The incoming 2015 - 2016 Residence Hall Association Class had been officially elected, and complete elections could only mean one thing -- Welcome Reception! Home to both first year and fourth year RHA members, Welcome Reception brings, for many, the very first step in a long career with the Residence Hall Association!
The Executive Team and Senators at Large had been preparing for weeks for the arrival of dozens of newly elected students, and were setting up tables an hour and a half before the 6:30pm start time of reception. The first few students trickled in around 6:00, and entire councils quickly followed, marking the beginning of a fantastic experience for many students! After checking in, students were welcomed with a large assortment of dinner options, both vegetarian and vegan friendly, and proceeded to get to know one another at their respective dining council tables. After a few opening remarks from RHA President Allison Peters, students were treated to a short film created on behalf of the executive team, a mockumentary of RHA based off of (and yes, filmed in) The Office.
Afterwards, students listened to the insightful remarks of RHA Co-Advisors Tracy Kiras and Steve Petkas, in addition to a general rundown of RHA Senate from Vice President Ashley Feng. Students then got to experience their personal learning styles through an activity where they were instructed to "design their own leader", drawing their combined council leader on the poster-paper provided. Responses were unique, as students shared their reflective masterpieces, ranging from ambitious turtle (leaders), to artistic big-eared listeners, and a wide range of other important qualities.
Following a few more closing remarks from Allison, students were dismissed but not before picking up their new RHA shirts! With one more Welcome Reception down in the books, the RHA team looked forward to executing a successful Leadership Training Day for the newly elected students, which was only one week away.
Following a few more closing remarks from Allison, students were dismissed but not before picking up their new RHA shirts! With one more Welcome Reception down in the books, the RHA team looked forward to executing a successful Leadership Training Day for the newly elected students, which was only one week away.