Rolling Spring 2022 HCO Vacancy Application

Noticed a vacancy in your Hall Council and interested in serving as a Hall Council Officer (HCO) for the Spring 2022 semester? We’d love to have you join us! Our process for filling HCO vacancies is similar to the original elections process we conducted at the start of the Fall 2021 semester—you should read this page about Fall 2021 HCO elections, understanding that, while the Fall 2021 timeline is not applicable to this current vacancy filling cycle, the general information about RHA, Hall Council, HCO duties and responsibilities, and basic election processes is still applicable!

We keep an up-to-date list of vacant HCO positions on the below application.

What’s Different About the Vacancy Application Process?

There is only one fundamental difference between the Fall 2021 HCO election process linked above and the current Spring 2022 HCO vacancy application that is currently available: the Spring 2022 HCO vacancy application is rolling, and positions may become available or filled throughout the course of the semester.

If you’re interested in filling a vacancy, go ahead and submit an application above. Every Monday at 9am, we review the responses to the application. If you were the only person who submitted an application for that position, congratulations—you will be directly appointed to the position, without the need for a formal election. If multiple people submitted an application for that position, then we will host an election for the position. We will send out copies of candidates profiles for each candidate who applied to your community of residents, and residents will vote via a secure Qualtrics form. This process of producing candidate profiles, sending out voting information to residents, and allowing 24 – 48 hours for residents to cast their votes typically takes no longer than a week. The individual who wins the election will fill that vacancy!

Either way, our Director of Development will reach out with more details about next steps, regardless whether you won or lost your election.

FY23 Executive Board Elections: Information and Application

Update: 1/28/22

We’ve received applications for five out of our six Executive Board positions, but we currently have an anticipated vacancy for the Director of Programming position. Accordingly, we’ll be extending the application process for DOP applicants only:

  • Friday, February 11 at 11:59pm: Applications for DOP close
  • By EOD Monday, February 14: Confirmation of eligibility to run for office
  • By EOD Monday, January 14: Candidates are announced, and application materials for all candidates are publicly posted to the RHA website for residents and voting representatives to view
  • Wednesday, February 16 during Legislative Council: DOF and DOP elections

Other Executive Board candidates who do not win their elections (see sections above) may submit a new application for the DOP position.

Update: 1/12/22

We have received word from the Department of Housing and Residence Life on compensation for the FY23 Executive Board. Despite our adamant requests otherwise and proposal for an increase in compensation for Executive Board members relative to current FY22 compensation, HRL has proposed a net decrease in Executive Board compensation beginning next year. Currently, next year’s Executive Board members are slated to receive the following compensation per semester, applied as rent exemptions:

  • Executive President: 100% of rent covered
  • Director of Development (DOD): 55% of rent covered
  • Director of Administration (DOA): 55% of rent covered
  • Director of Communication (DOC): 45% of rent covered
  • Director of Finance (DOF): 45% of rent covered
  • Director of Programming (DOP): 45% of rent covered

To be frank and clear, this represents a significant cut to Executive Board member compensation, relative to the current year, and a new modality of payment. Currently, the Executive Board is compensated in lump-sum stipends at the end of each semester as opposed to via rent exemptions (which reduce the cost of housing upfront). Currently, the FY22 Executive Board receives the following compensation, as they have for at least the previous two years:

  • Executive President: $4,750
  • Director of Development (DOD): $4,500
  • Director of Administration (DOA): $4,500
  • Director of Communication (DOC): $4,250
  • Director of Finance (DOF): $4,250
  • Director of Programming (DOP): $4,250

We understand that this is a significant change in expectations regarding Executive Board elections. Accordingly, we will be extending the Executive Board application deadline to Wednesday, January 26 at 11:59pm to allow for interested candidates to think through the implications of these changes, discuss these changes with the current Executive Board and their family, etc. Candidates who may have already submitted an application may submit an updated or revised application by the new deadline, or they may withdraw their application entirely if they are no longer interested in serving on the Executive Board; please contact Bryan Gomez to withdraw an application.

