Life in Our Halls
The residence halls are our Blue Hens' home at UD. We provide students with different opportunities to help them make connections with others and support their personal growth and development. Students can learn through workshops, programs, and even by meeting with their RA individually or as a group.
Student Leadership & Service Awards (SLSA)
The Student Leadership & Service Awards (SLSA) are an opportunity for Residence Life and Housing to recognize accomplishments and contributions that our students make within their residence hall communities. Student Leadership and Service Awards also celebrates all the exciting programs and work our students complete throughout the year. All students and staff are welcome to submit nominations!
Students can be nominated for their residence hall contributions for nine different award categories! Nominations for the 2023-2024 awards are now open! Submit your nomination today!
SLSA Awards Categories:
This award recognizes the efforts of an individual, group, or initiative that has advocated to positively impact change within the residence halls. The change efforts and/or initiative was one that reinforced and represented the needs and voices of the community. This award highlights actions carried out through implementation of awareness campaigns, programming, and/or community initiatives that impact students within the residence hall community. An individual or initiative nominated for this award should have identified community needs and contributed in a positive manner to the resolution of that need.
- Nominations may range anywhere from 200 to 600 words.
This award recognizes programs and events that are student initiated and implemented in the halls with community building in mind. The nomination should demonstrate how the program has had an impact on a residence hall community, as well as how the program was planned and implemented by students.
- The nomination statement should summarize the scope and impact of the program on the residential community and how the program was planned and implemented (see above description for more information).
- Nominations may range anywhere from 350 to 800 words in length
This award recognizes an individual who has served in a leadership capacity in their current Neighborhood Empowerment Team and has demonstrated leadership towards the NET goals and missions above and beyond what is expected. The nomination should include detailed examples of his/her contribution to the floor; how the individual has worked towards creating a sense of community on their floor; how the individual has motivated others in the floor community to participate in NET; and involvement in NET Challenges. Student and staff testimonials are encouraged in nomination letters. Multiple leaders may be recognized for this award.
- This nomination should include a summary of the scope and impact of the leader on their residential community and leadership in fostering a strong NET community (see above description for more information). Nominations may range anywhere from 350 to 800 words in length.
This recognition highlights individuals who have had a positive impact on the residence hall experience of another student or students. This award should recognize a resident who has helped make living on campus an experience characterized by kindness, friendship, personal growth, and/or learning. This award is not for a staff member or a student who holds a formal leadership role in the complex (NET Captain). Multiple students may be recognized for this initiative.
- Nominations should include support detailing this resident’s contribution(s) to individuals or the community.
This award recognizes the efforts and contributions of a student in advancing the UD commitment to embrace, enhance and celebrate diversity in their floor, building, and/or area. The nominee should have a) demonstrated respectful and inclusive ways of being when interacting with others in their floor, building, and/or area; b) promoted, enhanced, and implemented an event that promoted perspective building amongst residents c) advocated for inclusion of underrepresented groups where students feel a sense of belonging in the floor, building, and/or area.
- The nomination statement should summarize the scope and impact of the individual’s contributions to the community. Nominations may range anywhere from 350 to 800 words in length.
This award recognizes any community: floor, multiple floors, building, complex, Special Interest Housing or Living Learning communities whose individual members have been significantly involved in the growth and development of the community. The nominated communities also may have made contributions to the larger complex and/or University community. The nomination should include detailed examples of resident involvement in the community (this may include information about NET activities); benefits to individuals in the community; and contributions to complex and University communities. Up to two awards may be given.
- The nomination statement should summarize the involvement of community members and any significant contribution to the larger complex or University community. This nomination should capture why this community is unique to other communities throughout campus. Nominations may range anywhere from 350 to 800 words in length.
- At least one statement of support from a faculty or staff member focusing on personal knowledge of the nominated community and the community’s contributions to the residence halls. Multiple statements of support will be accepted and each statement can range from at least one paragraph to one page (350 words maximum).
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to their community above and beyond what is typically expected of residential students. This award should recognize a resident who is a great role model, and has positively impacted the residential experience of those around him/her. This award is not for a staff member or a student who holds a formal leadership role in the complex (NET Captain). Nominations should include support detailing this resident’s involvement in complex activities; change they have initiated in self, peers, or the community; and/or other contributions this student has made to his or her community. Up to two awards will be given (one for First-Year area and one for Upper Division).
- The nomination statement should highlight the impact and contributions to his or her community outside of formal or elected leadership roles (see above description for more information). Nominations may range anywhere from 350 to 800 words in length.
This award recognizes a student who embodies the Residence Life & Housing Values of Excellence, Stewardship, Inclusion, Community, Students and Partnership and has partnered with other students or staff to make positive contributions to their residential community.
- The nomination statement should include support detailing this individual’s ability to connect to the Residence Life & Housing mission statement, “live” the mission statement through their actions towards others and within their floor or building communities. Please articulate how the student demonstrates group connection and/or achievement of the mission statement.
This award recognizes an individual, organization, or department whose work and efforts to collaborate have contributed to enhance the residence hall experience through day to day interactions with students in the residence halls.
