Creating Community On-Campus
By UCF Housing
April 2026

In Housing at UCF, community takes shape through student leaders like Karma Threatt. A Lake Claire resident majoring in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry, she has found her place at UCF by getting involved and stepping outside of her comfort zone. As the Marketing Chair for the Residence Hall Association’s (RHA) Lake Claire Area Council, Karma plays a key role in creating and promoting events that bring students together.
Originally from out of state, Karma chose to live on campus to feel more connected and immersed in the UCF community. Living in Lake Claire has made that transition easier, giving her the opportunity to attend events, meet new people, and truly put herself out there. “It’s helped me get out of my shell,” she shared, reflecting on how her on-campus experience has shaped her college journey.
Through her role on Area Council, Karma helps plan and promote events designed to help residents connect and have fun. The council meets every other week to brainstorm ideas and bring them to life. As Marketing Chair, Karma is responsible for creating promotional materials, like posters, that get reviewed by her team before being finalized and shared in our Residence Halls.
One of her favorite events was a “2020 Night,” featuring games like Among Us, prizes, and plenty of time for residents to hang out and unwind. “People stayed late just to spend time together,” she said, highlighting the sense of community these events can create.
Karma first learned about Area Council through an email and decided to get involved to build valuable skills like problem-solving and public speaking—both essential in her future career in forensic science. “Those communication skills are really important for my future career,” she explained.
Her advice for other students is simple: don’t be afraid to go for it. “Even if you’re new, run for a position,” she encouraged. “It’s a great first step into other opportunities.” She also noted that many members of her Area Council have gone on to become Resident Assistants, showing how involvement can open doors within Housing and beyond.
For Karma, getting involved has not only helped her grow professionally, but also personally, proving that sometimes the best way to find your place is to take that first step and get involved.