Subsequently, the overall elections timeline has been amended to the following:

  • Wednesday, December 1 – Wednesday, January 26 at 11:59pm: Applications for the Executive Board are open
  • By Friday, January 28 at 5pm: Confirmation of eligibility to run for office
  • By Monday, January 31 at 5pm: Candidates are announced, and application materials for all candidates are publicly posted to the RHA website for residents and voting representatives to view
  • Wednesday, January 19 during Legislative Council’s Community Session: “Meet the Candidates” session for Executive President, DOD, and DOA candidates
  • Wednesday, January 26 during Legislative Council’s Community Session: “Meet the Candidates” session for DOC, DOF, and DOP candidates
  • Wednesday, February 2 during Legislative Council: Executive President and DOD elections
  • Wednesday, February 9 during Legislative Council: DOA and DOC elections
  • Wednesday, February 16 during Legislative Council: DOF and DOP elections

Due to the extension of the application period, the “Meet the Candidate” sessions have been canceled.

🛑 Have You Read the Above Updates?

Information below may be modified or no longer in line with the updates posted above!

The election cycle for the FY23 (Fall 2022 – Spring 2023) RHA Executive Board has begun! If you are interested in leading the second largest student organization at Tech, developing as a student leader, and building community for over 8,000 residents, consider running for one of the six positions on the Executive Board:

  • Executive President
  • Director of Development (DOD)
  • Director of Administration (DOA)
  • Director of Communication (DOC)
  • Director of Finance (DOF)
  • Director of Programming (DOP)

Duties and responsibilities of each position can be found in our organization’s Constitution and representative Job Descriptions from the current year. Likewise, representative information regarding compensation for the Executive Board can be found in our Job Descriptions; do note, however, that compensation for next year is currently being discussed with HRL and that next year’s compensation model may differ from this year’s. Once compensation packages are finalized, this post will be updated accordingly.

The timeline for this election cycle is as follows:

  • Wednesday, December 1 – Wednesday, January 12 at 11:59pm: Applications for the Executive Board are open
  • By Friday, January 14 at 5pm: Confirmation of eligibility to run for office
  • By Monday, January 17 at 5pm: Candidates are announced, and application materials for all candidates are publicly posted to the RHA website for residents and voting representatives to view
  • Wednesday, January 19 during Legislative Council’s Community Session: “Meet the Candidates” session for Executive President, DOD, and DOA candidates
  • Wednesday, January 26 during Legislative Council’s Community Session: “Meet the Candidates” session for DOC, DOF, and DOP candidates
  • Wednesday, February 2 during Legislative Council: Executive President and DOD elections
  • Wednesday, February 9 during Legislative Council: DOA and DOC elections
  • Wednesday, February 16 during Legislative Council: DOF and DOP elections

Candidates who apply will receive more information by Friday, January 15 at 5pm regarding preparing for their “Meet the Candidates” session and election night, alongside their confirmation of eligibility to run. More policies and information regarding elections can be found in our Policy Book.

Informational Video

Looking for an explanation of the Executive Board elections procedures and processes? Check out this 30-minute video explaining all of the ins and outs of elections!

Apply Now!

Applications are due by Wednesday, January 12 at 11:59pm EDT

Changes to Legislative Council ▼

To facilitate elections, structural changes to Legislative Council will take place on February 2, 9, and 16:

  • 7:30 – 7:35pm—Roll Call and Executive Updates
  • 7:35 – 8:20pm—Old and New Business (“Bills”)
  • 8:20 – 8:30pm—Brief Break
  • 8:30 – 10:00pm—Elections

Note that there will be no Open Forum or Community Session during nights with elections.

Information for HCOs and LC Voting Representatives ▼

Voting representatives (typically Hall Council Officers) should note the above structural changes to Legislative Council on election nights and prepare accordingly:

  • LC will last one hour longer than typical. Voting representatives/HCOs can switch out and rotate throughout the night, so if two HCOs from one Hall Council want to attend LC from 7:30-8:30pm and then switch out with two other HCOs from 8:30-10:00pm, that’s okay. Voting representatives simply should not change in the middle of the election of a given position.
  • The use of laptops and other electronic devices will not be permitted during elections; all necessary materials will be provided on paper.
  • While not a complete meal or dinner, substantive food and drink will be provided to all attendees during elections.

