The Family Housing Council is the residents’ council for the Orchard Downs the community. The council is a registered student organization of the University and was formed to represent the residents’ needs and interests to the Family and Graduate Housing office. FHC consists of members from the Orchard Downs community who are elected annually by the community. FHC manages the garden plots, offers financial support for numerous community programs, and publishes a weekly newsletter called the Neighborly News. The Council holds a public meeting the last Friday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Orchard Downs Community Center all residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The Goodwin-Green International Community Council (GGICC) meets the first Friday of each month before coffee hour. The council functions as a committee to advise the Family and Graduate Housing staff on a wide variety of issues. A long-standing tradition in the Goodwin-Green Community, GGICC has sponsored many programs for residents, including coffee hours, bus trips, community dinners, and trips to local art and theater performances. Residents are always welcome to attend the meetings!

The International Hospitality Committee is a local volunteer organization whose members are interested in international visitors’ happiness and well-being. They offer many opportunities and activities for international visitors: English Conversation, Friendship Groups, and a Lending Storeroom with household items available. English classes are offered for several levels of proficiency from beginner to advanced speakers, and are conveniently held in the Orchard Downs and Goodwin-Green communities. If you are looking for a more informal setting to practice your English skills, then the Global Partners program may be just what you are looking for. The Global Partners program connects you with an English speaking volunteer who will meet with you on an average of one hour per week for conversation and friendship. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your culture, and learn a little about American culture.  The International Honorary for Leaders in University Apartment Communities, IHLUAC, is a program that recognizes the unique and valuable accomplishments of residents living in University apartment communities throughout the United States as well as in Canada and other nations. At the University of Illinois,  IHLUAC acknowledges residents who have made outstanding contributions to the Family and Graduate Housing community through service, leadership, initiative in community development, and a positive attitude toward other residents. The selection of IHLUAC members begins with a nomination form. Every resident or staff member of Family and Graduate Housing at the University is eligible to nominate someone. Five residents will be selected for IHLUAC on the basis of their leadership, service, volunteerism, and participation.