Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Case Western Reserve University - School of The Year - 1011
Case Western Reserve University - School of The Year - 1011
NACURH 2011
School of the Year
Table of Contents
Like the Cleveland Skyline,
Case Western Reserve University Residence Hall Association
is strong and stable, standing out against the surroundings.
Over the years, through reinvention and revitalization, Structure and Vision
we have come into our own, creating an organization 2. Our Foundations
built on respect and a desire to serve the community. 3. Executive Board
We continuously change to reflect our residents’ 4. Community Councils
needs while honoring our history. 5. General Body and Committees
RHA prides itself as one of the most involved 6. Goal Development and Achievement
and respected organizations on campus. We 7. Summer Projects
represent residents’ interests on numerous 8. RHA Elections
campus committees and are known for fostering Programming
skilled leaders. In 2009, we won the CAACURH 9. RHA Programming
Student Award for Leadership Training and 10. RHA Programming (cont.)
for the past two years we have been 11. Council Programs
contenders for the CAACURH Building Block 12. Council Programs (cont.)
Award. We have cemented our foundations Advocacy
in programming, advocacy, and leadership 13. RHA Advocacy
development and have constructed RHA to 14. Challenges
be a leader at CWRU and in the region. Leadership Development
The Residence Hall Association has 15. Member Training
worked diligently since 1992 to create 16. Ongoing Development
positive change at CWRU by advocating 17. Recognition & Liasions
for residents and programming events to Outreach
build community. RHA at CWRU did that 18. Community Service
and more during the 2010-2011 school 19. Collaboration
year and we are excited to share our 20. Campus Involvement
success with you. 21. Sustainability & Co-sponsorships
22. Budget and Fundraising
All the best, Regional and National Involvement
The RHA Executive Board 2010-2011 23. National Residence Hall Honorary
24. Of the Month Awards
25. Regional Involvement
26. National Involvement
Letters of Support
27. Skip Begley & Rachel Tuttle, RHA Advisors
28. Alma Sealine, Director of Housing
29. Susan Nickel-Schindewolf, Associate Vice
President of Student Affairs
30. Laura Imbirowicz, CAACURH Regional Director 1
Our Foundations
Following the 1967 federation of Case Institute of Technology and Western
Residence Life at CWRU
At Case Western Reserve
Reserve University to form CWRU, each residential area retained its own University, about 3000 students
governing organization (and a bitter rivalry). In 1992, the organizations united live on campus and choose to live
and became the Residence Hall Association. Since then, RHA has fervently worked in the halls throughout their entire
to become the primary advocate for residents’ needs and concerns at CWRU. undergraduate education. The
RHA is one of the forefront student organizations at CWRU and the only student residence halls are separated
organization that focuses on programming, advocacy and leadership development into two areas: the North Residential Village and the South
for the residents. RHA understands the importance of maintaining strong, Residential Village. There are 18 residence halls and university-
owned apartments on north campus and 7 residence halls on
supportive residential communities and encourages students to define their
south campus. The residence halls offer residents traditional
community experience. single or double room, suite, and apartment style living.
RHA strives to offer innovative programming that is relevant to the residents of Residence halls are split up into residential colleges per
Case. From enhancing traditional programs to bringing new programs to life, RHA experience, with the first-year, second-year and upper class
is known for quality, accessible programming that caters to the needs and desires experiences all focusing on different developmental areas. First-
of the residential communities. year residential colleges have unique themes to create a sense
RHA also benefits the residents by generating tangible change in the halls. of community, while second-year and upper class halls focus on
Through sustaining strong, collaborative relationships with campus administrators, increased independence of residents as they progress in their
RHA helps to improve hall conditions and housing processes. undergraduate education. RHA is comprised of representatives
from each residential community.
Finally, RHA provides opportunities for students with a broad range of
leadership experiences, offering both a safe space where
new leaders can grow and enabling skilled leaders to First-Year
develop in new ways. Members learn a variety of Residential
skills through their involvement in RHA, including Colleges
delegation, goal-setting and accountability.
These skills allow them to better Mistletoe – Service Cedar – Arts Juniper – Diversity
represent their residents and gain
valuable expertise for
Second-Year
their future
Residential
endeavors. Complexes
Upper Class
Residential
Complexes
2
President, Lillian Zamecnik-
Acts as the organization and public head of RHA by creating,
The Executive Board
implementing, and continuously improving the vision of the The RHA Executive Board serves as the leaders and campus
organization. Also, works with other student group leaders and representatives for all of RHA. Council members look to the
administration to improve the university residential experience executive board for guidance, as well as other university
via programming, advocacy, and leadership development. organizations and administrators. The Board has regularly
been asked for input in prominent issues and decisions that
Vice President of Internal Development, Mara Gallagher- affect the whole university. The Executive Board has made it a
Focuses on the strengthening of RHA through its members, serves priority to act as a strong resource for the RHA membership
all the members of RHA General Body and all of the councils, and to help them develop as leaders within their communities.
and supports the councils' work with their respective
Each Executive member is required to:
communities.
