Bethe Active Citizens Overview

Who are Active Citizens (ACs)?

Bethe House Active citizens are returning Bethe residents who add to the community through informal engagement and as fun neighbors. They host events, participate in ongoing initiatives, lead Bethe Testers, attend House Dinners and Wednesday evening conversation hours, and serve as a resource for new transfer students.

Why are there Active Citizens?

Active Citizens help the Bethe leadership team reach the primary goal of the West Campus House System at Cornell University: the creation of an environment that closely links the residential life of the students to the intellectual mission of the university. To achieve this goal, Bethe House emphasizes informal interaction with faculty and staff members from across the University, self-governance, and social and cultural programming. In these ways, Bethe House builds an actively engaged community of upper-class students – one that fosters personal discovery and growth, encourages civic engagement, and nurtures scholarship and creativity in an environment of collegiality, civility, and responsible stewardship. For all these reasons, Bethe House has a vested interest in celebrating and retaining active house members.

Why become an Active Citizen?

As a Bethe Active Citizen, you are able to:

• Receive the first time slot in Continued Occupancy of Same Area and a guaranteed bed in Bethe next year.
• Receive a Certificate of Excellence for each year of participation and Leadership Honor Cords for graduation.
• Play an active role in creating an engaging, curious, and connected community in Bethe in collaboration with House Leadership.
• Gain experience in planning, leading, and executing small and large-scale events in the House.
• Have access to a robust House budget to bring creative ideas to life.
• Represent and advocate for the Bethe House Community to House Leadership.
   

Active Citizen Expectations

• All Active Citizens must commit to three semesters of engagement starting in the Spring semester following AC selection.
  • Semesters of participation: Fall ‘24, Spring ‘25, and Fall '25
     
• Required Activities:
  • Host at least one study-break per semester. 
  • Join the Bethe Testers (our student governance body) OR attend at least three sessions each of Bethe Ansatz (Fall) and Socially Just Leadership Development (Spring).
  • Participate in New Transfer Student Reception at the beginning of each semester (travel and academic obligations will be considered as acceptable reasons for missing these events).
     
• Additional/Optional Ways to Engage in the House:
  • Participate in Active Citizens retreat at the beginning of each semester.
  • Participate in the leadership cohort of the Community Engaged Group Leadership Certification program with the Einhorn Center.
  • Attend House events such as House Dinners, Spa Nights, programs, etc. hosted by GRFs, URFS, and other ACs.
  • Maintain a relationship with the GRF and URF on your floor (we identify floor as Bethe-North, Bethe-South, and Bethe-McFaddin).
  • Informally connect with your neighbors and serve as a resource for new transfer students.
  • Provide feedback and work with House Leadership to continuously develop and move the community forward.

  • Participate in Info Sessions to recruit future ACs.

    Failure to meet required expectations could result in not being selected as an Active Citizen for the following year and/or loss of planning and budget privileges.

     

Application Process

Active Citizens are selected via an online application process that takes place in September. The application asks for basic information, two ideas that applicants want to bring to life in Bethe as an Active Citizen, and Continued Occupancy logistics. In addition to the Bethe Active Citizen Application, applicants must also sign up for Continued Occupancy in the Housing portal.

Up to 40 ACs will be selected each year. Selected ACs will be notified before Same Room process takes place.
 

Eligibility

All current Bethe residents with an active housing license for the academic year are eligible. Selected ACs are expected to start engaging beginning Fall '24. Current Active Citizens must reapply if they wish to continue in the role the following academic year.

Residents planning on studying abroad or participating in another Cornell Affiliated program in 25-26 are eligible to apply.

Application Timeline:

09/12/24: Applications are live

09/16/24: Info Session

09/19/24: Bethe Applications Due at 12pm

09/22/24: Applications for Continued Occupancy due in the Housing Portal