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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

CURW

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CURW Affiliated Organizations

The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM) works alongside a multifaith community of more than 40 affiliated chaplains, spiritual leaders, and advisors who form Cornell United Religious Work (CURW). Founded in 1929, CURW is the oldest campus-based interfaith organization in the nation.

In keeping with the values and vision of our founders, Cornell University does not directly employ ministry professionals associated with particular sects. Instead, OSMM invites qualified individuals to apply for affiliate status with CURW. If you are interested in applying to become a CURW affiliate, please contact osmm@cornell.edu

Learn more about CURW affiliated organizations and student organizations HERE.
 

Apply for CURW Affiliation

CURW affiliation is granted in three categories:

  1. Spiritual advisor—this category is for those who are employed by Cornell University and who advise a spiritual or religious student organization on a voluntary basis.
  2. Religious life affiliate—this category is for those who are not employed by Cornell University, are affiliated with an outside organization, and whose educational or professional training qualify them to advise a spiritual or religious student organization and/or students.
  3. Administrative affiliate—this category is for those who are not employed by Cornell University, are affiliated with an outside organization, and whose primary role is administrative support rather than student support.

Applications for CURW affiliation are due each year on the first business day of June. As part of the application process, applicants must submit the following materials:

Apply to be a spiritual advisor

For spiritual advisors (ie, those who are employed by Cornell University and who advise a spiritual or religious student organization), the following materials must be made when submitting your application:

  • Letter of interest
  • Resumé or curriculum vitae
  • Signed affiliation covenant
  • Application fee ($100)
  • Background check

Apply to be a religious life affiliate

For religious life affiliates (ie, those who are not employed by Cornell University, are affiliated with an outside organization, and whose educational or professional training qualify them to advise a spiritual or religious student organization) the following materials must be made when submitting your application:

  • Letter of interest
  • Resumé or curriculum vitae
  • Attestation from sponsoring organization, including proof of insurance and background check (please contact the CURW director for the appropriate form)
  • Signed Facility Use Agreement (please contact the CURW director for the appropriate form)
  • Signed affiliation covenant
  • Application fee ($100)
  • Credentials for support staff (if applicable)

Apply to be an administrative affiliate

For administrative affiliates (ie, those who are not employed by Cornell University, are affiliated with an outside organization, and whose primary role is administrative rather than student facing), application can be made through this link.

Other Partnerships 

Center for Transformative Action (CTA)

The Center for Transformative Action (CTA) was established in 1971 as an independent 501(c)3 affiliated with Cornell University. CTA helps create communities that are socially just, ecologically sound, and work for everyone. CTA does this by providing educational programs and fiscal sponsorship services to innovative social change initiatives. These projects work to transform the structures as well as the habits of mind that produce inequities in our communities, country and the world.

CTA’s core offices are located in Anabel Taylor Hall, along with four of our projects: the Committee for US-Latin American Relations (CUSLAR), the Durland Alternatives Library, Prisoner Express, and Anabel’s Grocery.

In keeping with the values and vision of our founders, Cornell University does not directly employ ministry professionals associated with particular sects; rather, the Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM) invites qualified individuals to apply for affiliate status with CURW. Since its founding in 1865, Cornell has had a vested interest in providing for the spiritual care of its community members. CURW was formed in 1929 as a first-of-its-kind intentionally interfaith consortium of ministry professionals to serve the spiritual needs of Cornell’s various religious student groups. The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM), created in 2017, is the institutional office charged by Cornell’s Division of Student and Campus Life with promoting access to and oversight of religious activity on campus, including supervising the work of CURW affiliates. If you are interested in applying to become a CURW affiliate and joining this interfaith consortium of ministry professionals, you are encouraged to contact the Director of CURW to discuss your interest.