to provide the best for the students at Slippery Rock
University.
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3. All of the presidents of these organizations meet or email monthly to help make
sure a variety of programming is being offered and a variety of times and days. This
also helps to make programs successful, because there is less competition between
events.
Mission: The mission of ARHS is to support on campus students by: fostering
intentional and positive relationships through organized programs and leadership
opportunities, which empower residents to become leaders and life long learners.
Vision: The goal of ARHS is to enhance the living environment for students who
reside on campus. We want the "home away from home" feel to become a reality for all
students. We hope to listen to students and validate their concerns. We want to better
the organization for the future. We want to push student leaders to become the best
leaders that they can be and help them grow and develop as lifelong learners.
Campus level Partnerships:
• Athletic Department: midnight madness
• Office of Multicultural Development: Rav-A-Palooza
• Black Action Society: Homecoming dance
• Greek Life: Alcohol free mix off
• RockOut: Gender Neutral Housing Proposal
• Student Government Association: Thanksgiving dinner, fall fest, project positivity
• University Programming Board: Color run, haunted house, fall fest
• Healthy Outreach Through Peer Education (H.O.P.E.) Peer Educators: Spring
fling
• Green and White Society: campus clean up, fall fest
• Rotaract Club: Dance – a – thon
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4. • Sister to Sister: talent show
Goals and Objectives
Old Practice:
We did not compile a list of goals or objectives.
Current Practice:
This year we did a team builder and training session over the summer. We
compiled a list of short term and long-term goals.
We came up with the expectations of our positions, and other roles we have as
an organization.
We check into our goals at our executive board meetings regularly.
Short term:
1. Consistent use of Robert’s Rules of Order
2. Improve our branding via social media
3. Activate more organizational participation and more volunteers
4. Produce more constructive feedback
5. Be more engaged
6. Be transparent and honest
7. Be the support you ask for
We have strived to meet these goals. We have provided the delegation with a cheat
sheet to help them follow Robert’s Rules more closely. We updated our constitution and
bylaws to give a specific position the task of social media. We have established an ad-
hoc committee to help with volunteers and organizational involvement in our programs.
After every program we do a pro/con session with our delegation to improve for the
following year. We are also a phone call away from the delegation at all times. They all
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5. have our cell phone numbers and feel comfortable reaching out to us. Every time there
is a hard subject to discuss we make sure to bring it to the delegation and get their
opinions. We try our hardest to support the delegation with their programs and events,
so we can get the same support back.
Long Term:
1. Consistent use of Robert’s Rules of Order
2. Host competitive elections
3. Foster positive relationships through open communication
4. Promote positive branding
Now that we are in the second semester of school we will strive to make these long-
term goals a reality. We are doing a Robert’s Rules of Order 2.0 to have the delegation
have a more structured way to follow them. We had very competitive elections for house
council this year, which in years previous was unheard of. We open to have the same
for our ARHS Executive Elections. We have and will continue to have open lines of
communication with our delegation. We have assigned the task of social media to our
NCC; which was a start to our positive branding. We will continue this as the year goes
on with strong programs and heavy advertisements with our logo and name.
Executive Board Expectations:
1. Be a united front
2. Be authentic
3. Equal effort
4. Have fun
5. Keep an open mind to different perspectives
6. Understand diversity
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6. 7. Speak your mind
8. Understand roles and boundaries
We not only made expectations for our board in its entirety, but we also made
individual position expectations and goals, which we are evaluated on every month. We
made the expectations listed above because that is where we found flaws in the year
previous. We wanted to be able to strive to be better. We want to make sure we are
progressing as opposed to regressing.
Advisor Expectations:
1. Speak your mind
2. Be transparent
3. Be present
4. Have fun
5. Be conducive to open relationships
6. Be involved
We felt it was very important to have expectations for our advisors because they
have expectations for us. We thought giving each other expectations made what wanted
very clear. We want our advisors to be a part of our group and to stand with us. We
thought that this was a great way to ensure we were on the same page and could work
together cohesively.
