Application Process FAQs

 

Online Application

Please click the "West Campus Employment Application" tab above or button to apply.

Click "APPLY" next to the West Campus Employment 2024-2025 Term

Click the Apply Button

  • How long should my responses be to the short essay questions?
    • There is no required length. Please be long enough to cover the necessary material but keep it short enough to be interesting. We recommend reviewing all of the short essay questions, see above, before beginning the online application.
  • Should I preference a house when I apply or not?
    • If you have a meaningful connection to a house then please feel free to preference that house. If you do preference a house that house will have priority when reviewing your application. If that house chooses to not interview you, your application will be released to the general pool and be available to other houses. We make this option available because some applicants feel strongly about indicating a preference; however, we will consider applicants in the general pool with equal weight. Many applicants historically have not indicated a preference. Their applications enter the general pool, available to every house.

Letters of Recommendation (GRF Application Only)

  • Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
    • Your two professional references (excluding friends or family) should be able to answer questions about your skills, achievements, work ethic, knowledge, and character. Especially helpful are letters from persons who know you well and can give insight to your ability to connect meaningfully with undergraduates and enhance their living experience in a house.
  • Where should I submit letters of recommendation?
    • GRF Candidates will enter contact information for recommenders in the Application portal, recommenders will receive an email to upload their letters.
  • What guidance can I offer my references?
    • Please feel free to share the following message with your references: The Graduate Resident Fellow (GRF) Position in the West Campus House System is a live-in position working with upper class and transfer students. GRFs support the House Professor-Dean, Assistant Dean, and House Fellows in creating a positive, vibrant and academically engaging residential community; serve as mentor and role model to undergraduate residents; and serve in a leadership role for academic enrichment by promoting a variety of programs and activities. The successful applicant is able to lead in a residential setting while successfully balancing their academic responsibilities. Your insight into this candidate’s ability to connect with undergraduates, serve as a responsible community role model and collaborate well with the other individuals involved in the house program is appreciated.

Interview Process

  • When will I hear if I have been selected for an interview?
    • There is some flexibility with the interview timeline because of the coordination necessary between the five houses. Most candidates who are invited to initial interviews will be contacted via email in late Feb/early-March; however, circumstances each year have required some interviews to occur later.
  • If I am not on campus in spring of 2024 may I still apply?
    • We encourage applications from eligible students regardless of where they are studying during the hiring process. In the past Zoom interviews have been used to accommodate applicants who are not in Ithaca. We do still expect that your materials will be submitted on the same timeline.

 

 

Tips for Success

  1. Submit your materials on time and be sure they are complete.
  2. Request your letters of reference early to allow enough time for your references to complete them.
  3. Talk with current GRFs and URFs and educate yourself about the position.
  4. Be clear and concise in your materials.
  5. Confidently be yourself. We have many applicants for limited openings, and to make the best placements we need to have a good sense of who you are and what you will bring to the GRF or URF position.

More Information

Questions about the applications process, your eligibility, or special circumstances? Please email westcampushousesystem@cornell.edu