The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is the recognition branch of National Association of College and University Residence Halls. NACURH, as an organization, truly believes that recognition is a must in a strong Residence Hall community. As such, NRHH is there to make sure that we don't forget to give those needed and more than deserved pats on the back.
Official Colors: Blue & White
The blue symbolizes loyalty: loyalty to purpose and idea. The white signifies a blank page: a page on which a student writes the successes and experiences that fill their days in the residence halls and on campus.
Emblem: NRHH Diamond
The symbol for NRHH is that of a diamond surrounding the letters of the organization, and the three interconnected links, the chain of leadership. The diamond, the world's most precious gem, signifies the value and beauty one finds in the residence halls and on campus experience.
THE HISTORY OF NRHH
In 1964, the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, Inc. (NACURH) found itself with financial difficulties. Jim Tschechtelin, NACURH Chair, began investigating possibilities for potential revenue sources and grants. Grants were found, but there were two requirements: a central NACURH office had to be established, and the member schools needed more service rendered. Thus, the National Honorary was put forth as an answer to the second requirement.
During the preliminary organization, the National Honorary (NH) focused on the incorporation of old into new. Campuses with existing honorary organizations were contacted and coordinated into the NH structure. The preservation of a chapter's identity was primary, as it was incorporated into the NH structure, and as each campus is aware of its own individual needs. The primary focus of each chapter became the recognition of the Residence Hall Leaders on its campus. This helped sustain a consistent membership in on campus organizations as well as on the regional and national levels within NACURH.
The years between 1977 to 1987 were the years of growth for the National Honorary. Pins and certificates were produced to recognize the members of the honorary, the tradition of regional and national receptions during the conferences began, and formal recruitment and affiliation packets were produced. Regional Recruiter (now Associate Directors) positions on regional boards were also established. Many awards were established including the Of The Months, Outstanding Chapter of the Year, Building Block Chapter of the Year, and Member of the Year.
Today, over 210 chapters are affiliated with the National Residence Hall Honorary National Office. Activities of the chapters vary from campus to campus. Some simply induct new members at an annual recognition banquet, and thus are only an honorary chapter. Others are extremely active on their campuses and in their communities.
MACURH NRHH IMAGES
Below you will find downloadable images of the NRHH diamond as well as the MACURH NRHH logos. NRHH encourages those who wish to use the logos to handle them in a way that represents NRHH and the schools that are a part of the organization. These are the only official images produced through NRHH.
Chapter Constitution Checklist
Induction Ceremony Tips and Resources
Of the Month Awards (OTMS)
Of the Months, otherwise known as OTMs, are one means for NRHH to recognize outstanding students, advisors, and programs on the campuses of colleges and universities across the United States. OTMs are the primary source of recognition throughout NRHH. OTMs are written at individual schools, graded on their local level, and then graded on regional and national levels.
OTM Blog
Wondering who won an OTM this month? Check out the Regional OTM Blog for all the latest MACURH OTM news! http://macurhotms.blogspot.com/
OTM Categories
Advisor
Advisors need to create a supportive environment for the student leaders they advise. The focus of the Advisor OTM should be based on the impact s/he makes in the lives of students. Personal examples are often the best way to express the intangible contributions of an advisor. The nomination should display how the advisor was instrumental in helping the leaders they work with grow, learn, and develop.
Criteria Questions:
How did the individual recognize the students s/he advises in the month of nomination?
How did the individual impact students s/he advises during the month of nomination?
Through the course of his/her work, in what ways is this person contributing to the student affairs profession?
What outstanding accomplishments merit recognition of the individual this month?
Community
This award is designed to recognize the contributions of residential and working communities and the impact they have on their students and the rest of campus. The mission of residence halls is to provide a home away from home for students. The community OTM is designed to reward communities to show that their efforts and dedication has not gone unnoticed. It will also help promote pride and unity within on-campus communities. Since a community is
difficult to define, any residential life community is eligible for this award. For
example: wings, halls, floors, complexes, exec boards, RA staffs, etc.
Residence life organizations may not be nominated for this award.Criteria Questions:
What brings the group of people together?
What specific positive contributions did this community make this month to enhance the lives of the group members or those around it?
How does the community interact with other communities?
What makes this community different from other communities? (Examples include participation and enthusiasm as a group.)
Community Service Program:
Criteria Questions:
What was the service project?
Who did it benefit?
How did the project impact the residential community?
What makes this program unique?
How did students take an active part in the program?
Desk Attendant
A desk attendant (office/hall assistant) should be an undergraduate/graduate student who represents and works for a hall/office promoting the halls by going above and beyond their duties. Include the job requirements and show how the nominee has gone above and beyond those requirements.
Criteria Questions:
How well does the nominee work with residents and what impact has s/he had during the month of nomination?
How has the nominee fulfilled and gone above his/her job responsibility during the month of nomination?
Are there any specific projects in support of hall government or committees in which she/he participates?
What outstanding contributions has the individual made for the hall she/he works in during the month of nomination?
Diversity Program
Criteria Questions:
What were the goals of the program and how were they accomplished?
How did the program serve to promote diversity and understanding?
What makes this program unique?
Did the program have a lasting effect on residents?
Educational ProgramCriteria Questions:
How did the program educate students?
How were the educational needs of the community addressed?
What were the goals of the program and how were they accomplished?
What makes the program unique?