Building Buddy Expectations
1. Use a “hands off” approach. Let the House Council, make decisions, and help
them learn. Provide additional knowledge and be a resource.
2. Remember it is not your Building, so really listen to what the residents in the
building want; after all it is their money.
3. Be available – make sure the House Council is able to get a hold of you, and
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7. have an open line of communication with them. Also be open with the GRDs and
CAs.
4. Build Relationships – get to know the House Council Members and let them get
to know you. If you know how they work, it may change how you present the
advice you are giving.
5. Refrain from negative talk about ARHS – we all know the job can be stressful,
but do not let the House Council Members see that in you. Refrain from “airing
our dirty laundry” to those who do not need to know. We will get through it as a
team.
6. Make sure the House Council feels appreciated and is having fun. These
students are volunteering their time; make sure they know how much we rely on
them and that all of their hard work is not going unnoticed. All the same, they
paid a house council fee as well, so they should enjoy programs and have fun
too.
7. Make sure to give the ARHS report at the House Council Meetings. The idea is to
have all on campus residents in the loop about what we are doing, so make sure
you spread the word.
Building buddies have been a really loose concept in years past. We decided that
we should make it a firm concept. We added it into our constitution and bylaws. We
thought these expectations would help everyone understand what was needed from
building buddies, and everyone was on the same page.
Structure of RHA
Old Practice:
Executive board: President, Vice President of Programming, Vice President of
Business Affairs, Vice President of Administration (unfilled), National Communications
Coordinators, Professional Staff Advisor, 2 Graduate in Residence Directors
House Council: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary,
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8. Parliamentarian, Graduate in Residence Director Advisor, building buddy.
Building Buddy: Each executive board member was assigned to 1-3 buildings
and their involvement was up to the individual.
Current Practice:
Executive board: President, Vice President of Programming, Vice President of
Business Affairs, Vice President of Administration, National Communications
Coordinator, Parliamentarian, National Communications Coordinator in Training,
Professional Staff Advisor, 2 Graduate in Residence Directors
We thought it was important to have a parliamentarian because we wanted to
make sure our meetings moved smoothly, and we felt it was necessary to have a single
person to help keep order in our organization. We thought it was important to have an
NCC-it because we think that training someone to take on such a big role is very
important. Since the NCC has a lot of responsibility in the beginning of the fall semester
it is vital that they feel prepared. We also thought it was important to fill the Vice
President of Administration.
House Council: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary,
Parliamentarian, Graduate in Residence Director Advisor, active building buddy.
Building Buddy: At Slippery Rock University we team up our executive board
with the house councils to be there as a support system and to help build the bridge
between the two. This year we added it into our constitution. Each executive board
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9. member is assigned to two different buildings. They must attend their meetings, and be
present with in the building. As an executive board we created a list of expectations we
should have has building buddies.
Benefits: We feel as though all of the changes that we have made in our
structure and organization of ARHS this year makes everything easier and clear. We
feel that with the goals and expectations, and our updated constitution and bylaws
provided clarity to the ARHS. We feel as though this will help the transition for future
executive boards. We have left a lot of materials in writing, so someone else can pick it
up and be able to understand the way we had structured the organization.
Thoughts From Our Current NCC
Sitting in the general body last year and having attended CAACURH 2014 I knew
that being on the executive board, as NCC was what I wanted. I wanted to make sure
that our universities name was more known in the region/nation and most importantly I
wanted to elevate ourselves back to where we were when we were hosting No Frills and
sending strong candidates for RBD positions. I as NCC wanted to be the change I
wanted to see. CAACURH and NACURH have not only afforded my university with
leadership opportunities and personal growth opportunities, but they have also given us
inspiration and passion for bettering and bolstering student leaders.
