Becker House Programs
In addition to offering the House System Signature Programs, Becker House offers various program series available to all residents in the House. These program series vary from year to year based on student and staff interests, but may include programs such as those listed below.
Becker Cafe
Following House Dinner most Wednesdays, the House Professor Dean hosts an informal conversation hour. The invited speaker is a different guest each week, who will lead a conversation on a relevant topic. These conversations are open to the public and are designed to cover a breadth of topics that allow students to explore fields they have no background in.
Learning Where You Live Courses
An initiative of the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Learning Where You Live (LWYL) courses are specially designed courses taught in residential spaces, including in the West Campus House System. They are small, seminar-style classes that are offered for one credit and graded on an S/U basis. They focus on building relationships with faculty, innovative teaching, and fascinating topics.
Artsy
Art is everywhere and can be anything, but finding the space, materials, inspiration, and learning a new technique can be hard. The Artsy series teaches, explores, and supplies the materials to make art in a variety of popular artistic mediums. During the Fall 2025 semester we are shooting images on film, learning about documentary filmmaking, learning how to DJ, and watching movies, theatre and more! Our speakers and events will teach you all the skills you need to make your own art. No prior experience is necessary. If one type of art doesn't interest you, keep an eye out for others - this is a series of artistic variety.
Becker Explores! Discovering Campus and Community
Join us for a semester of discovery, learning, connection, and fun as we explore interesting corners of campus and the Ithaca community. Some of the events we’ve planned as part of the Becker Explores series include an ecological boat tour of Cayuga Lake, a trip to Cornell’s Dyce Bee Lab, where we will learn about honeybees and sample honey, and a visit to the Soil Factory, a campus-community hub where art, science, and sustainability projects collide. Becker residents are encouraged to suggest other spots we can explore together!
Contemporary Law & Politics
Contemporary Law and Politics is a program series that explores some of the debates around domestic social policy and international relations that are reshaping the world around us. We will host a series of lectures, debates, film-screenings, and talkbacks to discuss timely and newsworthy topics, ranging from reproductive rights to freedom of expression on college campuses, US-Iran relations, and surveillance culture. This series is open to everyone. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. No prior legal or political knowledge is needed – just bring your curiosity and your friends.
Making Do
Can we enjoy clothes without destroying the planet? Say goodbye to fast fashion without breaking the bank? Is it even possible to build a sustainable wardrobe? YES! Making Do invites you to make and mend your own clothes—and to discover the power of crafting along the way. Knitting and mending will bring us to larger conversations about mental health, sustainability, and activism. Join our weekly knitting group, drop in for mending workshops, and learn how crafters have shaped the world we live in.
Nature Connect
Connecting with nature can enhance your well-being by providing physical activity and the chance for the renewal of your emotional and cognitive capacities. Nature Connects is a program series that provides opportunities to explore the outdoors, build community, rejuvenate mind and spirit, and engage in meaningful discussions on ecological and environmental topics. Join GRF Trifosa to discover Cornell’s beautiful natural spaces, birds, and ecological histories. Nature Connects activities are designed for everyone. No prior experience, knowledge, or skills required - just bring your curiosity and willingness to experience the natural world together!
“Oh...really?!”
Are you ready to dive into thought-provoking conversations over dinner? "Oh...really?!" is a series of dinner discussions, where residents can engage in meaningful dialogue about current events. These gatherings are a chance to share perspectives, stay informed despite busy schedules, and connect with fellow students in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Reality Check
How are notions of race, gender and sexuality shaped through reality dating shows? How does reality television normalize surveillance? While reality television might serve as a form of escapism, entertainment and fun, these shows are also cultural products reflecting norms about identity, relationships, and society. Through a focus on shows like Love Island and Survivor, Reality Check is offered as a one-credit Learning Where You Live (LWYL) course (UNILWYL 1430) in which students will learn how to critically examine popular culture through screenings, optional readings, and class discussions.