Skip to main content

Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Undergraduate Student Leadership Council

 The SCL Undergraduate Student Leadership Council provides advice and solutions on pressing student issues and concerns to the Vice President for Student and Campus Life. This includes opportunities to provide feedback on priorities, projects, and policies impacting the student experience at Cornell University. In addition, the Council strives to enhance the relationship between students and the administration, provide a communication channel for sharing campus and SCL updates, and equip students with the knowledge, support, and resources to become successful leaders at Cornell.   

 The Council will meet monthly during the academic year and consists of undergraduate student representatives, Vice President Ryan Lombardi, Marla Love, Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students, and other SCL administrators.

Highlighted Expectations   

  • Serve as a Council member from August 10, 2026, to May 14, 2027.  
  • Attend the Fall Retreat on Friday, August 21, 2026, as well as monthly Council meetings held both in person and virtually. 
  • Actively engage in Council meetings by preparing topics beforehand and sharing constructive feedback during discussions. 
  • Provide SCL updates at affiliated student organization meetings. 
  • Engage in the Council’s leadership development opportunities. 
  • Participate in workgroups focused on enhancing the student experience (as needed). 
  • Respond to requests for scheduling events and other opportunities. 

Position Description

SCL's Undergraduate Student Leadership Council, 2026-2027 

The following is the position description for the SCL's Undergraduate Student Leadership Council role. This includes designated responsibilities, required time commitments, role qualifications, and a link to the application process.  

Employer Information: 
Name: Student & Campus Life   
Address: 311 Day Hall    
City: Ithaca, State: NY, Postal Code:14853 

Employer Contact Information: 
Contact Name: Marla Love   
Contact Title: Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students   
Email: dean_of_students@cornell.edu   

 

Term: Academic  

Work Site: Cornell Campus  

Title: Student & Campus Life's (SCL's) Undergraduate Student Leadership Council Member  

Position Classification: Student Services/Community Assistant II (Level II)  

Position Code: 10889  

Employer Type: Student Hourly  

Location: Main Campus - Ithaca  

Supervisor: Ryan Lombardi, Vice President for Student & Campus Life (VPSCL), and Marla Love, Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students (DOS)  

Position Description: The SCL Undergraduate Student Leadership Council provides advice and solutions on pressing student issues and concerns to the Vice President for Student and Campus Life. This includes opportunities to provide feedback on priorities, projects, and policies impacting the student experience at Cornell University. In addition, the Council strives to enhance the relationship between students and the administration, provide a communication channel for sharing campus and SCL updates, and equip students with the knowledge, support, and resources to become successful leaders at Cornell.   

The Council will meet monthly during the academic year with Ryan Lombardi, VPSCL, Marla Love, DOS, and other SCL administrators who serve on the Council. Also, responsibilities may include participating in SCL committees focused on student issues and providing SCL updates at affiliated student organizational meetings.   

This paid opportunity is available for undergraduate students. This position requires a minimum of six (6) hours a month and may include assigned tasks outside regularly scheduled meetings. This position is paid at $16.25 per hour, for a maximum of $975.50 yearly for the role. Students must be on campus for the full academic year. Payment is only guaranteed for hours worked. In addition, dinner will be provided at each monthly in-person meeting.   

The specific responsibilities for the role consist of the following:    

  1. Serve as a council member from August 10, 2026, to May 14, 2027.  
  2. Attend the Council Fall scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 
  3. Attend 80% (12 of 14 meetings) of Council meetings on Tuesdays, 4:30 PM – 6:00 scheduled on the following dates:
  • September 1, 2026
  • September 15, 2026
  • September 29, 2026
  • October 6, 2026
  • October 27, 2026
  • November 10, 2026
  • December 1, 2026
  • February 2, 2027
  • February 23, 2027
  • March 2, 2027
  • March 23, 2027
  • April 6, 2027
  • April 20, 2027
  • May 4, 2027
  1. Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials and topics in advance. 
  2. Actively contribute constructive feedback and perspectives during discussions. 
  3. Share current student issues and ideas to improve the student experience. 
  4. Provide SCL updates at meetings of affiliated student organizations. 
  5. Participate in committees focused on enhancing the student experience (as needed). 
  6. Engage in leadership development opportunities offered by the Council (as scheduled).   

*These opportunities will be scheduled throughout the semester, considering students' current time commitments. More information will be shared at the beginning of each semester.   