• Attend weekly Executive and General Body meetings
Vice President of Residential Relations, Samantha Nardone- • Meet with advisors and RHA President biweekly
Acts as a liaison between the student body and Dining Services, • Serve as a liaison to a council and attend council meetings
Information Technology Services, Campus Services, and any
other administrative office or official affecting the quality of • Lead a standing RHA committee at least once a week (with
life of the residents. Also, informs residents about issues the exception of VP Admin and President)
regarding campus services and residence life. • Hold 2 office hours/week to be a present resource
Vice President of External Communication, Kaitlyn Estes-
Collaborates with student groups and campus committees,
promotes the efforts of RHA through intentional communication
with the CWRU campus, provides service and sustainability-
focused opportunities for the residents, and represents
CWRU RHA as National Communications Coordinator.
3
Position
President
Primary Responsibilities
• Lead the council in building a strong residential community Community
Councils
Vice President • Bring the needs of constituents to the council’s attention, organize
(One per building) collaborations and assist with council leadership development
Social Coordinator • Develop social and educational programs and seek program feedback
Secretary • Maintain an record of council attendance and meeting proceedings
RHA is comprised of seven councils, one per residential
Treasurer • Keep record of all financial transactions and accounts
community. Each council supports its community and helps it
• Submit information to RHA newsletters and promote council efforts through
Public Relations Chair
bulletin boards and involvement in Family Weekend and Homecoming to thrive by providing interesting programs and engaging
opportunities for community members. Councils also work to
Advocate • Communicate student concerns to council and administration and serve as
a representative on Residential Relations and food committees address any issues in the community by working through the
Sustainability Rep • Support and develop sustainable initiatives and attitudes in the halls appropriate avenues to make changes a reality. Most
Community Service Rep • Coordinate community service and philanthropy events in the community
importantly, the council is responsible for representing its
• Organize OTM submissions and create a detailed form of record of the
residents, working to connect with them and to understand
Historian what they really value in their residential experience.
council's goals and accomplishments as a resource for future councils
Upper Class • Fulfill the presidential responsibilities if the president is absent
Community Council
Vice President
Only Upper Class
4
General Body and Committees
The General Body (GB) serves as the governing assembly of the entire Residence Hall Association. Its
members include the Presidents and Vice Presidents of every community council, the Executive Board, and
At-Large Representatives (members who serve without being a council president or vice president). GB
meetings allow attending individuals to discuss, question, and pass on important information to their
respective councils and communities. A typical meeting includes the following:
• Roll call and passing of last week’s minutes
• Co-sponsorship requests from campus groups seeking monetary and/or non-monetary support
• RHA business, such updates on campus policies, discussions on structure, and legislation
• Leadership development session or guest speaker
• Updates on important committee projects
• Advisor moment of weekly wisdom and member recognition
Committees
CWRU RHA would not be able to take on such a diverse range of initiatives if not for our four standing committees. The Internal Development, Residential Relations,
External Communication, and Programming committees are composed of members from each community council and work with their respective Executive VP on
various projects. All committees meet once a week for about an hour, immediately preceding GB meetings.
The Internal Development (ID) The Residential Relations The External Communication The Programming committee is
committee represents the (Res Rel) committee focuses on (ExCom) committee interacts with responsible for planning large,
"Leadership Development" pillar work relating to RHA's a variety of topics, including campus-wide events that reflect
of RHA. It propels RHA members "Advocacy" pillar. Res Rel works community service and the interests of the residents,
to the next level of leadership to address student concerns by sustainability efforts, RHA public upholding the third RHA pillar of
within the organization and into communicating with administration relations, and connections "Programming". Programming
new leadership opportunities and relaying new information to between RHA and other student committee members learn various
around campus. ID is focused on the students. This committee helps organizations. ExCom has played programming skills through
planning RHA-wide training RHA stay connected to student a major role in developing an rotating projects, such as logistics
events, member and community opinions on their CWRU RHA philanthropy, improving lines coordination, budgeting and
recognition, and ongoing residential experience and has of communication between RHA advertising. They consistently
leadership development become an important resource and CWRU residents, and develop strong programs that
opportunities. for administration in encouraging sustainable practices expose students to RHA in a fun
understanding how to in each community. ExCom is not and exciting way.
improve those associated with a specific RHA
opinions. pillar, but instead incorporates
important aspects of all three.
