About
The Inter-Housing Council serves as the student government for Cal Poly's University Housing, advocating for student wellness through a variety of initiatives including free events, advocacy meetings, and informational sessions for the campus's 8,000+ residents. During my first year, I was elected as the Community Council President of the largest dorms on campus. In my second year, I was honored to be elected as the President of the Inter-Housing Council Executive Board, where I led elected community presidents and residents across student housing.
Year 1: Community President
My first year at college was yakʔitʸutʸu's (the dorm which I was president of) grand opening. Its unique name paid respect to the Northern Chumash Tribe, whose land it was built over. My goal was to honor the purpose of yakʔitʸutʸu's name by helping residents practice pronouncing the names of the buildings and creating successful events for 1,200 of my residents to attend and feel at home.
Cultural awareness: pronunciations
I strongly encouraged all residents in yakʔitʸutʸu to learn the correct pronunciations of their buildings. I strategically practiced the pronunciations at all events that offered free food or games so that residents could practice frequently.
Winter Wonderland: Informed research for better students
Residents who attended more on-campus events earned better grades and reported a better first-year experience. This was a fact I was told by the University. To maximize student attendance at my on-campus events as president, I polled students for the things they preferred. After polling over 1,000 students from all over campus and implementing their recommendations, The Winter Wonderland "Semi-Dormal" attracted over 200 attendees, a record-breaking achievement for an Inter-Housing Council event.
Poster by Darly Goh
Year 2: Inter-housing Council Executive Board President
As the IHC Executive Board President, I was elected by University Housing employees and IHC community council presidents and vice presidents. This position acts as a bridge between University Housing staff members and Community Council leaders to champion student wellness. I conducted weekly hour-long advocacy board meetings and met weekly with community council leaders and university housing staff to foster collaboration and advocate for student needs.
The first annual IHC Retreat
Creating new IHC traditions
I strongly believe in the power of community and sought to cultivate it within IHC by organizing an annual retreat. Held amidst the serene greenery of the Central Coast mountains, just a short distance from San Luis Obispo, this retreat provided an opportunity for IHC members to come together, foster bonds, and enjoy quality time in nature.