Coming into the position I received a binder that was from the two years previous
NCC and was told “good luck.” I knew then it was time to sink or swim. I jumped in with
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10. two feet and hit the ground running. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew like
anything else getting involved and making connections was going to be a good start. I
eagerly jumped into the Recognition and Bidding Committee, was given the Co-Chair
passion on the History Taskforce, and got involved with the Winter Working Group. In
doing this I have opened the lines of communication with Regional Board Members. Our
university works closely with a bulk of the Regional Officers though our participation with
various committees and working groups between out president and myself. Not only is it
important to me for others to see the impact Slippery Rock University is making in the
region, but also it is important to me. I have had some of the most amazing support from
various institutions in the region but also from the Regional Officers all of which have
guided me through this journey.
In comparison to our past NCC I have been proactive about the idea that I can
only serve one year in my position due to graduating. I elected very early in the fall
semester my NCC-it Kimberly who has been walking along in this journey along with
me. She not only is a great support system and cheerleader for myself, but she is also
just as hungry to thrive in this position as I am. It will be a very bittersweet moment
when I pass on my position, but know between what I’ve learned, my digital binder to be
passed on, and what I have already taught Kimberly Slippery Rock University will
continue on the path to success within our region.
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11. The House Council View
Jacqueline Owens; North Hall Treasurer
“I have been working with the ARHS Executive Board for two years now and the
biggest thing that I have noticed between last year’s board and this year’s board is this
year’s board is this board is more organized then last year’s board was so the meeting
times are shorter this year than they were last year. Another thing I have noticed takes
their positions and the power that position holds more seriously than year’s board did.
This board is also better at keeping the demos on task and taking care of situations
when they get out of hand. It has been a pleasure working with ARHS.”
Emily Jordan; Rhoads Hall President
“One of the main improvements that I think was important from this year to last
year is the fact that we no longer have stipend meetings. Stipend meetings were
repetitive and everyone dreaded them. I also feel that they made everyone power
hungry and took away from what the meetings are supposed to be for. The meetings
should be focused on the positive things that we are doing for the buildings, not making
sure the E-board is going to their office hours. The elimination of these meetings makes
the meetings that we have this semester run more smoothly and efficiently.”
Chad Barrick; Building A Parliamentarian
“I think that the most notable improvement from this year to last is the amount of
time we spend in meetings. It is significantly less time than last year while still getting
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12. everything done that we got done last year. I also think that the E-board this year is
noticeably more tight knit than they were last year.”
Rachel Lawler; Building A Vice President
“From last year to this year, I can defiantly see a dramatic change in the
organization in a positive light. The meetings are run more smoothly, as well as
professionally. As a delegate I notice a strong, passionate E-board that will do anything
for the students living in the residence halls at SRU.”
Chelsee McCann; Executive Board Parliamentarian
“When I joined the Association of Residence Hall students my freshman year I
was a member of House Council. The organization was not as put together, as in my
eyes, it had the potential to be. At the time I feel like people were not giving their full
effort and the only member of the Executive Board I felt I had any type of relationship
with was my building’s Building Buddy. I think I can speak on behalf of many of the
other buildings and felt they may have only felt personable with their Buddy as well. I
also before becoming part of the organization had no clue what they did or even the
point of it, and even after I do not feel as though ARHS was advertised enough on
campus.
Now as a sophomore I am more involved with the organization and I feel as
though the group as a whole has a friendlier atmosphere. I can say I think the Executive
Board is closer than previously. There are more events put on through the organization
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13. as well, and they are creative and can fit anyone’s fancy. Also advertising is much better
and I feel more students are familiar with the organization. In my opinion the
organization has changed completely in many ways from advertising to the amount of
events and most obviously how personable the Executive Board is.”
Other Changes
Constitution and Bylaws
This year we made some major changes to our constitution and bylaws. We
added building buddies; we changed our stipend and impeachment process, and more.