1
5
Goal Development and Achievement
The “How”
In the summer of 2010, the RHA Executive Board met to develop Intentionality
goals for the coming school year using a SWOT (Strengths, • Develop Council Advisor and Resident Assistant Liaison
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis and evaluation. expectations
The resulting goals were classified into two themes—What and How. • Integrate the Housing & Residence Life Department’s First-Year,
Second-Year, and Upper Class Experience model in council
training
The “What” are the three overarching goals that describe what RHA • Establish ideal council activity for council training to assist
has strived to achieve – being a resource, strengthening RHA councils with program planning and addressing advocacy issues
presence, and communicating with the community. The “How” depict • Adopt a philanthropy to support in Cleveland with values that
Achieved
parallel those of RHA
the strategies RHA wanted to utilize in achieving these goals. Every
• Promote care package fundraising efforts at the Letting Go
RHA initiative should incorporate intentionality, collaboration, and Session for parents during new student orientation
reflection. Organizing the goals in this manner allowed them to • Edit “Council of the Year” Award rubric to place emphasis on
become ingrained in CWRU RHA’s operations. quality of council efforts and initiatives
• Develop an effective sustainability subcommittee
• Offer members Safe Zone training to better support the
The ”What” residential community
Being A Resource Collaboration
• Develop Pre-Liaison Liaison (PLL) position to assist Council • Work with Orientation, Board Games Club, Greek Life and
Advisors with member recruitment Chess Club to make Casino Night bigger and better
Achieved
• Create standard expectations for Executive Liaisons
• Write joint resolutions with Undergraduate Student Government
• Make the office a welcoming space during office hours
• Begin conversations with the Interfraternity Congress (IFC) and
• Increase awareness of executive board office hours Panhellenic Council (Panhel) to facilitate organizational Achieved
• Establish the “Programming-Advocacy-Leadership Development In Development
discussions and programming
Library”—a collection of resources for RHA community councils
• Increase the impact of the Amazing Race at Case through
Strengthening RHA’s Presence
collaborating with IFC, Panhel and University Program Board
• Distribute RHA swag and unique advertisements frequently
• Tackle community issues and improve co-programming with RAs
• Participate in important campus events such as the Leutner Dining
Hall ribbon cutting and LGBT Candlelight Vigil • Increase efforts to collaborate with NRHH to support OTM In Development
• Promote RHA initiatives and events through a regular newsletter Achieved submissions and recognition efforts at CWRU
Reflection
• Change second-year and upper class election processes to better
suit individual residential communities, increase council retention • Utilize feedback results from prior years to guide summer
and foster stronger recruitment organizational development projects
• Create a year-long public relations strategy In Development • Consistently evaluate and provide suggestions for programs
Communicating with the Community and organizational operations at multiple levels
• Redesign the website to reflect the structure of RHA and increase • Review and assess organizational and position-specific goals at Achieved
ease of navigation mid-semester and winter executive retreats
• Utilize the RHA member and all-resident email list serves to Achieved • Complete program planning forms for organizational memory
distribute important information • Create an ad-hoc committee to revise Executive elections
• Establish an organizational Google calendar for all members procedures
• Contact other affiliated RHAs to create collaborative • Develop and complete periodic needs assessments for the entire In Development
In Development
opportunities CWRU residential community
6
Summer Projects
The Residence Hall Association of Case Western Reserve University made sweeping advances as an organization through their efforts in the summer of 2010. Charged
with three very challenging and progressive projects, the Executive Board made important changes in the nature of RHA. This helped the Board stay connected to the
mission of RHA as well as establish accountability and familiarity with their team dynamic. By reevaluating council structure, resolving problems in the second-year
experience, and redefining the purpose of RHA programming, the board was able to develop the organization at a level unattainable during the school year.
7
RHA Elections
RHA Elections are always a very exciting time of the year. There’s nothing quite like meeting a new student in
the fall who is interested in making a difference in the halls and sharing all the opportunities that RHA councils
will provide for them. Additionally, RHA Executive Elections is consistently a thrilling and thought-provoking event
as the leaders for the next RHA are determined. RHA elections procedures began to undergo some major changes
this year that will streamline the process and better enable councils to serve their communities.
RHA Casino Night – Every year, Casino Night is one of RHA’s biggest and most successful programs. The event
takes place during Welcome Days at the beginning of the year. We had over 1,200 attendees and 50 volunteers
come out to the event. Traditionally, we have many poker tables, blackjack tables (both of which are run by volunteer
dealers), a traditional poker tournament and euchre tournament, and lots of food, beverages, and tons of prizes. This
year, RHA went above and beyond to include many new and unique activities, such as Bingo, Roulette tables, a Craps
table, and Mocktails. RHA further collaborated with other undergraduate student organizations to also include activities
such as Magic: The Gathering, Chess, and Board Games. In addition, RHA changed the nature of the prizes so that
instead of fun and expensive electronics, we gave away many prizes that would be useful for the residents during the
school year, ranging from coffee makers and irons to toilet paper and mini vacuum cleaners.
