Overview of Membership Requirements

• maintain a minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA while enrolled full time as a Cornell undergraduate.
• actively participate, and make an impact, in MFCNS and/or in other organizations or activities on campus or in the local community or beyond, for a minimum of 150 hours per year.
• participate in designated number of Meinig-sponsored events.
• submit an annual re-application including activity verification, and a reflective essay that highlights your leadership development and learning.
• participate in all Freshman Forum events (freshmen only).

Any difficulties individuals may have in meeting any of the requirements will be examined on a case-by-case basis by the Director.

Meinig Re-application Materials

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:

To remain in good standing, all freshman, sophomore, and junior Meinig Scholars must complete the annual re-application process by the stated deadline (typically mid-May). The re-application must include:

• Online re-application
• Activity verification
• Reflective essay

This process is your opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the program’s annual requirements and to reflect on your growth as a scholar and leader. Failure to meet these requirements can result in a students' removal from the Meinig Scholars program.

Seniors:

Senior Meinig Scholars are strongly encouraged to submit a four-year record of leadership activities as part of the Excellence in Leadership Award application. Submissions are due in late April. 

For more details about compliance materials, see MFCNS Application Information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do academic or research activities count as leadership? 
No. Activities done for academic credit, course requirements, or compensation do not meet leadership requirements.

Do paid experiences count toward leadership hours?
No, with one exception: Residential Advisor (RA) role. Because of its leadership responsibilities, RAs can count up to 50 hours toward the annual 150-hour leadership requirement.

How is my participation in Meinig-sponsored activities counted toward my leadership hours?
If you fulfill all requirements, you can earn the following hours: 

• Executive Mentoring: 25 hours
• Executive Mentor Liaison: 50 hours
• Executive Board Member (including tasks associated with the position): 75 hours
  • Note: Additional hours are not granted for liaison responsibilities if you’re on the board. 

Activity Verification Forms (AVFs) are not required for these activities, but they should be noted in your re-application. 

What is considered a Meinig-sponsored social or professional development activity?
Social activities include events like ice cream socials, coffee tabs, and game nights.

Professional development includes full participation in MFCNS Executive Mentoring or MFCNS Peer Advising, as well as alumni presentations, networking events, lectures, workshops, and similar opportunities. 

May I count time spent in training, practices and rehearsals as active engagement in leadership activities?
Yes, but only if the activity is not for academic credit or pay. Time spent traveling does not count toward your required hours. 

Are the requirements different if I am off-campus for a semester or an entire year?

One Semester Off-Campus: 

• Complete 75 hours of active leadership for the academic year
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
• Submit Meinig re-application materials to demonstrate compliance 

Full Academic Year Off-Campus: 

• Leadership hour requirements are waived
• Must still meet a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
• Submit a reflective essay connecting your off-campus experience to program values
• Upon return, scholars must complete half of the program requirements by the last day of finals in the fall semester back on campus. 

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

What if I don’t meet my leadership hours?
Conditional status may be granted once or at the discretion of the director for missing hours. 75 hours 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. 

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.