Executive Order 22-04: Nullification of Previous Executive Orders

By the powers vested in me by RHA’s Governing Documents, I hereby nullify any and all active Executive Orders that still stand from previous administrations. That is, any Executive Orders written prior to Executive Order 22-01 are nullified, and only Executive Orders from the FY22 RHA year still stand.

Respectfully signed,

Bryan M. Gomez, 2021-2022 Executive President

Executive Order 22-03: Executive Cabinet Appointment

By the powers vested in me by RHA’s Governing Documents, I hereby appoint the following individuals to serve in the following positions in RHA’s Executive Cabinet for the FY22 year:

  • Auditor: Melissa Lucht
  • Visual Media Manager I: Jason Sodikin
  • Visual Media Manager II: Raghav Grover
  • IT Coordinator: Ananth Kumar
  • Resource Room Manager: Ivy Uzoka

Respectfully signed,

Bryan M. Gomez, 2021-2022 Executive President

Director of Programming Vacancy Election

Following Executive Order 22-01, Executive Order 22-02, and the provisions outlined in our Governing Documents, applications are now open for RHA’s Director of Programming position, which is currently being filled in an interim/appointment capacity by Gabe Gauderman.

Interested candidates should fill out this application by 4:00pm on Wednesday, September 15; more details regarding the RHA Elections procedure can be found in our Elections Code and/or by contacting RHA’s current Executive President at rha-president@housing.gatech.edu.

HCO Elections Are LIVE! Vote Now!

Hall Council Officer (HCO) elections are now live and will continue to be open through 5PM on Sunday, September 5. We need you to vote on this secure Qualtrics form to voice your opinion on your community’s leadership and help determine who will run Hall Council in your community. Once you navigate to the Qualtrics from, you will be prompted to sign in through Georgia Tech’s Single Sign-On (SSO) service. After signing in, you will be directed to your community’s voting page, where you will be able to view the following:

  • Who applied for each of four positions in your community: Meetings, Communications, Finance, and Events Coordinator
  • For uncontested positions, which applicants were immediately appointed to their position by default, as they were the only applicant to run for their position of interest
  • For contested positions, application profiles—which provide information about each candidate in either written or video format—for each candidate
  • Information regarding the duties and responsibilities of each position, if desired

Please note the following:

  • Only residents currently living in on-campus Georgia Tech housing may vote in elections. HDs, off-campus students, RAs, and other GT affiliates may not vote.
  • RHA uses a ranked-choice voting method in elections.
  • Election results will be posted on our website by Monday morning at 10am.

Once again, please visit this secure Qualtrics form to vote in your Hall Council Officer elections. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Hall Council Officer (HCO) Vacancy Applications

✋ The Vacancy Application Period Has Closed

The HCO vacancy application period closed on Thursday, September 2 at 11:59pm. Looking for up-to-date information regarding Hall Council Officer positions and openings in your community? Check out our Hall Councils page.

Introduction

On Sunday, August 29, the primary round of Hall Council Officer (HCO) applications closed. While we received over 60 applications from residents across campus, some communities received no applications for select HCO positions. We are now conducting a second round of applications, and we need YOUR help to fill vacancies across campus. Below, you’ll find information about our current vacancies and the abbreviated timeline for this second round of applications.

Want to learn more about RHA, Hall Council, HCO positions, and the HCO elections/application process? Check out this previous HCO elections news post to watch an informational video about Hall Council, learn more about the format of the application, campaigning rules, and more. Do note that, while the majority of the content on the previous HCO elections news post is still accurate, some information—such as dates, timelines, and positions available—now differs as we’re in the vacancy filling stage of our application process. Refer to the previous HCO elections news post for general information about being an HCO, but use the information here to determine what positions are still available for you to run for and when you need to submit your HCO vacancy application by.