RHA Ice Cream Social – The Ice Cream Social is another traditional event held by RHA every year during
Welcome Days, where RHA serves 10 huge gallons of assorted ice cream flavors to over 400 residents the day before
classes start in the fall semester. This year, RHA had the special opportunity of hosting Ice Cream Social as the opening
event of the newly renovated “The Spot,” a popular campus location for many programs throughout the school year.
The program is also one of the most useful forms of recruitment and a great opportunity to introduce the Residence Hall
Association to new students.
Apples to Apples to Apples – This event replaced RHA’s traditional “S’mores Night” event in order to place
more of an emphasis on healthy living for the residents. The program took place towards the beginning of the school
year and was attended by more than 150 residents. It offered everything possible that was apple-themed, including
such "ap-peel-ing" activities as Apples to Apples (the game of hilarious comparisons), Pin the Stem on the Apple, and
an apple pie-eating contest. There were also tons of wonderful apple-based foods and beverages, from apple cider
to apple fritters to caramel apples that residents could customize with toppings of their choice. In addition to being an
apple fun fest, the program was a great first experience for the members of the Programming committee to learn the
basics of programming, such as how to make reservations at CWRU and how to advertise effectively.
Family Weekend Carnival – Family Weekend is a traditional university event that welcomes the families of
CWRU students to campus each fall. Coinciding with the weekend’s festivities, RHA’s Family Weekend Carnival offered
a host of family-friendly activities ranging from pie-throwing to “Duck Hunt” to caricatures. Each council was
responsible for its own activity, allowing councils to experiment and take charge of their programs under the guidance
of the RHA Executive Board. Additionally, RHA reached out to Greek organizations and invited their participation,
fostering collaboration between our organizations. Through this collaborative effort, major organizations and
departments on campus were able to learn about and value RHA’s contributions on campus.
9
RHA Programming (cont.)
RHAmen Rush – RHAmen Rush (pronounced “ramen”) introduced the campus to RHA’s new philanthropy,
Transitional Housing. This week-long food drive leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday encouraged friendly
competition between the residential communities and fostered drive and growth as individual councils. Members of
each council were asked to collect as many non-perishable food items as possible within their respective community.
The winning community received 300 dollars to improve their community in some way. RHAmen Rush brought
Transitional Housing 900 food items and a sense of great accomplishment to the RHA community.
Staff Appreciation Event – RHA and NRHH collaborated to plan this recognition event for custodial, maintenance
and support staff in the residence halls. These individuals do so much to improve our lives as students and residents,
and we wanted to show our gratitude. This social luncheon allowed staff members and RHA and NRHH members to
interact and talk about life in the halls. RHA also made a large banner and Thank-You cards for the staff.
Res Hall Rumble – Res Hall Rumble was a long-lost tradition that was revived for the first time in many years. It
had a carnival-styled theme, where residents participated in many different booths and activities ranging from mini-
bowling and mini-basketball to puzzle-making, and even a Wiki-racing and Sporcle-racing booth to bring out
CWRU’s true quirky nature (and which, ironically, were the most popular activities at the event!). At these booths,
participants won a pre-determined number of raffle tickets. These raffle tickets could be traded in for smaller prizes
at the prize station, or could also be submitted into a raffle for larger-scale prizes. Furthermore, the participants
noted their residential community on their raffle tickets, and the community with the most overall number of raffle
tickets won a pizza party for their residents. Thus, it was not only a fun and entertaining program for the individual
residents, but it was also a chance for whole communities to work together and bring out their competitive spirits.
Roommate Mixers – RHA annually hosts roommate mixers for residents who are seeking roommates for the
coming school year. The social mixers offer residents an alternative to going through the housing lottery alone and
being randomly placed. Multiple mixers are held to accommodate for both second-year and upperclassmen housing.
Following the mixers, participant contact information and housing policies are sent out to all attendees to assist them in
coordinating their living arrangements. Roommate mixers are always received extremely well by those in attendance
as well as Housing administrators.