Executive Board MemberBe sure the person you are nominating for this award is eligible to receive it. The nominee needs to be from a campus wide residence hall governing body, not a hall government. Bring out the nominee's special efforts, not just fulfilling the job requirements of the position.
Criteria Questions:
Is the individual from the campus-wide residence hall governing body (i.e. Residence Hall Association) or NRHH Chapter, not a specific hall government?
Has the nominee used the services and resources of NACURH as well as other campus resources?
What outstanding accomplishments merit recognition of this individual this month?
How did the Exec Board Member exceed the responsibilities of his/her position during the month of the nomination?
How has the individual grown as a result of the challenges s/he has faced?
Faculty/StaffThis category is intended for staff or facutly members that contribute to their time and assistance, going the extra mile, for the benefit of the people around them. This award is relevant to a single person or an entire staff.
Criteria Questions:
What outstanding contributions did the individual make during the month of nomination?
How has this person impacted the residence halls and campus?
What organizations and activities was the individual involved in during the month of nomination?
How does the faculty/staff member(s) recognize and motivate others?
First Year Student
This category is intended for an upcoming student leader(a first year student or transfer) who puts forth special effort during the month of nomination. Possible things to include in the nomination could be leadership development, contribution to the people in her/his community, and his/her activities. Please note that campus-wide executive board members, advisors, and residential assistants are not eligible for this award.
Criteria Questions:
What outstanding contributions did the individual make during the month of nomination?
How has this person impacted the residence halls and campus?
What interaction did the nominee have with his/her residence hall government or individual hall during the month of nomination?
What organizations and activities was the individual involved in during the month of nomination?
How does the student recognize and motivate others?
How has the student grown throughout their experiences during the month fo the nomination?
OrganizationThis category is to recognize an outstanding residence life
organization (such as an RHA, NRHH Chapter, RA Council, or Hall Council), not an outstanding member. Nominations should be organization specific and not
concentrate on the efforts of a few individuals. Review the purpose and goals of the organization before writing the nomination.Criteria Questions:
Is the nomination month specific?
What is the focus of the organization? (i.e. programming, advocacy, recognition, etc.)
How did the organization contribute to the residential community and the general community of the institution?
How did the organization interact with the region and with NACURH?
What set this month apart from other months?
Resident AssistantA residential assistant should be an undergraduate/graduate student who lives with residents in order to build and facilitate community. A residential assistant can include, but is not limited to, titles such as resident assistant, community assistant, house manager, area advisor, and complex advisor. Residential assistants typically do not supervise a staff. Include the job requirements and show how the nominee has gone above and beyond those requirements.
Criteria Questions:
How well does the nominee work with residents and what impact has s/he had during the month of nomination?
How has the nominee fulfilled and gone above his/her job responsibility during the month of nomination?
Are there any specific projects in support of hall government or committees in which she/he participates?
What outstanding contributions has the individual made for the hall she/he works in during the month of nomination?
Social ProgramCriteria Questions:
What was the purpose of the program?
How did it encourage residents to interact with one another?
What makes the program unique?
How can the program be adapted to other campuses?
SpotlightThis category is to recognize the efforts of people who do not fall
into any other categories; therefore, the nominee cannot be an advisor, exec board member, residential assistant, or student. Possible nominees could be food
service personnel, night security staff, or janitorial staff. Please include how this person/group has helped an individual or contributed to the well being of the community.Criteria Questions:
What outstanding contributions did the individual/group make to the students living in the residence halls during the month of nomination?
How has the person/group exceeded what would normally be expected of them in their position?
StudentThis category is intended for a student leader who puts forth special effort during the month of nomination. Possible things to include in
the nomination could be leadership development, contribution to the people in her/his community, and his/her activities. Please note that campus-wide executive board members, advisors, and residential assistants are not eligible for this award.Criteria Questions:
What outstanding contributions did the individual make during the month of nomination?
How has this person impacted the residence halls and campus?
What interaction did the nominee have with his/her residence hall government or individual hall during the month of nomination?
What organizations and activities was the individual involved in during the month of nomination?
How does the student recognize and motivate others?
Check back for an updated list of all MACURH NRHH Chapters!
Why have a NRHH Chapter?
To give recognition to residence hall leaders for a job well done.
To develop residence hall leaders.
To improve residence hall life by developing new leaders, keeping veteran leaders involved, and to establish programs to improve campus life.
To provide local, regional, and national recognition through National Membership Pins, National Membership Certificates, Of the Month Awards, the Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award, the Building Block Chapter of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Member of the Year Award.
What can a NRHH Chapter Do?
Your chapter can be exactly what the name implies, an honor. That is, members do not have to take an active roll. On the other hand, it can be as active as its members want to be.
Activities that most chapters are involved with include:
A banquet to induct new members and to recognize current members
Regular meetings
Selection of new members
Social get-togethers (movies, picnics, hay rides, study breaks, etc.)
Activities that some chapters are involved with include:
On-campus leadership conferences
Skill building workshops (time management, budgeting, programming, etc.)
Membership on a university housing committee
Programs co-sponsored with the Residence Hall Association
Studying a particular housing issue
Establishing a leadership award or scholarship
Community service projects
Academic programs and scholarship
Fundraising
There are several resources you can take advantage of to help you start your new NRHH Chapter.
You could either read through our How To Guide On Starting An NRHH Chapter
Or you can contact the MACURH AD-NRHH with any questions you may have.