Available Vacant Positions

  • Bobby Dodd [BRN, HRS, SMT]: None
  • Brittain [HOW, HRN, CLD]: Finance Coordinator
  • Burger Bowl [FIT, FRE, MON]: Finance Coordinator
  • Commander [HEF, ARM, FUL]: None
  • Eighth Street [ESS, ESE, ESW]: Communications, Finance, and Events Coordinators
  • Glenn [GLN]: None
  • Grad & Family [GLC and Tenth & Home]: Events Coordinator
  • Hemphill [CRE, CSN, CSS]: Meetings and Communications Coordinators
  • Nelson Shell [NSL]: Finance and Events Coordinators
  • North Avenue East [NAE]: Meetings, Communications, and Finance Coordinators
  • North Avenue North and West [NAN, NAW]: Meetings and Event Coordinators
  • North Avenue South [NAS]: Meetings, Communications, and Finance Coordinators
  • Stamps [ZBR, MLD]: Meetings and Communications Coordinators
  • Techwood [TOW, GRY, HAY, GLD, STN]: Communications Coordinators
  • Third Street [PER, MTH, FLD, HOP, HAN]: Events Coordinators
  • West Village [FLK, CAL]: None
  • Woodruff [WDS, WDN]: None

The other Hall Council Officer position(s) not listed above did receive applications and will either be voted on or announced as appointments on Friday evening.

Timeline

  • Thursday, September 2nd, 11:59PM EDT: application deadline
  • Friday, September 3, 5PM EDT – Sunday, September 5, 5PM EDT: voting
  • Monday, September 6, 10AM EDT: election results are released, at the latest

RHA’s Week of Welcome Events—4 Events, 6 Workshops, & More!

Weather Notice ☔

A number of our events and activities are hosted outdoors. Subsequently, the success of these events is weather dependent, and we may have to cancel or reschedule events due to inclement weather throughout the week. Keep an eye on this page and our Instagram for any event reschedules, and make note of rain plans for certain events below.

Events

Chalk the Walks | Monday, 8/16, 12:00-2:00pm, GT Connector & Sidewalks Across from West Village Lawn

  • Description: It may only be the first week of classes at Tech, but it’s not too early to leave your mark on campus—literally! Come out to the sidewalks next to the West Village and GT Connector lawns to help make campus beautiful while jamming out to some music before the semester picks up. Each attendee will be provided chalk, and we’ll also have snow cones for attendees to enjoy on West Campus and ice cream bars on East Campus.
  • Rain Plan: If this event has to be cancelled due to rain, we’ll push the event back to Wednesday from 12:00-2:00pm—same place, same event, same time, just different dates!

Second Year Backyard Bash | Friday, 8/20, 5:00-7:00pm, Peters Parking Deck

  • Description: Come out to Peters Parking Deck to catch up with your other second year and new transfer friends! We’ll have music, lawn games, and good vibes, along with plenty of food and drinks for you to enjoy as you play games like cornhole, ladder toss, giant connect 4, giant jenga, and more. Be sure to come out early—we’ll have Tiffs Treats, Jeni’s ice cream, and more treats, but only while supplies last. After the event, be sure to catch Avenger Endgame at Bobby Dodd Stadium!
    • UPDATE: Due to this week’s Georgia Tech Post Office shipping delays, we’re unable to purchase Jeni’s ice cream for this event. Jeni’s ships with dry ice and needs to be reliably picked up on the same day that it is delivered; because the Post Office is experiencing delays due to a mechanical fire, we’re unable to ensure that our order of Jeni’s ice cream would be made available for pick-up from the Post Office on time. We’ve purchased Tiffs Treats cookies, brownies, bomb pops, and fruit bars for this event, instead.
  • Rain Plan: Keep an eye on our Instagram for live updates! Rain or not, we’ll have lots of free food to distribute, so you might see us riding around on campus in our GEM Cart passing out food at residence halls if the event is cancelled due to rain.

Artlanta | Saturday, 8/21, 12:00-4:00pm, Tech Green

  • Description: Artlanta’s purpose is to expose students to different art mediums found in Atlanta. Participants will take the art pieces they make during the event back to their residence halls as decorations and memorabilia for the Week of Welcome: Handcrafted Jewelry, Spray Painted Door Decorations, Mini Acrylic Paintings, Decorated Pots with a Plant. Until supplies last!
  • Rain Plan: Meet us in the Exhibition Hall to pick up a to-go bag of craft materials to make decorations anywhere you’d like to!