The Amazing Race @ Case – The Amazing Race is a tradition that first started last year in 2009. Based on the
popular television show The Amazing Race, our Race sent participants across campus to follow clues and complete
challenges organized by the seven RHA councils. Most of these tasks related to the theme of the residential community
and some of the tasks even incorporated philanthropy, such as baking cakes that would later be sold at Relay for
Life. This year, RHA collaborated with two other large undergraduate organizations- Interfraternity
Congress/Panhellenic Council (the governing bodies of the Greek life chapters) and the University Program Board
(UPB). The Greek chapters also organized challenges along the race route, while UPB helped plan and run the
celebration party after the conclusion of the Race. This was one of the first programs that involved a joint
collaboration between three very prominent student organizations at CWRU, though the overall event was run,
delegated, and organized by RHA. The Race also further incorporated philanthropy by donating all money raised
from the participants to Relay for Life.
10
Council Programs – At a Glance
Council Programming 60 Programs
27 New Programs
13 Traditional Programs
Council programming is the most direct way that RHA councils connect with their residents. Through
providing fun, innovative events that cater to the unique personalities of their individual residential Number of Events that contained a…
communities, councils are able to interact with residents and bond with their fellow council Social Component: 43
members. RHA councils alone have put on dozens of programs this year. The following is a Educational Component: 11
Service Component: 16
selection of some of the events that our communities saw in the 2011-2012 school year.
Diversity Component: 4
15
Ongoing Development
As one of the pillars of RHA, leadership development expands beyond basic leadership skills. RHA council members receive numerous resources and opportunities to
hone their skills and develop new ones through committees, programs, and additional available opportunities. By extending developmental opportunities beyond
Fall Training, RHA has cemented its commitment to leadership development and has significantly grown as an organization.
Liaisons
Executive Liaisons RA Liaisons
Skyscraping Moment:
Each executive board RA Liaisons serve as a
member is responsible Pre-Liaison Liaisons resource for councils and a
for acting as an Prior to the start of the 2010-2011 school year, link to the community's RA
Executive Liaison to a RHA made substantial efforts to improve staff. They facilitate
community council. They communication between RHA, Council Advisors and communication and
work with the council, RAs. As such, executive “pre-liaison liaisons,” or collaboration between the
advisor and RA liaisons “PLLs,” came into being. PLLs allowed RHA Exec to council and RAs, ensuring that
to ensure the council is be a resource to advisors and RAs throughout the entire community can
running smoothly. Exec August, before official Exec Liaison assignments reach its fullest potential.
members attend their were determined. Many RA liaisons are former
liaison council's weekly RHA members and are able
meetings, where they RHA coordinated a special training session for Council Advisors and their RA liaisons as part to act in an advisory capacity
observe the council in of RA Training. At this session, PLLs were able sit down with the council advisors and RAs to to the council, sharing their
action and act as a discuss elections, the structure of RHA and recruiting new members. PLLs were the first step own experiences for the
resource as necessary. towards creating a strong and gratifying collaborative relationship with Residence Life staff. council's benefit.
17
Community Service RHA Service – At a Glance
• 21 service-incorporating programs, 16 at
RHA is very dedicated to serving community, both within the council level
CWRU Residence Halls and the Cleveland area. Engaging • Partnership with CWRU Center for Civic
in service is very important to connecting with the community, Engagement and Learning to provide
as well as understanding leadership. RHA community abundant resources to RHA Service reps
councils strive to provide residents with opportunities for • RHA Service co-sponsorship budget
service within their residential communities. Additionally, the established to support events that foster a
External Communication committee works to coordinate sense of community through service
initiatives
service events for all residential communities, as well as
service projects for RHA members that will benefit CWRU
residents and the Cleveland community. Transitional Housing, Inc. – CWRU RHA’s New Philanthropy
With the creation of the VP of External Communication position, RHA asserted the
importance of service to our organization. As a part of this commitment, RHA decided to
adopt a philanthropy: Transitional Housing, Incorporated.
18
Collaboration
CWRU RHA has fostered strong relationships between our organization and various campus groups and administrators. RHA often works in
conjunction with these groups to benefit both the residential and campus communities. By actively collaborating and communicating with
other organizations and offices on campus, RHA has become one of the most respected organizations at CWRU and has created a strong
network of resources to improve the work we do.
Campus Traditions
Like any campus, Case Western has a variety of traditional social events that
bring out the campus community. RHA is consistently involved in these yearly
programs through serving on event committees and promoting the programs in the
halls. RHA councils also frequently participate in these events. In the 2010-2011
school year, RHA was involved in:
• Orientation • Kuumbafest
• Welcome Days • Thwing Study Over
• Homecoming • Pizza Olympics
• Halloween @ Home • Relay for Life
• Family Weekend • Spring Fest RHA Councils showing their CWRU spirit at the 2010 Homecoming Parade
20
Sustainability
Within the past school year, RHA and Case Western Reserve University have taken enormous strides towards a greener
campus and a greener residential experience. The Village at 115, the primary apartment complex for upper class
students, was recently awarded a Gold and Silver ratings for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) certification. Solar compactor receptacles have been installed across campus and a wind turbine was
constructed on the Quad this fall.