Stipend Process
Old Practice:
Once a month was a dreaded day. On most stipend meetings we struggled to
make quorum due to the brutality of these meetings. We would have the duties of the
person shown on the projector screen, and the delegation would have time to read
those. The position that was getting voted on would discuss what they accomplished in
the last month. We would then move into a five-minute question and answer session,
followed by that person leaving the room. Once that person left there would be a five-
minute discussion, followed by private ballot voting.
Current Practice:
Our professional staff member determines if we have met our constitutional
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14. duties and deserve our full or partial stipend. They complete this by attending meetings,
events, and other functions, as well as, monthly one on one meetings. The one on one
meetings happen at least once a month; however, most months’ meetings occur more
regularly. This decision is also discussed in the meetings with all of our advisors, who
meet weekly. Anyone can approach our advisors about any concern they have with our
executive board performance.
Impeachment Process
Old Practice:
1/3 of the delegation presents a petition for impeachment, the process moves
forward with the agreement of the advisors. The person in jeopardy of losing their
position has the opportunity to rebuttal the charges. This is followed by a vote, which 2/3
of the on campus population must vote for the impeachment. If this passes it then goes
to the executive board where 2/3 of them must vote the person should be impeached.
This is the end of the process.
Current Practice:
1/3 of the delegation presents a petition for impeachment, the process moves
forward with the agreement of the advisors. The person in jeopardy of losing their
position has the opportunity to rebuttal the charges. This is followed by a vote, which 2/3
of the delegation must vote for the impeachment. If this passes it then goes to the
executive board where 2/3 of them must vote the person should be impeached. This is
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15. the end of the process.
Additionally:
We try to plan our meetings 4 weeks in advance so we can keep them all under
an hour. We attend other organizations meetings to keep out voice heard. We have
ramped up how strictly we follow Robert’s rules. We have created placards for everyone
that has a Robert’s rules cheat sheet. We have started have the organizations we work
with fill out a written document to make sure we are all on the same page with
expectations. We utilize GroupMe to keep everyone connected.
Thoughts from the President
When I obtained this position I was already on the Executive board as Vice
President of Programming. I had many thoughts about what I wanted to change. I
personally get stressed working in a chaotic environment. I felt that last year was very
chaotic. I love the structure that we have implemented this year. The delegation seems
to have taken well to it. The biggest way that we are addressing the issues and
problems that we have or had is by changing the way we deal with them. We have
made the organization more work like as opposed to a personal position. I think this
really helps with getting tasks completed and obstacles being looked at objectively.
Without the stress of personal feelings we seem to work more cohesively. We evaluate
ourselves regularly and make improvements to the way we do things to make things
more effective, smooth, and most importantly fun. We have seen better attendance at
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16. meetings, other organizations reaching out to us and wanting to partner with us. These
are all very big steps for us.
Last year we did not attempt to bid for any awards and by the end of no frills we
will have submitted 4 bids. I could not be more proud of the steps we have taken to put
our name out there in the region. We have a very supportive delegation. They have
helped with every bid that we have written. They contributed to each and every bid that
we have written. I am so happy with the overwhelming support we have received.
Last year, our president did not attend the CAACURH Regional Conference. This
year, I am so privileged to have attended the conference and to have attended an
amazing boardroom. I loved the round table discussions that we had at conference.
Some of us felt as though we were not done discussing the topics at hand, so we have
a GroupMe conversation that helps us bounce ideas off of each other. I also love the
Facebook page for RHA Presidents, the involvement and inspiration that takes place
there warms my heart. I try to comment and help wherever possible. I think this is a
great resource, and I can only hope it continues.
This year we have focused on thinking for the future, and long term bettering our
organization as opposed to just bettering it for ourselves. I hope this continues for the
future. As I leave this organization in the spring, I can only hope that the organization
continues to grow and prosper.
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17. Regional Involvement:
How has your regional involvement grown?
