By Laura Hudson

The Resident Student Association (RSA) is determined to make a difference on campus with new events and higher participation.

The RSA, parent organization to hall council, oversees and assists in many events held within the dorms. The RSA is made up of elected resident leaders on campus who will work closely with the representatives of hall council and residents to organize events across campus.

With a rolling budget of $20,000 for the year and at least three or four representatives from each resident complex, the RSA strives to become a recognized name across the University and to bring together members of the University who want to make a difference.

“Our goal this year is to make it a well known organization throughout Hofstra, and a great success,” Student Advisor Leslie Larson said. “We want to try to rewrite the club’s constitution, and work together with the rest of campus to help bring about more events that everyone will be excited to attend.”

The RSA is a nationally recognized organization and members are able to attend national and regional conferences. Becoming a member of the organization enables students to strengthen leadership skills. Jennifer Heller, a junior and president of Liberty-Republic dorms hall council, is fully aware of the benefits of becoming a member of RSA.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to enhance leadership skills,” she said. “It’s a great way to help build my resumé and strengthen my communication and organizational skills too.”

All students, including resident assistants and members of hall council, are able to apply for an executive board position. While students must have attended the first meeting held Sept. 22 to be eligible for a position, students are still encouraged to participate as a member of the student body. Meetings for the executive board are held weekly, while members of the student body are encouraged to attend at least every other week.

In the past, the RSA has proudly sponsored a number of events on campus, including Moving Dutch. This year RSA worked with other departments to help sponsor the “Survivor” Barbeque held during Kick-Off Weekend, which brought four contestants from the show Survivor to campus to sign autographs and give presentations. In addition to the organization’s advances, this is the first year the club will submit a float for the homecoming parade.

“Members of the student body are encouraged to take part in the construction,” Larson said. “It’s a great way to get involved with the Hofstra community and will allow students to give an input on what goes on around here.”

RSA is looking for more students to participate in events this year. (Lacey Ossip)