Getting Involved in U.Va.'s Residential Community
Once you've moved all of your belongings into your new living space, another exciting U.Va. adventure can begin. You'll want to start getting involved in the University community, which you can do in countless ways. One of the greatest levels of involvement can be with your living community; people sharing common experiences on a day-to-day basis. Each of the living areas outlined in this brochure have different types of opportunities for involvement. Check them out and start dreaming up some exciting things to do this fall!
Brown College Governance
Brown College at Monroe Hill has a vigorous system of student governance. Three elected officers oversee the efforts of a dozen activities committees, which present a variety of social events, organize discount tickets for theatrical and musical events, sponsor the annual Haunted Tunnels extravaganza, and generally define life at the College. A variety of formal and informal academic programs are offered by the students and faculty of Brown College. Short Courses, the Great Books Seminars, and other credit bearing and non-credit seminars are available each semester. About 30% of the members have a program responsibility and all members take part in Brown College sponsored events.
First Year Council
You too can be a member of First Year Council! Each Residential College and Association Council elects representatives to serve on the programming and governing body that represents the entire First Year class. There are many opportunities to become involved in one or more of the standing committees. The Activities Committee, First Year Concerns, Minority and Women's Concerns, Community Service, and Fundraising Committees need talented men and women who want to become involved in making a difference in the first year experience. If you are someone who enjoys being involved and developing leadership skills, First Year Council is for you.
Hereford College Committees
Founded in 1992, Hereford is a residential college designed to provide a rich community experience beyond the classroom. Through the Executive Budget Committee (EBC) and its three sub-committees (Events and Activities, Residence Affairs, and the Web Group) students sponsor a lively program of banquets, trips, films, and outdoor events. They also seek to improve the quality of life at Hereford by painting murals, mentoring first year students, and expanding the web page. Outside the committees, any resident can develop a program by gathering student support and submitting a funding proposal. Graduate-student coordinators are available to guide students as they implement their ideas.
Association Councils
As a member of an Association Council, you have the unique opportunity to engage in a variety of interesting experiences. The Association Council system pools together representatives from two or three First Year Program areas. This system, designed to accomplish a multitude of things through different types of programs, is advised by members of Resident Staff. Some of the goals of Association Councils are: fostering faculty-student interaction in a learning-living environment; getting residents involved in their community; providing the building or area with fun and interesting things to do, and taking advantage of some of the great resources around U.Va. and the Charlottesville community!
International Residential College Governance
The IRC is organized along the lines of a parliamentary government with an elected Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Foreign Minister with Ambassadors to other organizations, etc. The various ministers and their committees sponsor a variety of programs and events from intramural athletic teams, international cooking classes, and folk dancing, to field trips to foreign embassies in Washington, D.C. and topical interdisciplinary classes for academic credit. IRC residents are encouraged to dine together and with faculty fellows on a frequent basis in the University dining halls and by cooking in the communal kitchens on each floor of the IRC residence halls.