Old Practice:
Our president did not attend CAACURH and our NCC did not attend No Frills, so
it was very difficult to stay connected within the region.
Current Practice:
This year we have really ramped up our involvement within the region. Our NCC
is currently very involved. She is serving on a regional committee, as well as, co-
chairing a task force. Jennifer has taken the position and ran with it, we are
participating in various regional efforts, as well as, our full-fledged effort to make a wake
at CAACURH. Our NCC has a lot of pride in our region and loves getting her voice out
there to make our name known by others in the region.
In regards to conference, our NCC was adamant that we would make a positive
impact, while trying to elevate ourselves in the region. In combination with our RHA
president our NCC co-wrote a bid for Program of the Year for CAACURH 2015. The
POY bid was something our organization used as a learning tool. Though we were not
able to present this bid at conference, the bid brought our RHA together to work towards
compiling the best bid we could. CAACURH 2015 in itself was a learning experience for
the entire delegation of 10 that attended. Starting with the ‘Spirit Force’ comprised of
delegates that spent about four hours a week working on CAACURH spirit and cheers.
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18. As well as, making sure that everyone including herself was as prepared as they could
be for either boardroom, or to participate in programs. In the end not only did everyone
take away get tools to promote leadership, equality, and ways to better our RHA, but we
were also able to secure two awards from the conference, and could not be more proud.
We are trying to teach our NCC-it how to be just as involved for years to come.
The president is also very involved. She attends the NCC chats regularly. She is
actively participating in the RHA committees. Our NCC-it also communicates with other
schools via email and GroupMe. Fall semester was supposed to act as an easing in
time, but she jumped right in, her and our NCC have been working hand-and-hand to
make sure there is a seamless transition after our current NCC graduates.
Use of Services
Old Practice:
Very rarely participated within the region.
Current Practice:
This year we utilized other schools and their successes to help improve our
organization. We have used RFI files to help our house council come up with
programming ideas. We took what we learned from round table discussions to help
improve our group. We also have actively been using resources within the region to
help move us forward.
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19. NACURH Level
Does your school have an affiliated NRHH Chapter?
Old Practice:
Yes; however, we rarely communicated.
Current Practice:
Yes. This year we are really trying to work with our NRHH chapter to plan and
put on events and activities for our campus. We also are trying to filter our members into
their membership.
How have you utilized the services/resources of the NRHH?
Old Practice:
We did not utilize the services/resources of NRHH.
Current Practice:
We have been recognizing students through OTMs for several years, but have
recently started using newer resources such as the guides, manuals, and other chapter-
building resources on the NRHH website. We have worked with the NSRO to order
some supplies and plan on continuing to do so in the future. Lastly, we see emails and
Facebook as great resources to keep up on what it happening in our chapter efficiently
and as methods to help each other and be helped, especially as a small chapter.
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20. How have you utilized the resources of the NIC?
Old Practice:
Our delegation did not know that these resources excited.
Current Practice:
We have provided all of our house council presidents and vice presidents with
the opportunity to utilize this information to plan programs. Each house council is
required to put on at least one program a month.
Describe your practice and involvement in the Annual NACURH Conference?
Old Practice:
Unfortunately, due to budgetary restrictions we were not able to attend this
conference.
Current Practice:
We are already preparing for this conference and cannot be more excited to
attend and bring a delegation. We have pin ideas, and plan to send bids to this
conference. We are excited that a fellow CAACURH member school is hosting this
conference.
Our current NCC will most likely be unable to attend NACURH as per our
constitution, but she has been actively preparing her NCC-it for what is in store. Jennifer
and her NCC-it Kimberly have spent countless hours taking about: transportation,
selecting delegates, delegate applications, paying for conference, spirit, and forms
necessary for conference. Jennifer will be walking across the finish line with Kimberly
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21. while we work towards the conference and prepare to pass the baton to what will be the
new NCC.
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23. Work Cited
*All images were self produced or created via design software.
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