Alicia Brown

If you live on campus, chances are you’re benefiting from Residence Hall Government.

Hall government plans programs like dances and games. It also decides how to spend voluntary dues to improve the hall’s community.

The activities are meant to give students a break from studying and it introduces them to other students.

Pierson Hall has planned programs in the past such as, the Marshmallow Mafia, a Holiday Break Party and game nights.

Hall government also lets students share their ideas on what they would like to see in their building.

“Hall government serves as a voice for students who live in the campus residence halls,” said Susan Sandberg, the associate director of education and staffing for residence life.

One of the easiest ways to get involved is to show up at hall meetings. Signs are posted in residence halls announcing meeting times and dates. Students can also talk to the resident assistant on their floor about getting involved.

“We like to see representation from every floor,” said Dana Northrup, Residence Hall Director for Pierson.

Hall government also offers first and second year students, who live on-campus, a chance to develop leadership skills. Residence assistants and residence hall directors act as advisors at hall government meetings. Elections are held for officers, but any student can volunteer as a member of hall government.

“Generally hall government has meetings weekly or biweekly, according to each residence hall,” Northrup said.

Experience with hall government can lead students to other on-campus leadership positions, such as becoming a residence assistant.

“It’s a wonderful way to get involved as a student leader here at SDSU,” Sandberg said.