"What is the Residence Hall Federation?"

The Residence Hall Federation (RHF) is the governing and programming body of the Virginia Tech campus. Its mission is to improve residence life in any manner possible. It accomplishes this mission primarily through campus-wide programming and legislative action. In addition, RHF is represented on the statewide, regional, and national levels, interacting with other Residence Hall Associations all around the country.

"So what you're saying is that you're Resident Advisors?"

No! Rather, RHF works alongside RA's to create a better experience for on-campus residents. However, if serving as a Resident Advisor is something you have ever considered, becoming active in RHF is an excellent way to get started along that path.

"What's Hall Council?"

Hall Councils are the fundamental units of the Residence Hall Federation that are responsible for fostering a sense of community within their individual residence halls. From planning a hall-wide game of Assassins to giving residents a forum to express their opinions, the Hall Council is where students can become leaders in making their home away from home a fun place to live!

"Sounds fun! How can I get involved?"

Elections for Hall Councils occur at the beginning of the Fall semester. Your Resident Advisor should have applications with specific instructions about running for a position. Campaigning takes place within the first weeks of the semester, and voting takes place online.

"What positions are available on my Hall Council?"

Aside from the standard roles (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary), other positions such as Programs, Facilities, and Public Relations Officers are also available. In addition, a hall council may have any number of Floor Representatives who define their own role within the team through such filling such roles as Webmaster, Historian, General Assembly Liaison - the possibilities are endless!

"General Assembly? What's that?"

General Assembly is the weekly meeting where relevant business is presented, discussed, and acted upon. Here, Hall Councils are given a chance to come together to debate important issues to the campus as well as announce programs and events they are planning. The meeting follows Robert's Rules of Order to maintain a fair, efficient process.

"Can I be active in the Hall Council without running for a position?"

You sure can! By applying to be a Floor Representative, you can earn a position on the Hall Council without even running for it. From there, you can assume one of many self-defined roles within the council. In fact, even if you DO run for a position and do not win, you are still offered a position as a Floor Representative to ensure that no one is left out of the fun!

"Can I join my Hall Council later if I don't run for office in the fall?"

Even if you did not run for office in the fall, you are still encouraged to become an active member of your Hall Council. Contact your Hall Council President to ask about vacant positions within the Council. If none are open, you can still take on a role as Floor Representative for your hall.

"What will I get out of being in the Residence Hall Federation?"

The Residence Hall Federation presents countless opportunities for becoming involved in one of the campus' biggest student organizations, representing over 9,000 students. Additionally, as a member of the organization, you will be given a chance to develop as a leader, one of the key factors employers look at in the professional world. Finally, the Residence Hall Federation is an excellent way to meet hundreds of new friends and have fun making the campus a better place to live!

"Which major contributions has RHF been responsible for in the past?"

RHF is responsible for many annual events that happen throughout the year around campus. Such programs include the Pizza Bonanza, Campus Kickoff, Casino Night, and the Hokies Hold'em Poker Tournament. In addition, through legislative action, RHF has improved campus-wide policy, from initiating the push for co-ed residence halls long ago to just recently helping the Residence Life Department ban smoking inside halls.

"What is Fall Conference, and how much does it cost?"

Fall Conference is where new members of the Hall Councils around campus receive training, strengthen bonds among their team, and develop as the leaders that will shape the face of the campus. The retreat takes place at an off-campus location that allows participants to completely immerse themselves in the activities planned throughout the weekend. And the best part is that it's completely FREE! From the food to the lodging, everything is paid for by the organization.

"What resources are the Hall Councils given to work with?"

Each Hall Council is provided a budget proportionate to size of their hall. This money can be used for nearly anything the Council sees fit for which to use it: from programs put on around the hall such as ice cream socials to buying facilities for the hall such as pool tables and dart boards. In addition, at Fall Conference, Hall Councils will receive training in how to best raise additional funding. Finally, throughout the year, the Battle of the Halls competition allows active halls to earn even more money to put to their use. The possibilities really are endless.

"How does RHF interact with other Residence Hall Associations around the country?"

The Virginia Tech Residence Hall Federation is affiliated with the Virginia Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (VACURH), the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH), and the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). Every year, delegates from Virginia Tech travel to conferences for these affiliations to meet other campus leaders and discuss ideas for programming and legislative issues affecting students all over America. Hall Councils are highly encouraged to apply to attend these conferences in order to broaden their horizons and expand their leadership ability.

"What is this NRHH thing I've been hearing about?"

The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is the recognition branch of the Residence Hall Federation. As a sister organization to RHF, the Virginia Tech chapter of NRHH recognizes leadership, provides resources, encourages programming, and serves the campus community. Student leaders who have contributed vast amounts of energy to the campus may be nominated for induction into this honorary organization, representing the top 1% of residence hall leaders.

"Which leadership opportunities are available for those who want to continue to serve the organization after their time in Hall Council?"

The RHF Executive Board and Board of Directors oversee the running of the entire organization. Once you gain a semester's worth of experience being active in the Hall Council, you are encouraged to pursue one of the many positions higher in the organizational structure. See the Director of Elections for more information!

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