2025-2026 Application for House of the Year

The House of the Year Award was established by the Housing and Residence Life Office to recognize residence hall communities that have taken steps to make a difference in the lives of their residents as well as the community. Every year, the House of the Year Award is announced at the University's annual Leadership Recognition Banquet to recognize the house that has demonstrated excellence in:

• Creating and maintaining healthy relationships within the house.
• Developing and utilizing house goals and expectations to create an optimal living and learning environment.
• Encouraging involvement within the house, as well as the development of house identity.
• Creating an environment which supports academic excellence.
• Service to the NMU campus and beyond.

In addition to being recognized at the University's annual Leadership Recognition Banquet, the House of the Year will receive:

• An award to be permanently displayed in the house
• A party of your choice ($200 limit)

 Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 15th, 2026.

Please attach to this application your answers to the questions below! 

Note: you do not have to submit your answers in essay format. You may submit your answers in essay format if you wish, but we also accept (and welcome) Powerpoints, videos, photo collages, a mix of all of the above, etc. We love to see your creativity and House personality shine, so don't be shy about trying something new!

1. What did the house accomplish this year in the following areas:

• Positive relationships among house members
• Effective house expectations
• Goal achievement
• On-going participation and communication, and
• Support for members' educational goals

2. Did the house face any unique and/or unexpected challenges this year? If so, how were they dealt with?

3. What steps, if any did the house take to enhance life in:

• The residence hall
• The NMU community
• The Marquette community and beyond

4. How do the students who live in this house describe living there? Please include testimonials from students living in this house.