The Price is Pretty Close | Saturday, 6:30-8:30pm, Ferst Theatre

  • Description: How well do you know the prices of everyday objects? Our on-campus version of the hit show “The Price is Right!” is here to test just that. Be sure to come out to win your share of over $3000 worth or prizes or play our 8ft tall Plinko Board!
  • Note: This event is a game show, with a pre-planned schedule, staging, and more. Doors will close to the event at 7:00pm, and guests are expected to stay through the duration of the show. At check-in, attendees will be able to designate whether or not they’re interested in being game show contestants; we’ll randomly select our game show contestants live on the night of the event from this pool of interested candidates. Whether you’re a contestant on stage with us or an audience member watching the fun happen, you’ll be able to walk away with prizes.
  • Rain Plan: This event is completely indoors!

Workshops

Technology is Your Friend: A Dive Into Tech’s Resources for Success | Tuesday, 8/17, 10:30-11:30am, Instructional Center (IC) 211

So you made it to the Institute – you know, the one with the Technology in Georgia – but what tech resources are available to YOU to ensure YOUR success? In this workshop we’ll dive into a curated list of the thousands of resources available to all Tech students, focusing on the most important as well as the ones no one ever tells you about. From free printing, to registration tools, to checking out a library book, we’ll set you up for success on campus. Not to mention, we’ll also send you home with a list of even more resources and walkthroughs so you can be prepared and strapped with resources when you need them, and can help your fellow yellow jackets to success along the way.

ATL: A City of Music, Arts, Coca Cola, and Tiny Doors | Tuesday, 8/17, 1:30-2:00pm, Howey Physics L1

Between Shaky Knees, Dragon Con, Music Midtown, the Atlanta Film Festival, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, World of Coke, Georgia Aquarium, 18 Tiny Doors, Atlanta Pride, Zoo Atlanta, Botanical Gardens, and more, dozens of festivals, museums, and venues call Atlanta home. In this workshop, we’ll run through nearly 100 different places to visit and things to do in Atlanta while also discussing the city’s rich culture, exploring its history, and featuring the best restaurants and eateries off-campus. This is the perfect workshop for students new to Georgia or the city of Atlanta!

Hidden Gems and Secret Spaces on Campus | Wednesday, 8/18, 1:30-2:00pm, Howey Physics L1

Mickey Mouse clocks, bakeries and cafes, nap rooms, foam toilets, cisterns—here’s what they don’t show you on your average campus tour. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the nooks and crannies that students love to study in and the parts of campus beneath your feet and above your head you didn’t know existed. Part fun-fact, part pragmatic introduction to your new favorite secret spot on campus, this is the perfect workshop for students looking to explore Tech’s 400+ acres. (Oh, and speaking of secrets, we’ll also touch on Tech’s oldest and most elusive secret society—the ANAK Society)

Opportunities in Residence Life | Thursday, 8/19, 1:30-2:00pm, Instructional Center (IC) 211

If you want to get paid to live on campus, be a part of the second largest student organization on campus, plan and host events, build community in residence halls, help first-year and upperclassman students acclimate to Tech, or experience the magic and craziness of making a system with nearly 9,000 students run, residence life is for you! In this workshop, we’ll discuss the life of a Resident Assistant (RA), how to become an RA, Hall Councils and the Residence Hall Association (RHA), how you can help plan events in your residence halls and help decide the fate of thousands of dollars worth of funds, student employment opportunities in Housing Area Offices, the National Residence Hall Honorary, and more.

The International’s Guide to Surviving the US | Thursday, 8/19, 3:00-4:00pm, Howey Physics L2

So you finally made it to the “US of A,” my international friend. Are you feeling excited? Worried? Scared? Come and check out this workshop, by international students, for international students! You will hear from people who have lived through the same experiences you will as a new inhabitant of this wild and amazing country. Ask some questions, make new friends, and learn about the most important rule for an international student to know: That we international students have each others’ backs!

Surviving Roommates, Communal Showers, and Laundry | Friday, 8/20, 1:30-2:00pm, Howey Physics L1

Let’s be honest: living with other people and sharing amenities can be challenging, especially if this your first time living in a traditional-styled residence hall. In this workshop, we’ll discuss navigating roommate conflict, must-have conversations on everything from masturbation and sex to sleep and room temperature, living on a floor with 40 other college students, taking care of common maintenance issues, and, yes, doing laundry. We’ll also briefly talk about upperclassman apartments and what living on campus looks like after your first year at Tech.