- The nomination statement should address how the nominee has made an impact through their work with students and what outstanding contributions they have made to the floor or building community.
Congratulations to the 2024 SLSA award winners!
- Advocacy Spotlight Award: Daniel Albanese
- Citizen of the Year: Jordyn Stelma & Ella Babcock
- Community of the Year: Russell E2
- Connection to RLH Mission & Values: Nora Charles
- Exemplary Partnership: Raymond King (South Academy Hall Custodial)
- Good Neighbor Award: Sir William Bauer, Gage Anthony Walker, Angelina White, Jared Miller, Carly Martin, Oluwadamilola Babalola, Jessica Sitlinger, Giavanna Scaletti, James Jeffers & Inara Dennis
- Inclusive Leader Award: Peyton Frazier
- NET Leader of the Year: Christian Hermann, Adyn Isemann, Tyla Kent, Hana Frey, Serena Ballah, Hawa Kallon, Ella Nilsen, Jessica Castro-Sandoval, Meghan Rydell, Sydney Sapienza, Nicole Rinaldi & Brady Patackis
- Student Initiated Program: Cory Yorkovic & Samantha Pelletier
“Contributing to my community gave me the opportunity to create a better sense of compassion and awareness for the needs of others around me. Contributing to activities like these has helped me broaden my perspectives and build meaningful relationships with many different and wonderful people.” - Luke Depireux, Good Neighbor Award Winner
“My leadership skills have improved since becoming a NET Captain. I became more confident in a leadership role and it helped me become more outgoing. I tried my best to know every single person on my floor and say hi to them and talk to them. My inter-personal skills have also improved and I've discovered a love for brining communities and people together.” - Bridget Ednie, NET Leader of the Year Award Winner
Blue Hen Support
We're devoted to supporting Blue Hens in their academic, personal and professional success, and these in-hall programs help us do just that.
RA Catch Ups are one-on-one conversations with your RA about your experience at UD so far and your goals for life after UD. Our RAs are trained to help students get connected with resources on campus to support students through their time at UD.
Your RA will first reach out during Move-in and again later in the semester to schedule a Catch up, but they are always there if you need them. Connect with your RA or Residence Hall Coordinator for more info or if you want to meet with them.
Roommate Goals (found on Roompact) is a helpful tool to help you and your roommate(s) discuss shared spaces, develop expectations, and proactively talk about how you'll handle conflict.
Contact your RA or Residence Hall Coordinator for more info, or log into Roompact to get started.
Get Involved: RA Catch Ups: youtube.com/watch?v=O4YnBo1fPaM
CULTURAL CELEBRATION SERIES
Each month, a new culture is featured and celebrated in the residence halls. Students can also learn more about cultural events on-campus and access diversity, equity and inclusion resources from our campus partners.
September 15 through October 15th we celebrate Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month which is an opportunity to learn about the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx and Hispanic leaders.
Although this month is nationally referred to as "Hispanic Heritage Month" we recognize that there is indeed a historical difference between the identities "Hispanic" (a person of Spanish-speaking descent) and "Latino/a/x" (a person from Latin America or descended from Latin Americans).
This time period was chosen because it marks the independence anniversary of five countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. It is followed by Mexico's Independence Day on Sept. 16 and Chile's on Sept. 18.
This month we want to recognize and celebrate the history and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities, and how their presence makes UD a better place to live.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with us by diving into the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and all their intersections! In 1994, a coalition of education-based organizations in the United States designated October as LGBTQ+ History Month. During this month, LGBTQ+ communities celebrate National Coming Out Day on October 11 and the first LGBTQ+ "March on Washington,” which took place on October 14th, 1979 and nationalized the fight for LGBTQ+ equity. While we recognize that there is progress around LGBTQ+ justice, we also know that homophobia and transphobia still exist and that our work is not done.
November is National Native American Heritage Month or, commonly referred to as, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
Native American Heritage Month celebrates the broad history of cultures, traditions, and contributions of American Indigenous Persons. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are indigenous to the land that we now know as the United States of America.
Land Acknowledgement: Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation & Nanticoke Indian Tribe
The University of Delaware occupies lands vital to the web of life for Lenni Lenape and Nanticoke, who share their ancestry, history, and future in this region. This interactive map shows that the Lewes, Georgetown, Dover, Newark and Wilmington campuses are located in these Indigenous homelands: https://native-land.ca/. UD has financially benefited from this regional occupation as well as from Indigenous territories that were expropriated through the United States land grant system since the institution was established in 1743. We acknowledge that the centuries of harm to Indigenous people and their homelands are beyond repair. Yet, we pledge a sustained commitment to accountability.
National Disability Awareness Month is typically celebrated in March, but the Residence Life and Housing celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is celebrated on December 3.
In 1992, the first International Day of Disabled Persons (later renamed to International Day of Persons with Disabilities) was proclaimed by the United Nations to celebrate, learn and take action to support equal human rights.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society; from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week. Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law designating March as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
Celebrating the rich and diverse culture and contributions of the diverse population of Arab Americans, National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017.
An estimated 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots, according to the Arab American Institute, with ancestries traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and others.
