Student Leadership Opportunities

Cornell offers a variety of leadership opportunities for students. These positions (whether paid or volunteer) enhance your overall Cornell experience. As you explore the various ways to get involved, you'll learn that leadership is really about the process of developing skills and values rather than holding a specific position.

The following is a sampling of the opportunities offered by the various departments in Student Affairs. If you have any questions about a specific opportunity, please contact the sponsoring department directly.

Career Assistant

Career assistants work in the Berry Career Institute and are essential in helping us provide career development related services to students, alumni, recruiters, faculty, staff, and the general public. Career Assistants (CAs) assist with planning and execution of CEC events, workshops, and programs. CAs also provide office support for full-time staff, assist with giving presentations across campus, serve as a resource to other students, as well as work independently on specific project areas determined at the time of hire.

Colleges Against Cancer Program

Colleges Against Cancer is a health advocacy organization, affiliated with the American Cancer Society. Each year, Colleges Against Cancer plans Cornell College's Relay for Life, along with a variety of educational events on campus and in the community. The Co-Coordinators lead the overall program, while Committee Chairs manage individual components of events. Contact Civic Engagement for opportunities.

Iowa College AmeriCorps Program (ICAP)

In partnership with Campus Compact, the Civic Engagement Office offers the Iowa College AmeriCorps Program (ICAP) to engage students in long-term volunteerism in the greater Cornell community. In one year, ICAP participants complete at least 300 hours of service in a diverse selection of involvement opportunities on campus and in the broader community. At the end of their year of service, members receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.

Middle School Mentoring Program

The middle school mentoring programs include GIRLSS Group and MENtoring which connect Cornell students with girls and boys from the Mount Vernon Middle School in a group mentoring format. The Coordinator works with Civic Engagement and is responsible for overseeing the logistics of the program and serves as the liaison between the middle-school students and their parents, mentors, middle school, and the college.

Orientation staff

Orientation student staff help new students learn about the campus during New Student Orienation. By working with new students prior to the start of classes and continuing to work with them through their first several blocks, students who are members of the orientation staff build meaningful relationships and help new students navigate the block plan, find their niche, and explore campus life. Leading small and large group activities, building one-on-one relationships, and explaining Cornell College campus culture help to create opportunities for collaboration to occur across several areas of campus.

Peer Educator

Peer educators are student volunteers who work with Counseling Center staff to provide mental health and wellness information to Cornell students through discussions, games, interactive presentations, tabling events and other outreach activities. Visit the Ebersole Health and Wellbeing Center for details.

Resident Assistant

A resident assistant lives in a residence hall and serves as a leader, helper, and resource person for students. The RA serves as a critical link between the students on his or her floor, the assistant director for Residence Life, and the Residence Life Office. Get more information from Residence Life.

Service Trips Program

The Service Trips Program Coordinator oversees the Alternative Spring Break program which sends students across the nation to participate in service projects during the week. Projects include disaster recovery, environmental work, housing construction, and a wide variety of other work. Trip Leaders work in pairs to coordinate all aspects of individual trips.

Social Justice Program

The Civic Engagement Office's student volunteer coordinator serves as a resource for students looking for opportunities to serve in the greater Cornell community. The volunteer coordinator maintains connections with local service organizations, working to help students find service opportunities that match their skills and interests.

Volunteer Coordinator