Tabling

Members of our Executive Board will be tabling around campus throughout the week. Come say hello, learn more about RHA, our upcoming events and activities throughout the week, and how to become a Hall Council Officer! We’ll have free RHA merchandise at each tabling session:

  • RHA Stickers—we have a brand new collection of 7 stickers, featuring residential locations around campus, the Ramblin Rec, and more!
  • Color Changing Cups—when these cups get cold, they turn from frosted clear color to a vibrant red, orange, blue, or green!
  • Keypers—these silicone phone wallets have room for you to store your Buzzcard AND your room key!

Come grab swag at the following dates and times:

  • Tuesday, 8/17, 11:30am-12:30pm — East Campus, right outside of Brittain dining hall cancelled due to rain
  • Tuesday, 8/17, 5:30-6:30pm — West Campus, right outside of the “Taste of Tech Square” dining event bus pick-up location at West Village
  • Wednesday, 8/18, 3:30-4:30pm — Tech Green
  • Wednesday, 8/18, 6:00-7:00pm — Folk/Caldwell Courtyard, right near the entrance to West Village North Avenue Dining (location change!)

Other Happenings

Be sure to check out these other offerings during Week of Welcome:

  • Vaccine Clinics—Be sure to read this short post, summarizing all you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination opportunities throughout the week.
  • Green Goodbyes—Green Good(Buys) is a no-cost market of clothing, small appliances, and other essentials for your residence hall, all of which were donated during last Spring’s Housing move-out. Our hope is you’ll find something useful and reduce the overall materials purchased and thrown away in our residence halls each year. We look forward to seeing you there, at the Kendeda Building from 12:00-5:00pm on Sunday, August 15.

RHA Executive Board members will also be volunteering at the following events. Be sure to say hi if you see us!

  • Yellow Jacket MegaMixer
  • Taste of Tech Square—Party Bus Trivia
  • West Village Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Get Vaccinated! Week of Welcome Vaccine Clinics 👨‍⚕️

Stamps Health Services is hosting a series of vaccine clinics during Week of Welcome to help vaccinate incoming and returning students who are not yet vaccinated and are interested in receiving a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine! To learn more, visit health.gatech.edu, and to schedule your appointment today, visit mytest.gatech.edu.

Routine surveillance testing is also available throughout the entirety of Week of Welcome, and all students may participate in testing regardless of vaccination status. To view testing information, visit health.gatech.edu/coronavirus/testing. Self isolation housing is also available, by request, and can be explored more at housing.gatech.edu/super-block/827.

Hall Council Officer (HCO) Election Information—Apply NOW!

Introduction

🛑 Application Closed

The regular Fall 2020 – Spring 2021 application is now closed; the information on this page is just informational. Looking to submit a vacancy application and fill one of our vacant HCO positions? Check out this post.

The hundreds of events in and around all 49 residence halls across campus every year, the voice of thousands of residents, and one of the leading student leadership organizations at Tech—that’s us, and if you live on campus, you’re a part of it! RHA is the second largest student organization on campus, and we’re looking to recruit our next team of Hall Council Officers! If you’re interested in helping determine how over $250,000 gets spent annually for residents, planning events for your residence halls, or advocating for residents in your community, RHA is for you. Learn more about what RHA is here, and learn more about Hall Council Officers and Hall Councils here.

Although Hall Council events, meetings, and day-to-day operations will be hosted in person, Hall Council elections will be hosted completely virtually this year. Residents interested in running in their Hall Council elections must complete an application. Residents will then be able to view candidate applications and vote digitally for their Hall Council Officers.

Informational Presentation

Looking for an overview of RHA, Hall Councils, and Hall Council Officer elections? We encourage every prospective candidate to view the below video in full, as it walks you through everything you need to know to be a successful applicant and Hall Council Officer!

Looking for a copy of the slides shared in the presentation? Check out the PDF below!