RHA followed suit with similar sustainable initiatives that have impacted the residents. Council sustainability
representatives are responsible for coordinating sustainable programs for their communities, including a Beef-Free week
in Murray Hill community. The sustainability reps meet every few weeks in the newly formed RHA Sustainability
Committee to develop and act upon RHA-wide sustainability initiatives, such as creating tactile recycling posters,
coordinating a hall-wide recycling walk through with administrators, and greening RHA’s internal operations.
Furthermore, CWRU participated in the nationwide “Recyclemania” competition among colleges and universities promoting waste reduction and increased
recycling. RHA collaborated with the Student Sustainability Council and took an active role in encouraging residents to recycle in the halls through community-
wide friendly contests and substantial PR. RHA also worked with the Office of Housing, Residence Life & Greek Life (HRLGL) to sponsor “REScycle,” a new
program held at the end of the school year that allowed residents to donate unwanted items upon their departure from the university.
Co-sponsorships
RHA co-sponsors several events every year at CWRU. RHA co-sponsorship is a great way for campus organizations, clubs, and offices to receive
monetary and non-monetary support for programs that impact CWRU residents. Co-sponsorships also grant organizations special privileges for
advertising in the residence halls. Additionally, co-sponsorships promote RHA to the campus by associating our organization with major events and
initiatives. Over $6,500 in co-sponsorships was given this school year.
22
National Residence Hall
Honorary
The purpose of the Donald J. Kamalsky Chapter of NRHH is to provide recognition
for those students living in the residence halls who have shown outstanding service
and who have provided important leadership in the residence halls. NRHH collects
nominations and applications during the fall semester and every active member
participates in member selection. Induction is held once per year. On February 2,
2011, the Chapter inducted 6 new active members and 2 honorary members. The
NRHH currently has 12 active members, 4 alumni members and 12 honorary
members on campus.
Structure Recognition
The NRHH has an Executive Board composed of three positions:
NRHH believes that recognition is important in developing a strong sense of community.
President – Presides over all official meetings; As a result, NRHH ensures that deserving students, staff, faculty, and others receive
appoints ad hoc committees; submits an end recognition for their efforts.
of the year progress report to the National
Honorary Office; renews the chapter’s NRHH recognition focuses on three areas. The first is by extending membership to the
membership as a registered campus top 1% of students who make an impact in their communities. Second, OTMs are given
organization with the National Honorary to commend Case leaders and outstanding campus programs that improve our
Office; and represents the Chapter at all residence hall communities. Thirdly, the Donald J. Kamalsky chapter puts on three
National Honorary business meetings and programs per year to recognize the staff members who make a difference in the
events residence halls and the efforts of individuals who write OTM submissions.
Vice President – Advises the OTM Recognition The Housekeeping Appreciation Breakfast recognizes the housekeeping staff with a
committee; presides over meetings in absence catered breakfast and cards from the residents in their areas.
of the President; and manages all OTM The staff thoroughly enjoys the break from their busy
voting submissions schedules and the genuine gratitude of the students.
Administrator – Takes minutes at called
meetings and distributes minutes to all In the late spring, NRHH collaborates with the
members; formulates a budget at the Housing & Residence Life Office to recognize the
beginning of the year with the President; student staff members in the department through
advises any bid creating committee; a reception at the CWRU President’s House. The
maintains the NRHH website; provides an event is always a huge talking point amongst students
itemized account of all transactions; and and a great way for them to round out the year.
submits the books for review to the advisor at NRHH’s final event of the year is the OTM Re-Recognition
the end of the year. Event where all individuals who either wrote an OTM or
were awarded an OTM during the year are recognized for
The Chapter also has three committees—OTM Recognition, their dedication and achievements.
Housekeeping Appreciation, and Residence Life Staff
Appreciation. These committees plan the chapter’s traditional
events during the year.
23
Of the Month Awards
Of the Month awards are a very important part in recognition for any school, but at Case, we use OTMs to showcase the wonderful
people and programs on campus. We encourage all community councils to write OTMs to spread awareness of the hard work that is
being done around campus, and the teamwork that goes into every event. In the 2010-2011 school year, RHA and NRHH members
submitted 32 OTM Nominations, with 13 winning at a campus level and 3 winning regionally.
