April Brings Art, Archery, and Y2K Throwbacks to the Residential Experience
April gave students plenty of reasons to step out of their rooms and spend time together. Through a mix of conversations, weekend activities, and late-night programs, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) created spaces for students to connect, relax, and feel more at home on campus. Each event was funded by the Student Enhancement Fee and reflected RHA’s ongoing goal of building community spaces for residential students.
The month began with RHAsks on April 10, a town hall-style gathering for residential students featuring Lieutenant Lyla Lauren from Campus Safety. The event gave students the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about how Campus Safety supports the residential community. Open conversations like these help students feel heard and give them a better understanding of the resources available to them. It also reminded students that their voices matter when it comes to shaping campus life.
On Saturday, April 11, students traded questions for competition with an afternoon of Archery Tag and iLava Hawaiian BBQ in the Recreation Center. The event brought a high-energy weekend activity to campus, giving students a chance to be active, laugh with friends, and enjoy good food together. Archery tag quickly turned into one of those events where students stayed longer than planned, cheering each other on and making the most of the rainy Saturday. Will B. ’29 shared, “I had fun. This was really easy to get in to, and this was a new experience that I’m happy you put on.” His reflection highlighted what made the event successful: it was accessible, different, and gave students a chance to try something new in a comfortable setting.
On Friday, April 17, RHA celebrated sustainability and spring with an Earth Day event featuring fresh lemonade, tote bag painting, and flower planting. Students stopped by throughout the afternoon to decorate reusable tote bags, plant flowers, and enjoy a break from their normal routines. The event created a calm and creative space where students could slow down, spend time outside, and connect over something simple but meaningful.
The weekend continued with a Y2K-themed dance on Saturday, April 18, hosted in collaboration with Gael Sisterhood. Students showed up ready for the early 2000s throwback, complete with themed outfits, music, and plenty of energy on the dance floor. Dayton F. ’29 shared, “I loved the music, the food was yummy, and it was a wonderful time to spend my Saturday night with my friends!”
The month wrapped up on Tuesday, April 21 with a collaboration between RHA and Diversabilities focused on crafts and art therapy. Students spent the evening creating art, enjoying DIY flavored sodas, and taking time to decompress in a welcoming environment. The relaxed setting encouraged conversation and reflection, while the partnership with Diversabilities highlighted the importance of making campus spaces inclusive and supportive for all students.
Mary C. ’28 shared, “The dirty soda bar was a great addition to a relaxing evening of crafts.” Her reflection captured what many students appreciated most about the event: the chance to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy a simple, low-pressure night during a busy part of the semester.
Across each event, RHA showed how much of student belonging happens outside of the classroom. Weekend and late-night programs give students opportunities to meet new people, strengthen friendships, and feel connected to the place they live. Whether it was asking questions at town hall, painting a tote bag, dancing to throwback music, or sharing a soda over crafts, each event helped make campus feel a little smaller and a lot more welcoming.
With support from the Student Enhancement Fee, RHA continues to create programs that make the residential experience feel like more than just housing. April was another reminder that community is often built in the simple moments when students have the chance to show up, spend time together, and feel like they belong.