About

Alice Cook House, Hans Bethe House, Carl Becker House, William Keeton House, and Flora Rose House are the five houses of the West Campus House System, Cornell's Residential College initiative. Named after legendary Cornell faculty, each house reflects both university tradition and the unique character shaped by its current residents.  Each House fosters close-knit communities where students, faculty, staff, and scholars live and learn together.

House Leadership

Each West Campus House is a vibrant residential community led by a House Professor-Dean—a distinguished Cornell faculty member who lives in the house with their family and oversees its intellectual life. An Assistant Dean manages daily operations and co-guides the house’s educational mission. Graduate Resident Fellows mentor undergraduates, and Undergraduate Resident Fellows serve as peer leaders. House Fellows, including faculty and senior administrators, engage residents through academic and social events. 

Student Experience

The West Campus House System is guided by the principles of restorative practices, which emphasize community building, mutual respect, and accountability. These values shape how residents engage with one another, resolve conflicts, and foster a supportive and inclusive living-learning environment. Intellectual living-learning programs are led by the House Professor, Assistant Dean, House Fellows and Graduate Resident Fellows.  Social programs designed to enrich the living experience are student-driven by peer leaders including, but not limited to, the Undergraduate Resident Fellows, engaged residents, and the House Councils.

The West Campus Council

The West Campus Council oversees the programmatic vision and everyday operations of the House System. The West Campus Council is co-chaired by one of the House Professor-Deans (serving on an annual rotating basis) and the Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. West Campus Council members include House Professor-Deans, Assistant Deans, Assistant Vice President for Student & Campus Life, and Director of Housing.