CAACURH 2010
No Frills 2011 CWRU RHA is always stoked to pull out the lab coats and beanies and show our Cougar
CWRU was represented by the RHA President, NCC and RHA pride at the annual CAACURH conference. This year’s CAACURH Cultural Carnival was no
advisor at the 2011 regional business meeting. At the closing exception. We set many personal records for CWRU, including most applications, most
ceremonies, NCC Kaitlyn Estes was awarded a Cougar Pride Pin delegates presenting programs, and some of the best spirit projects CWRU has ever had.
by RCC Steven Le for her work in preparing CWRU’s SOY bid. The Delegation – The CWRU delegation consisted of the RHA President, the NRHH President,
the CWRU NCC, 2 advisors, and 4 delegates from various community councils.
Regional Committee Involvement
Pre-Conference – In the weeks before the conference, the delegation worked hard to
CAACURH Programming Grant Committee – Stephanie Chung prepare, meeting weekly to create a fantastic
Newly-formed committee that reviews programming grant roll call video, banner and display. We also
requests and allocates funding to CAACURH member schools involved our entire General Body in the
CAACURH OTM Voting Committee – Kaitlyn Estes philanthropy card-making project. Each delegate
Standing committee that awards Regional OTMs was responsible for at least one of these projects
and/or presenting a program. Finally, the
Bidding delegation had a “Spirit-Up Slumber Party” where
CWRU regularly submits school-category bids to the region, we reviewed travel plans, played board games
including our winning SALT bid in 2009 and RHA Building Block and decorated T-shirts to wear at opening
bids in 2009 and 2010. We hope to bid for POY in the fall. ceremonies the night before leaving for Maryland.
At the Conference – The delegation
Regional Communication had a blast at CAACURH! Through Programs Presented at CAACURH 2010
CWRU regularly participates in NCC and Presidents’ chats to attending and presenting programs, • “Crafts & Community” – Community
contribute to regional affairs. Beyond chats, we have reached passing out swag, bonding with other Development program about using arts and
out to regional schools to get to know each other better, as well schools and actively participating in crafts to build community
as requested advice on issues pertaining to CWRU RHA. Schools boardroom, delegates left • “Putting on Your Game Face” – Leadership
have asked for our input on their organizations as well. Finally, CAACURH with new Development program about positively
CWRU has communicated with CAACURH RCC Steven Le about skills and new representing your organization
pursuing legislation to alter the regional No Frills bidding time- passion for • “School’s out for Summer…Kinda” –
period. The proposal would make it such that bids could only CAACURH President’s Track program about utilizing
include content that took place between NACURH and No Frills and RHA. summer projects to advance your organization
and would prevent massive bid revisions between conferences.
25
National Involvement
CWRU is nationally affiliated (with dues paid) and actively participates in NACURH through our recognition efforts, NIC
and bid submissions, involvement in national projects and NRHH chapter. We have sought to expand our involvement in
NACURH initiatives throughout this year and have taken steps to educate CWRU RHA and NRHH members about the
organization’s opportunities and structure. We look forward to continuing this expansion in the coming school year.
26
Housing, Residence Life & Greek Life
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7061
phone 216.368.3780
fax 216.368.6658
housing@case.edu
http://studentaffairs.case.edu/living
It is with great pride that we submit this letter of support of Case Western Reserve University’s (CWRU) Residence Hall Association
(RHA) 2011 School of the Year Bid. We are incredibly impressed with the time, energy, and passion that the executive board has
placed in their bid, but also in the way they approach their roles within RHA and the university community. The imagery created by
the bid’s theme speaks strongly of the resilience, innovation, and strength of CWRU’s RHA.
Resilience:
In August, the busiest month for the executive board members of RHA, one of the board members had to make the difficult decision
of stepping down from her leadership position; not due to disinterest or lack of passion for the organization, but due to changes in
her personal life that required her to reprioritize her time for the upcoming academic year. Such a dramatic change can often break
an organization, but not this executive board. The board provided support to the outgoing member, had productive conversations
about the future of the vacant position, and quickly identified and appointed a new qualified executive board member. The new
individual quickly learned as RHA programmed for the new school year and recruited members for the new residential community
councils. While the previous member is dearly missed, the newest executive board member provided the team with a new level of
confidence, and has proved to be a diligent, highly intelligent, and strong member of the team.
Innovation:
Case’s RHA protects, honors, and supports their traditions of programs such as Casino Night and roommate mixers, but is also not
afraid to ask questions and make improvements when needed. It never fails to surprise us that they never forget to ask the
questions “what do the residents need?” and “how can we better provide programming, advocacy, and leadership development to
our residents?” This year, the executive board created a Needs Assessment; an assessment provided to the general body to assess
the needs of not only the RHA members but also the residents as a whole. Currently, two assessments have been administered this
year and there are discussions from the board to work with Institutional Research to best utilize this information. In the spring
semester, RHA took Case’s campus by storm by presenting the second installment of the large-scale program “The Amazing Race @
Case.” The program generated a lot of conversations, participation and has established a strong foundation to become an RHA
tradition. Lastly, the executive board collaborated with the general body and council members to begin strengthening the second-
year councils by creating a recruitment and election plan for the spring semester. This new initiative will allow for second year
councils to be up-and-running as soon as residents return for the fall semester as well as provide a plan to keep strong leaders
involved in RHA.
