Senate
RHA's Senate meets every other Tuesday, during which senators meet to discuss resolutions that propose positive changes to resident life at UMD and interested guests watch in our open gallery seating. RHA is one of UMD's bodies of shared governance, meaning we work to pass legislation with Graduate Student Government (GSG) and the Student Government Association (SGA). Upon passage, RHA resolutions are not taken lightly. Campus directors and departments recognize that each resolution represents over 12,500 resident voices.
Legislation:
- SPECIAL ORDER: Senior Associate Vice President for Well-Being Dr. Warren Kelley
- PASSEd (14-0-1): Resolution JAM001S (A Resolution to Create an Ad-Hoc Mental Health Committee)
- Confirmation of 2024-2025 Senators-at-Large:
- Nicole Barnes
- Michaela James
- Confirmation of 2024-2025 Coordinators:
- Mikhail Labar, Dining Services Advisory Board Coordinator (DSAB)
- Emily Shoemaker, Sustainability Coordinator (SCOM)
- Anya Olson, Resident Facilities Coordinator (ReFAB)
- Akash Balenalli, Transportation Advisory Coordinator (TAC)
- Selam Fesseha, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator (DIACOM)
- Kevin Duru, Resident Life Coordinator (ReLAte)
Meeting Minutes:
4.23.24 (will be posted when finalized)
Legislation:
- Special Order: Health Center Presentation
- Special Order: President and Vice President Elections (Eli Brennan)
- PASSED (16-0-1): Resolution SAA003S (A Resolution to Support Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements)
- PASSED (16-0-1): Resolution MAA003S (A Resolution to Partner with Dining Services to Host a “Floats 4 Votes” Voter Registration Drive)
Meeting Minutes:
4.9.24 (will be posted when finalized)
Legislation:
- Special Order: Director of the Counseling Center Dr. Joshi
- PASSED (16-0-1): Resolution SAA001S (A Resolution to Support a Press Conference on the UMD and MCE Partnership)
Meeting Minutes:
3.26.24 (will be posted when finalized)
Legislation:
- Special Order: Director of the Counseling Center Dr. Joshi
- PASSED (14-0-1): Resolution SAA001S (A Resolution to Encourage the Use of Conversation Flags at Dining Halls)
- PASSED (14-0-1): Resolution SAA002S (A Resolution to Support Safety Improvements on Knox Road)
- PASSED (12-1-1): Resolution NBA002S (A Resolution to Encourage the University of Maryland to Instate More Micromobility Regulations to the University Administration)
- PASSED (13-0-1): Resolution MAA002S (A Resolution to Urge the University of Maryland to Expand Traffic Enforcement On-Campus)
- PASSED (13-0-1): Resolution KBB002S (A Resolution to Support a Student Facilities Fund Proposal by the Transportation Advisory Committee)
Meeting Minutes:
3.12.24 (will be posted when finalized)
Legislation:
- Special Order: Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Patty Perillo
- Special Order (16-0-1): Confirmation of Elections Chair Eli Brennan
- PASSED (15-0-1): Resolution KBB001S (A Resolution to Encourage More Benches Near ShuttleUM Bus Stops)
- PASSED (15-0-1): Resolution MSG001S (A Resolution to Encourage the Residence Hall Association Sustainability Committee to Plan and Host Maryland Beautification Day Once a Year)
Meeting Minutes:
2.27.24 (will be posted when finalized)
Legislation:
- PASSED (16-0-1) - Resolution NBA001S (A Resolution to Further the Awareness of Accessibility Resources in Cooperation with the Office of Accessibility and Disability Service)
- PASSED (17-0-2) - A Special Order: Confirmation of the Dining Services Coordinator
Meeting Minutes:
2.13.24 (will be posted when finalized)
Legislation:
- PASSED (17-0-1) - Resolution MAA001S (A Resolution Supporting a Bid to Host Annual Regional Leadership Conference)
- PASSED (18-0-1) -Resolution ELS001S (A Resolution Encouraging the Department of Resident Life to Implement a Plastic Bag Recycling Program)
Meeting Minutes:
1.30.24 (will be posted when finalized)
APPROVED: 10/31 Senate Minutes
FEES PRESENTATION: Eric Bennett (Student Fees Coordinator)
CLOSED WORK SESSION
Legislation:
none
Meeting Minutes:
APPROVED: 9/19 Senate Minutes
APPROVED: 10/3 Senate Minutes
Legislation:
PASSED: MAA001F
Meeting Minutes:
10.17 Minutes (no minutes were created)
CONFIRMED: Akash Balenalli for the position of TAC (Transportation) Coordinator for the 2023 - 2024 school year.
Legislation:
PASSED: NBA001
Meeting Minutes:
Legislation
Senators have the opportunity to present, debate, and vote on legislation advocating for their individual communities and the entire on-campus body. Recently, we have:
- Supported $15 hourly minimum wage for on-campus student workers
- Endorsed the creation of the Refillery, a sustainability project aiming to reduce student waste
- Supported Green Roofs & Green Walls on Campus
- Urged Residential Facilities to address infrastructure issues and improve flood response plans
- Encouraged the wearing masks on UMD-owned public transportation
Please click below for more information regarding Senate legislation.
Committees
In committees, Senators discuss initiatives and develop legislation to bring to the Senate Floor. Students work directly with top university administrators in:
- Resident Life & Housing
- Dining Services
- Residential Facilities
- Transportation
- Sustainability
- Diversity and Inclusion
Please click below for more information regarding Senate Committees.