This position is renewable for a maximum of two years, at the VP and DOS's discretion, and may terminate at any time for failure to comply with the requirements above. A Council member may terminate their agreement at any time, provided they do so in writing to the DOS.   

Required Qualifications/Skills/Experience:   

  • Enrolled Cornell University student with sophomore or junior status for the academic year of 2026-2027 
  • Desire and ability to invest in advancing SCL's mission and priorities to inspire transformation 
  • Commitment to attend the fall retreat and monthly meetings 
  • Evidence of leadership experience (e.g., roles in clubs, projects, or campus initiatives) 
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, reasoning, and organizational skills 
  • Ability to effectively communicate and understand student issues impacting the Cornell community 
  • Willingness to navigate complex topics while representing a diverse student body   

Work Schedule: Must be available to attend the fall retreat in person and 80% of the monthly meeting times listed above.   

Weekly Hours: Six (6) hours per month. (This includes attending monthly 3-hour Council meetings, preparing for meetings, sharing SCL updates at affiliated student organization meetings, gathering feedback from peers, and serving on SCL committees focused on student issues as needed.)  

How to Apply: Applicant Questionnaire and Workday Application Required for Consideration  

Application Process and Deadlines  

Eligibility: Only students who will have Sophomore or Junior status during the 2026–2027 academic year are eligible to apply.  

  • Application Opens: Monday, March 2, 2026 
  • Application Deadline: Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST 
  • Interview Notification: Monday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  • Interview Dates: Monday, April 20 – May 1, 2026  
  • Hiring Notification: Monday, May 18 – Friday, May 22, 2026  

 How To Apply  

  1. Complete New Member Questionnaire: Start Questionnaire Here 
  2. Complete Application in Workday: Access Workday Student Job Board Here  

Frequently Asked Questions

What values guide the USLC, and how are members expected to uphold them?

USLC members are encouraged to fully engage in this leadership experience by showing up, collaborating, and sharing their voices. Meetings are a space to practice leadership skills, strengthen peer connections, and contribute to initiatives that are grounded in the Student & Campus Life (SCL) mission. By embodying these values and offering timely feedback, USLC members play a meaningful role in shaping resources, learning opportunities, and campus spaces for all students.

How often does the council meet?

The council meets monthly, with sessions held in person and on Zoom. Members must attend 12 of the 14 meetings. The commitment is designed to fit alongside academics while still offering meaningful engagement.

What do members learn and develop during the year?

Throughout the year, USLC members strengthen their leadership toolkit and gain a deeper understanding of how Student & Campus Life supports the student experience. Members grow by: 

  • Understanding SCL’s purpose, structure, and priorities
  • Learning how SCL and university‑wide funding operates
  • Identifying and applying personal strengths in team settings
  • Building confidence in speaking up, leading discussions, and navigating group dynamics
  • Practicing collaboration and conflict resolution
  • Giving and receiving peer feedback
  • Strengthening empathy and perspective‑taking
  • Contributing ideas to projects on belonging, engagement, student resources, and administration relations. 

Together, these experiences prepare students to lead with clarity, compassion, and collaboration across campus. 

How does USLC feedback influence Student & Campus Life and the broader university?

USLC’s insights directly shape SCL’s priorities and help guide decisions that impact students across the university. Student voices help ensure that programs, resources, and initiatives reflect what students truly need to thrive. Members review data, share their lived experiences, gather peer perspectives, and offer meaningful input on emerging campus needs. In recent years, members have: 

  • Provided feedback on student thriving data for the Health Promoting Campus initiative
  • Supported the implementation of the Ivy.ai Chatbot on the SCL website to streamline access to resources and respond to student questions more efficiently
  • Shared student perspectives with Cornell Dining to improve Meals on the Move
  • Prompted the development of Free Airport Transportation during peak travel periods.
  • Contributed ideas to the Residential Experience project
  • Supported campus‑wide efforts such as traditions planning, policy development, and climate pulse checks 

What is the meeting style?

USLC meetings blend both large‑group discussions and small‑group conversations to create space for different voices and comfort levels. Sessions take place in person and on Zoom, depending on the meeting date and format. 

Who decides what topics we discuss?

Topics are shaped by SCL priorities and initiatives, as well as topics members raise throughout the year. Regular “pulse checks” invite students to share what they are hearing and seeing on campus, and these insights help guide what the Council discusses. 

Are any topics off limits?

No specific topics are off limits. Discussions are expected to remain respectful, student‑centered, and aligned with SCL’s mission, ensuring the council can thoughtfully explore issues that impact the undergraduate experience.