Strength:
When a student was speaking in front of the general body in order to acquire a member-at-large position stated that he wanted to
take on this role because “RHA is just an organization that you want to be a part of” it demonstrated the strength and positive
reputation of RHA on Case’s campus. The current RHA president, Lillian Zamecnik was selected as the chair of Case’s Student
Executive Council (SEC); a board the represents the large organizations on Case’s campus. She was elected because of her strong
leadership and RHA’s strength in their management of their own organization. Also, as advisors, the executive board members
never fail to amaze us with the way they approach their organization. The executive board truly takes ownership of their work,
keeps to their deadlines, and is constantly looking for ways to support each other and the residents. The executive board runs their
organization, not us, the advisors, which is something that is always expected but rarely achieved from student organizations.
It is an exciting time to be a part of the Residence Hall Association at Case Western Reserve University. We are extremely proud of
the work that our executive board and general body do for the residents of CWRU. We strongly support Case’s School of the Year
bid and thank you for your time and consideration when making your decision.
Sincerely,
27
Housing, Residence Life & Greek Life
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7061
phone 216.368.3780
fax 216.368.6658
housing@case.edu
http://studentaffairs.case.edu/living
April 5, 2011
It is with much respect and excitement that I nominate the Case Western Reserve University
Residence Hall Association (RHA) chapter for the NACURH School of the Year Award. I believe
that this award epitomizes how the CWRU RHA chapter has not only raised, but also maintains,
the bar of excellence with their creative, dynamic and educational learning and leadership
opportunities to improve the residential community on campus. As the Director of Housing, I
have been able to witness first-hand the continued growth of the organization and have been
fortunate to have been included in some of their efforts.
The CWRU RHA chapter has been intentionally working to improve their work on behalf of the
residential students. This has been realized in much collaboration with university departments
and student groups that has ultimately provided more services for students. Some examples
include:
• improved training for Council Advisors;
• participating in student focus groups in the renovation of a campus dining facility;
• incorporating the CWRU Undergraduate Experience model into all training initiatives;
• participating in professional staff selection processes within the division of Student Affairs;
• serving in an advocacy role during some campus hate crime incidents; and,
• providing strong direction in communicating safety resources after two campus assaults
took place within close proximity to the residential area.
All of this could not have been achieved without the dedicated leaders that serve the association.
The dynamic executive board group leads with a “can-do” attitude, and they in-turn share this
energy with the student leaders to continue the legacy of strong leadership and advocacy. Their
energy and dedication to making RHA more of a voice on campus has resulted in RHA being
consulted more on larger university initiatives.
I whole-heartedly recommend the CWRU RHA chapter for the NACURH School of the Year
Award. They are a highly-motivated group of individuals that have made decisions in the best
interest of CWRU students at every turn and we have a better residential program because of
their work. It is my hope that this information along with their bid packet gives you ample
examples of their value to the CWRU community and to our department. My best to you as you
make your decision.
Sincerely,
Alma R. Sealine
Director of Housing
28
Office of Student Affairs
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7060
phone 216.368.2020
fax 216.368.6957
studentaffairs@case.edu
Sincerely,
Susan Nickel-Schindewolf
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
29
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND
UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE HALLS, INC.
Central Atlantic Affiliate
April 1, 2011
Laura Imbirowicz
Director Dear National Board of Directors
Kevin Sutjak It is with great pride that I write this letter in support of Case
Associate Director: Western Reserve University’s bid for School of the Year. As you read the
Administration & Finance
bid, I know that you will find the reason why CAACURH has selected
Victoria Forcina
Case Western Reserve University to be our regional School of the Year
Associate Director: recipient, and why we are strongly supporting the bid on a national level.
NRHH & Recognition
Case Western Reserve University began to redefine itself this year
Steven H. Le through various new efforts and lofty goals. However, through the strong
RCC for Bidding leadership both on the student and professional level many of these goals
were able to be accomplished and truly made it an outstanding year for the
Curtis Clark
University and their Residence Hall Association. Through producing a
RCC for Resources Development
large number of programs, advocacy initiatives, leadership development
Chelsea Hudson opportunities and facing new challenges head on it was truly an
RCC for Special Projects outstanding year.
Grant Walters
Regional Advisor
Laura Imbirowicz
Regional Director
Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls
30