Residence Hall Association

RHA logo

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is more than just a student organization — it is the collective voice of UMass Lowell's residential community. Dedicated to enhancing the on-campus living experience, RHA empowers students to create meaningful change through advocacy, leadership and engagement.

As the bridge between residential students, the Office of Residence Life and campus partners, RHA ensures student perspectives are heard, valued and transformed into action. By gathering feedback, addressing community needs and championing initiatives that improve residence hall life, RHA helps shape a more inclusive, connected and supportive campus environment.

Every student living on campus is eligible to become part of RHA and benefits from its commitment to improving residential life. Whether you are passionate about building community, advocating for your peers or leaving a lasting impact on campus, RHA provides an opportunity to make a difference and help create a residence hall experience where every student can thrive.

Apply for the 2026-27 Area Council Executive Board

UMass Lowell has two designated Area Councils, each with its own Executive Board and representatives. These councils meet weekly to plan events, advocate for the needs of their residence halls and develop leadership skills.

East Area Council

  • 1 Merrimack Plaza
  • Fox Hall
  • Bourgeois Hall
  • Donahue Hall
  • Leitch Hall
  • River Hawk Village
  • University Suites

South Area Council

  • Concordia Hall
  • Riverview Suites
  • Sheehy Hall

Positions Available

President

Provides overall leadership and direction for the Area Council. The president oversees Executive Board operations, represents the interests of residential students and serves as the primary liaison between the Area Council and RHA.

Vice President of Financial Administration

Manages Area Council finances, including budgeting and financial tracking. This position ensures responsible stewardship of organizational funds and supports Executive Board members in planning financially sustainable initiatives and events.

Vice President of Marketing and Communication

Leads the promotion of Area Council initiatives, events and opportunities through effective communication and marketing strategies. Oversees social media, advertising, outreach efforts and brand consistency to increase student awareness and engagement.

Vice President of Leadership Development

Supports the growth and development of student leaders within the Area Council. Coordinates leadership training, educational opportunities and skill-building initiatives that empower members to succeed in their roles and beyond.

Vice President of Advocacy Initiatives

Serves as a voice for residential students by identifying concerns, gathering feedback and collaborating with campus partners to promote positive change. Leads efforts that enhance the residential experience through advocacy and student representation.

Vice President of Recognition Initiatives

Promotes a culture of appreciation by developing programs and initiatives that recognize the contributions, achievements and successes of residential students, student leaders and community members. Oversees recognition campaigns and award programs that celebrate community excellence.

Residence Hall Association voting representative (non-elected; up to five per Area Council)

Attends monthly RHA Executive Board meetings and serves as the voting representative for the Area Council on initiatives presented by the RHA Executive Board.

General body member (non-elected)

Serves as a member of the Area Council and participates in planning events and initiatives that support the residential community.

Benefits of Joining an Area Council

  • Make Your Voice Heard — Represent your residential community and advocate for the needs, concerns and ideas of your fellow residents.
  • Create Positive Change — Work directly with the RHA Executive Board to improve the residential experience and strengthen your community.
  • Develop Leadership Skills — Gain valuable experience in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, event planning and decision-making.
  • Build a Stronger Community — Help foster connections among residents by planning programs, initiatives and activities that bring people together.
  • Meet New People — Connect with residents from across your area, build lasting friendships and develop relationships with student leaders and professional staff.

2026-2027 Recruitment Timeline

All information sessions are eligible for Residential Engagement Points (REPs).

Sunday, August 30

RHA and Area Council Information Session

Tuesday, September 1

Interest Form Opens

  • Available through Roompact

Tuesday, September 8

Virtual Information Session

  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Zoom link available in the Roompact Interest Form
  • REPs eligible

Friday, September 11

Virtual Information Session

  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Where: Zoom link available in the Roompact Interest Form
  • REPs eligible

Monday, September 14

Interest Form Closes

  • Time: Noon
  • Submit through Roompact

Tuesday, September 15

Election Guidelines Distributed

  • Candidates notified via email

Friday, September 18

Elections Open

  • Voting begins through Roompact

Wednesday, September 23

Elections Close

  • Time: Noon

Thursday, September 24

Election Results

  • Elected candidates notified via email

Monday, September 28

Acceptance Deadline

  • Time: Noon
  • Deadline for elected candidates to accept their positions

Let's Get Connected!

Instagram: @uml_rha
CampusGroups: Residence Hall Association
Email: rha@uml.edu

National Residence Hall Honorary

NRHH Logo
The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is the premiere honor society supported by the leading international organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students. NRHH strives to provide recognition for individuals who have contributed to the advancement of university housing. Here at UMass Lowell, we are named the Mill City Chapter of NRHH, representing the top 1% of residential student leaders on our campus! Interested residents who share or want to learn more about our values of service and recognition to others apply each year and are inducted to become lifelong organizational members.
For meeting time and location, please contact us by using one of the "Let's Get Connected" methods below.

UMass Lowell Chapter

Here at UMass Lowell, we are named the Mill City Chapter of NRHH and we focus on recognition and service. NRHH Members meet weekly in the Residence Halls to facilitate recognition projects to honor and thank the hard-working members of our campus community. Below you will have access to additional information in regards to campus recognition, how to join and way to contact us.

How to Join

The qualifications and commitments for The Mill City Chapter of NRHH are:

  • Have/maintain a GPA of 3.000 or higher
  • Living on campus next year
  • Be able to dedicate three hours (1 active hour and 2 passive hours) weekly

Let's Get Connected!

Instagram: @nrhh_uml
CampusGroups: National Residence Hall Honorary - Mill City Chapter
Email: nrhh@uml.edu