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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

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Overview of Membership Requirements

To remain a Tradition Fellow, you must complete:

1. Work

  • Minimum 100 paid, legal work hours during the academic year (no cash/under-the-table work).
    • This can include work done at home over fall, winter and spring breaks.

2. Service

  • 100 total service hours, including at least 15 community service hours.
    • Community Service: benefits individuals or organizations outside Cornell.
    • Campus Service: benefits the Cornell community (including varsity/JV athletics).
  • See Service Guidelines for details (located in the Canvas course).

3. Flex Hours

  • 50 flex hours (any mix of work or service).

Students are required to complete a minimum of 250 hours per academic year, including paid work, service (with a community service component), and flex hours as defined in program guidelines.

4. Endorsements

  • Required for all off-campus work and service completed during the academic year.
  • On-campus jobs do not need endorsements (verified through university payroll) but must be listed in your re-application.

5. Academic Standing

  • Maintain a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (recent average ~3.4).

6. Required Events

  • First-year Fellows: Attend all Explore CT events.
  • Transfers: Attend all Transfer Series events.

Fellows must reapply each year and are expected to remain in the program through their undergraduate studies.

Applications are due near the end of each academic year.

Fulfilling Requirements

Work

  • Visit the Student Employment Office.
  • Ask professors or academic departments about openings.
  • Contact the Einhorn Center’s Community Work-Study Program (300 Kennedy Hall).
  • Check CTTALK or speak with other Fellows.

Service

  • Explore Einhorn Center–affiliated student organizations.
  • Visit Willard Straight Hall for information on student activities and to attend ClubFest, offered each fall and spring semester.
  • Join a student organization or athletic team (club sports count; intramurals do not).
  • Review the Service Requirement Guidelines (in the Canvas course).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if I take a Leave of Absence?
Notify the Director. Requirements pause during your leave; meet with the Director when you return.

Semester Abroad or Other Approved Off-Campus Program

  • One semester away: complete half of the annual requirements.
  • Full academic year away: all requirements waived, but reapplication (with essay) still required.
  • Must maintain a 2.3 cumulative GPA.

What is conditional status?
Conditional status is a temporary designation granted at the discretion of the director that allows a fellow to remain in the program while meeting outstanding requirements within a specified timeframe.

Not Meeting Requirements
You may receive conditional status once or at the discretion of the director. Missing hours (in the deficient category) must be completed by Spring semester of the next academic year.

What if I can’t maintain the GPA requirement?
Conditional status may be granted once or at the discretion of the director if the GPA requirement is not met. The director will check your progress after the semester ends and reinstate you in good standing for the following semester provided the requirement has been met. 

Do work and service hours completed during the summer count toward program requirements?
No. Summer activities do not count.  Activities in which you participate during the academic year only-typically August through May-are those that can be considered for leadership hours. This includes fall, winter, and spring breaks, as they occur within the academic year.

Do credit-bearing activities count toward work or service hours?
No. Activities done for academic credit or course requirements do not meet service or work requirements.

Have more questions?
Please contact your program’s director for further guidance. You can also reach the Cornell Commitment office Monday-Friday 9AM-4:30PM in 300 Kennedy Hall, or call (607) 255-8595.