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Cornell University

Alice Cook House

Cook House Active Citizens

Who are Active Citizens (ACs)?

Cook House Active citizens are Cook residents who add to the community through informal engagement and as fun neighbors. They host events, participate in ongoing initiatives, 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 Cook leadership team accomplish 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, Cook House emphasizes informal interaction with faculty and staff members from across the University, self-governance, and social and cultural programming. In these ways, Cook 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 Cook Active Citizen, you are able to:

  • Receive early timeslots in Continued Occupancy process to select a bed in Cook next year.
  • Receive first priority for events with limited space such as bus trips, and meals with visiting guests.
  • Receive a Certificate of Excellence for each year of participation and Leadership Honor Cords and a stole for graduation.
  • Play an active role in creating an engaging, curious, and connected Cook community 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 Cook House Community to House Leadership. 

Required Activities:

  • Host at least one study-break per semester.  
  • Attend at least three sessions each semester of Cook's Learning Where You Live course

Additional/Optional Ways to Engage in the House:

  • Participate in the leadership cohort of the Community Engaged Group Leadership Certification program with the Einhorn Center.
  • Attend House events such as House Dinners, House Fellow Receptions, programs, etc. hosted by GRFs, URFS, and other ACs.
  • Maintain a relationship with the GRF and URF on your floor
  • 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.

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 Cook as an Active Citizen, and Continued Occupancy logistics. In addition to the Cook Active Citizen Application, applicants must also sign up for Continued Occupancy in the Housing portal.

Up to 14 ACs will be selected each year. Selected ACs will be notified before Continued Occupancy 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 '26. 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 27-28 are eligible to apply.