In 2023 there was issued a historic proclamation recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) for the month of April 2023.
In June of 1977, U.S. Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Mineta of California introduced a resolution to establish Asian Pacific Heritage Week, to be celebrated each year at the beginning of May. Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii introduced similar legislation in the Senate. The following year, President Jimmy Carter signed into law a joint resolution to establish the annual event, and the first celebration took place in May of 1979. This date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869. In 1992, the month of May was designated by President George H. W. Bush as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The annual celebration honors the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Native Hawaiians.
Neighborhood Empowerment Teams (NET)
NET inspires all members of the floor to contribute to and support the community by maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Become a leader on campus by being a NET Captain! It's a great opportunity for students to gain leadership skills within a smaller community. Connect with your RA or RHC if you are interested in becoming a NET Captain, contact your RHC.
NET Captains are the student leaders of their community that work, in collaboration with their RA, to build a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment on their floor. They have the opportunity to host Student Initiated Programs (SIP), encourage other students to join committees, and advocate for the needs of those who live on their floor.
NET Floor Representatives connect with staff in offices across campus to share information and opportunities with their community. Floor Representatives help to amplify campus resources to support student success and wellbeing, including Student Wellness & Health Promotion, Athletics, Office of Academic Enrichment, and the Career Center.
NET Committees are floor-specific opportunities for residents to come together and informally contribute to their floor community. NET Committees are developed based on resident interests and the needs of the community as identified by its members. Check out the list of examples of NET Committees!
NET Challenges are monthly activities for community bonding and to help students connect to University, community, and floor events! Each month, a new challenge will be revealed and floor communities are expected to collaborate to achieve the goal of the challenge. RA staff will announce the challenges during community meetings and work with the NET Captain(s), NET Floor Representatives, and members of the floor community to implement the Challenge.
RA Internship & Leadership Exploration Program
This leadership development program allows students to see into the life of an RA while they learn valuable leadership skills and participate in different campus opportunities. RAILE is available to students living both on and off-campus.
There are varying levels of involvement, so students can determine how much time and energy they commit to the program. Students can complete a variety of activities and components, and will be paired with an RA to serve as a guide and resource.
If you have any questions, email the Leadership Development Committee at rlhleadership@udel.edu.
Get Certified in RAILE
Students can achieve the Bronze certification by completing all five core components and the final reflection. These core components include workshops that cover the following topics: Crucial Conversations Workshop, Solution-Oriented Mindset, Intercultural Communication, and Leadership.
Students can achieve the Silver certification by completing all five core components, five choose-your-own components, and the final reflection.
Students can achieve the Gold certification by completing all five core components, ten choose-your-own components, and the final reflection.
Student Initiated Programs
Are you looking for an opportunity to host an event for your community? Check out our Student Initiated Programs (SIPs)! Hosting a Student Initiated Program is a great way for you to have a positive impact on your community and grow in your own skills. Funding (up to $40) for this program is available through an easy request process. If you’d like to plan and host your own event, talk to your RA or Residence Hall Coordinator.
Get Involved: Student Initiated Programs: youtube.com/watch?v=JZ-7XwA2haY
Want to submit a program for your community? Click on the links below!
Forms are hosted in Roompact. Make sure to use your UDel email!
Follow your community on Instagram!
| Building Name | Instagram Account |
| George Read | @GeorgeReadRLH |
| Redding | @LouisReddingRLH |
| Gilbert | @GilbertRLH |
| Russell | @RussellRLH |
| Smyth | @SmythRLH |
| Lane & Thompson | @lanethompsonRLH |
| South Academy | @SouthAcademy |
| Caesar Rodney | @CaesarRodneyRLH |
| James Smith, Thomas McKean | @SmithMcKean |
| Ray Street | @RayStRLH |
| North Central | @NorthCentralRLH |
| South Central | @SouthCentralRLH |
| Independence | @IndyRLH |
| Apartments | @RLHApartments |
RESIDENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Resident Student Association (RSA) at the University of Delaware is one of the oldest organizations on campus dating back to 1972. We value an inclusive, engaging, diverse, and valuable residence hall experience. RSA is invested in providing opportunities and resources that empower resident students to lead communities to their full potential. Through programming, advocacy, and the mutual support of all our fellow students, we have the ability to make the residence halls a home. Connect with us on our RSA Instagram or email RSA.
RSA is a part of the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. CAACURH is one of eight regional affiliates in NACURH. The regional purpose of CAACURH is to promote academic, intellectual, cultural and social understanding among affiliated schools and their representatives, provide the opportunity for leadership development and stimulate activities in on-campus living units.
NATIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HONORARY
Leadership! Service! Recognition! If either of these topics pique your interest, consider joining the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). Your involvement in NRHH could include social event planning, facilitating service projects for UD and the greater Newark community, and providing a space to appreciate your peers.
NRHH is also a part of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is the premiere honorary supported by the leading international organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students, while also providing opportunities for their personal growth and development. NRHH strives to provide recognition for individuals who have contributed to the advancement of college and university housing. It ensures the advancement of member chapters through resource sharing, programming and leadership development opportunities to contribute and support the vision of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, Incorporated.