The Residence Hall Student Association is a student-run organization that exists to foster community among resident students at the State University of New York at New Paltz. RHSA is run by an eight member Executive Board which is responsible for all aspects of the organization. RHSA seeks to promote a healthy and enjoyable on-campus residence experience. It does this in two ways. The first way is by forming a link between residents and the College's adminstration. The Executive Board members, along with representatives from the Student Association meet monthly with the college President and his cabinet. This meeting serves to address concerns facing resident students and share suggetions and feedaback from students. RHSA Executive Board brings back all information to the student body via Hall Government.

Each Residence Hall has a local version of RHSA. It is called Hall Government. It is made up of residents from each respective hall and is responsible for maintaining communication between the hall and RHSA and the Student Association. The members are elected by residents in each hall. Each Hall has two RHSA Representatives who make up the Associate Council for RHSA. The AC, as it is called, meets with the Executive Board every week to discuss current matters and programs. Anyone can attend these meetings, but it is required that each hall has at least two representatives at each meeting. The members of the AC have voting rights and decide matters such as who will serve on the RHSA Executive Board, what organizations will be granted funding, etc. In short, the AC is a powerful unit that helps run RHSA. For more information, click on each hall's name on the HOME PAGE.

The second way that RHSA builds community is through its programming. RHSA spends a lot of time, effort and funds on social and educational programs. The Buzz series features Karaoke, Open Mic Nights, Comedians, Hypnotists, etc. These run throughout the semester. RHSA holds an annual Ice Cream Social on the day before classes begin for the Fall semester. Other programs include Condom Casino, Halloween Haunted House competitions and costume parties, barbeques, Showtime at the Apollo, New Paltz Idol, etc. For more information on upcoming events, visit the EVENTS PAGE.

The Residence Hall Student Association is not always a solo programming body. Funds are allocated to co-sponsor other organizations on campus and also Resident Assistants (RAs) and Hall Governments. Some co-sponsorships have included Dr. Maya Angelou's visit to campus in the Fall of 2003, Take Back the Night, Residence Life's Program of the Month Awards, Greek organizations, and many others. RHSA is willing to co-sponsor any organizations putting on programs that will benefit the campus community. To find out more about funding or to seek funding, call us at (845)257-4499, stop by our office in B-16 Capen Hall during OFFICE HOURS, or E-MAIL US.