Waller Hall Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hall government and what do they do?
A hall government is a group of students who represent the interests, needs, and opinions of the residents living in their hall community. Typically, governments meet weekly to plan various programs for the hall, coordinate participation in campus and community events such as Homecoming, and represent their hall in weekly Residence Hall Association (RHA) meetings.
How and when is your hall government chosen?
Most of the executive members, such as the President and the Vice President, are elected in the Spring Semester before the end of the academic year. However, a number of other positions, such as Floor Sponsors and the Secretary, are elected each semester – usually in September for the Fall Semester, and if needed in December for the Spring Semester. According to the Waller Constitution, members of Waller Hall may cast their vote by secret ballot during the general election.
How can I get in contact with someone on your hall government?
You may contact the Waller Hall Government by the Waller Hall Residential Education Director at 335-6650.
What activities does Waller Hall have during the year?
The Waller Hall Government hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year. During the fall semester some of our events include an annual Blacklight Dance, Capture the Flag game against Stimson, Serenades of our sister halls, and competing in Homecoming.
During the spring Waller hosts Duchess Week. This is a weeklong series of social activities and mixers where residents from across campus come and socialize with the Gentlemen of Waller. At the end of Duchess Week, the Waller Gentlemen elect and crown the Duchess of Windsor.
Waller Hall also participates in Cougar Pride Days, and promotes the scholarship of its students by participating in the Freshmen Focus Program.
The Gentlemen of Waller are never bored – there is a program, social activity, floor dinner, game night, movie night, basketball tournament, discussion group, or general hang out happening all the time.
What government positions are available at the floor/house level and how can I get involved?
Each of the four floors in this hall elect a floor representative, referred to as sponsors. Sponsors participate in weekly government meetings and represent all the residents that live on their floor. There are also a variety of volunteer positions that the President appoints; these positions can include Historian, Intramurals Chair, and Hall Improvement Chairperson. If you are interested in any of these involvement opportunities, please contact the president as soon as you move into Waller.
What government positions are available at the hall level and how can I get involved?
In addition to the floor sponsor positions, there are a number of executive government positions, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Head Sponsor, available each year. Per the constitution in this hall, executive government members are elected in the Spring Semester for the following academic year and must be members of Waller at the time of election. We might also add that there are other opportunities for involvement in the hall as a Resident Assistant (RA) and Community Assistant (CA). Please see the Advanced Paraprofessional (AP) or Resident Education Director (RED) in your hall for more information.
On what does the government spend my $25 each semester?
The $25 each semester that you pay in dues funds all of the hall activities and programs during the year – from the annual Black Light dance to weekly RA programming.
What hall equipment items are available to check-out at the front desk?
Waller has a variety of items that are available for you to check out at our Front Desk with your Cougar Card:
For use in the “Gentlemen’s Club” downstairs, you are able to check out: billiard’s equipment, ping pong sets, air hockey pucks and paddles, and bumper pool sets. We also have a number of full poker sets to use at our table.
To keep yourself and your room in tip top shape, we have irons and an ironing board; as well as vacuums.
For you gamers at heart we have a plethora of board games, cards, chess, etc.
Waller Hall also has recreational equipment for your use. From Frisbees to basketballs, footballs to mitts and baseballs – Waller has you covered. We also have gloves for our weight room downstairs.
And finally for those of you that want to kick back and relax, we have a number of DVD players and VCRs for your use. That is if you don’t want to use our "Cinema Room" equipped with full Big Screen TV, Surround Sound, Air Conditioning, and DVD player.
When do the hall and floor governments meet?
The Waller Hall government currently meets on Sundays at 7:00 pm in the Waller Hall Lobby, though this time and place may change every semester at the government’s discretion.
Does Waller Hall provide any leadership training for people interested in becoming involved?
Waller Hall does provide a leadership training program. Throughout the year, the Advanced Paraprofessional runs our Community Assistant (CA) program. Interested residents apply and are selected for the opportunity to work in conjunction with the paraprofessional staff to hone their leadership skills – particularly in the areas of interpersonal communication, event planning, and team/community development.
I understand Waller Hall receives funds to reduce hall damages. Tell me more about the program and on what such money can be spent.
Waller receives a semester deposit from the Housing Department that can only be used for hall improvement items. This fund is available to use to purchase new hall items and equipment, but when hall damages occur, they are paid through this fund. These funds have been utilized to purchase Microwaves for each floor, Big Screen TVs, BBQ Grills, and new furniture for common areas.
How can I get on the move-in crew and help other residents get settled into the hall at the beginning of the year?
Waller Hall does not have its own move-in crew for its residents due to its size. We do however participate in a number of programs that occur during the Week of Welcome. For more information on participating in these events, or volunteering for them please contact the RA on your floor when you move in, or the Waller Hall Front Desk at 335-3910.