Reminders & Application Link

Positions Available

As discussed more here, each Hall Council has four open Hall Council Officer positions:

  1. Meetings Coordinator
  2. Communications Coordinator
  3. Finance Coordinator
  4. Events Coordinator

Elections Timeline

  • Sunday, August 29, 11:59PM EDT: application deadline
  • Friday, September 3, 5PM EDT – Sunday, September 5, 5PM EDT: voting
  • Monday, September 6, 10AM EDT: election results are released, at the latest

Application Overview

The application to serve as an HCO can be found here!

  • Your responses, unless indicated otherwise, will be compiled into a candidate profile and distributed to residents of your Hall Council to review prior to voting.
  • This application is divided into two main components: (1) general information about you and (2) your leadership experience, platform, and goals and ideas as an HCO.
    • All candidates will write out answers to questions in Section 1.
    • Candidates will choose to respond to questions in Section 2 EITHER via video OR essay-styled written responses.

Bidding Down

We utilize a process called “bidding down” in HCO elections to offer prospective candidates the ability to run for more than one position. When you fill out your application, you will be able to indicate a primary position of interest and a secondary position of interest (your “bid down” position). If you do not win your election for your primary position of interest, you will be instantly considered for your second position of interest. Note that your primary position MUST be higher in gavel order than your secondary position of interest (Refer to the above section titled “Positions Available.” Your secondary position of interest must be lower in position than your primary position of interest).

If you are only interested in one position, you do not need to bid down to a secondary position of interest. If you win your election for your primary position of interest, you will not be considered for your secondary position of interest.

No Campaigning

No campaigning is allowed during HCO elections; your submitted application will be provided to every resident in your community to review, and the application must stand alone.

You may:

  • Inform friends and residents about HCO elections, generally
  • Encourage friends and residents to vote in HCO elections, generally
  • Introduce yourself to residents and start meeting other people in your community, so that residents and voters generally know who you are

You may not:

  • Use any campaign strategies that encourage residents to vote for a specific candidate
  • Create posters, flyers, or other physical/print campaigning materials
  • Create websites or other digital campaigning materials
  • Send out emails or mass messages that encourage residents to vote for a specific candidate

Why do we have a no campaigning policy?

  • Right now, the RHA Executive Board is a team of six people. We cannot realistically oversee campaigning and elections in 17 communities and 49 residence halls across campus; accordingly, if we allowed campaigning, there would be no feasible way for us to ensure that all candidates are following campaigning policies.
  • Forbidding campaigning and only allowing submitted applications to represent candidates allows us to preserve integrity and equity in our elections process. Not all candidates have equal access to resources (whether those resources be printing capabilities, the financial means to pay for posters or custom websites/domain names, or something else entirely). By disallowing campaigning, we believe that we create a more level playing field for all candidates, regardless of background and access to resources.
  • Recruiting HCOs and conducting a resident-wide elections process means that we already communicate lots with residents—over the past two weeks, we’ve sent every resident on campus multiple emails about RHA/Hall Councils/HCO Elections, hung door hangers on residents’ doors, encouraged RAs and HDs to send residents flyers and informational materials about HCO elections, and more. In the coming days, we’ll be reaching out to every resident yet again to share voting forms and candidate profiles with them. We don’t want residents to feel spammed with communications related to RHA and/or HCO elections, so we accordingly disallow campaigning to minimize the number of emails, flyers, knocks on doors, and more that residents receive during elections.

If you notice any candidate campaigning, please notify the RHA Executive Board by emailing rha-exec@groups.gatech.edu. Candidates caught campaigning will be subject to election penalties depending on the severity of the infraction.

Tabling

Have questions? Want to talk to the RHA Executive Board in person about Hall Councils and learn more about what RHA is all about? We’ll be tabling during the first week of classes, and we’d love for you to swing by! We’ll also have RHA merchandise—including stickers—for you to grab.

  • Monday, August 23, 7:00 – 8:00pm — Folk/Caldwell Courtyard
  • Tuesday, August 24, 7:15 – 8:15pm — Brittain Courtyard Outside of North Ave Dining
  • Thursday, August 26, 5:30 – 6:30pm — North Avenue Turnstiles
  • Friday, August 27, 3:00 – 4:00pm — 10th & Home

Contact Us

Have additional questions or concerns that you’d like to talk to us about? See our contact us page for information on how to reach out, and don’t hesitate to swing by our office hours to chat face-to-face.