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Cornell University

Housing & Residential Life

Requirements for Qualified University-Recognized Off-Campus Housing

To be considered as approved second-year housing for 2025-2026, please review the information below and use this link for the application (new link coming). Please note you will NOT be allowed to house 2nd-year students if you do not complete the process and receive approval. 

Minimum Requirements for  properties requesting to house second-year students:

  1. Must be a Registered Student Organization
  2. Require officers (student leaders) to live on the property – this number may vary based on the organization's size.
  3. Open to moving in non-member Cornell student residents if capacity is needed
  4. The property must comply with all applicable residential, building, maintenance, and fire codes and have a fire sprinkler system throughout the entire facility.
  5. Property and organization must have insurance that is on file with the institution. Commercial general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 (one million dollars) of primary liability coverage (each occurrence), with general aggregate coverage of at least $2,000,000.00 (total) must be maintained. Such liability insurance shall include Cornell University, its officers, employees and agents, as an additional named insured and shall be written with an insurance carrier acceptable to the University. A certificate of such insurance shall be forwarded to the University as evidence of such coverage, and the University must receive notice of any change, cancellation, or renewal of the policy. The insurance shall be considered primary over any and all collectable insurance that the University may have available.
  6. The property must have a living-learning space and posted quiet hours.
  7. The organization must have a second-year experience curriculum or program.
  8. Any other required condition as issued by the university.

Application (new and renewal) link must be submitted annually to the Assistant Director of Off-Campus Living, who will oversee the organizational review process. The University shall have sole discretion to determine whether an off-campus property qualifies to house second-year students, including the right to establish additional requirements that a particular off-campus house must meet to be included in the program. 

Off-Campus Second-Year Exemption Housing Renewal Process

A formal renewal process for Off-Campus Second-Year Exemption Housing has been developed to streamline and simplify the procedure for organizations that have consistently met the exemption requirements over a three-year period.

Once an organization has successfully completed the exemption process three times within three consecutive years, they become eligible to submit renewals for the next three years without requiring an in-person presentation, however an in-person house visit may be requested. Instead, organizations may submit their renewal application and supporting materials directly, making the process more efficient while maintaining the necessary oversight.

After this three-year renewal period expires, organizations will need to complete a one-year renewal process that includes an in-person presentation and a house visit. Upon successful completion of this one-year review, they will re-enter the three-year renewal cycle. This process balances trust in organizations with a proven track record while ensuring ongoing compliance and accountability.

Upon completing this cycle, organizations can apply for another three-year renewal, submitting the necessary materials directly through the renewal application without the need for additional in-person presentations or house visits. This approach maintains oversight while reducing the administrative workload for organizations with a proven history of compliance and excellence.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING APPLICATION CONTENT

  • Name of Organization
  • Proof of Campus Recognition of Student Organization Status via Campus Groups
  • Letter of Support from a Cornell-recognized advisor or alumni organization
  • Identify organization officers, including the president, who are juniors or seniors and live in the facility
  • Outline of second-year experience curriculum
  • Proof of Insurance from the property and organization
  • Proof of Sprinklers (Sprinkler Certification)
  • Proof of current relevant inspections
  • For Properties within the City of Ithaca submit a current Ithaca Building Department Certificate of Compliance (COC) - If the application is accepted this property will now be required to have yearly COC inspections.
  • For properties outside the City of Ithaca submit all relevant documentation.
  • Ithaca Fire Department - Use Permit

Presentations Expectations

  • Each organization should plan to have a PowerPoint presentation and present it to the Off-Campus Second Year Exemption Housing Review Committee for 30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer period for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Organizations should plan to present on the organization's culture and how they plan to contribute positively to the second-year experience on campus.
  • Each organization will have at least one officer and someone from the sponsoring department present.
  • Application and all supporting documentation should be submitted in advance of the presentation.

Important Deadlines

  • December 23, 2024: Organization application deadline
  • January 6 and 7, 2025: Organization presentations in-person and at the organization's facility for new applications
  • January 10, 2025: Annual decision deadline for all organizations
  • January 19, 2025: Housing and exemption application opens to current students for the 2025-2026 academic year
  • March 2025: Room selection process
  • March 1, 2025: Approved Organizations must complete and submit a list of all second-year students (using the provided roster) living in the organization's facility 2025-2026
  • April 1, 2025: Approved Organizations must complete and submit a list of all second-year students (using the provided roster) living in the organization's facility 2025-2025
  • August 1, 2025: Approved Organizations must complete and submit a list of all second-year students (using the provided roster) living in the organization's facility 2025-2026

Failure to Comply

Individual: Individuals who fail to fulfill the residential requirement or receive an exemption will still be billed for the full year.

Organization: If at any time, based on information received by the university, the organization fails to maintain the expectations for organizations, the second-year students residing at the property may be required to move back on campus.

Property: If, at any time, based on the information received by the university, the property fails to maintain the expectations for the property (for example, not submitting renewed documentation for expired certifications), the second-year students residing at the property may be required to move back on campus.

Renewal: Off-Campus Second-Year Exemption Housing Presentation. 

The Off-Campus Second-Year Exemption Housing Renewal Process was created to streamline and simplify the process for organizations that have successfully completed three years of the exemption process. Once an organization has met this requirement, they are eligible to renew their exemption without the need for an in-person presentation, however an in-person house visit may still be requested. Instead, organizations can submit their presentations and required materials directly through the renewal application, making the process more efficient while still maintaining the necessary oversight and review. This transition aims to reward organizations with a proven track record while reducing administrative burdens.

Each slide should be visually appealing, incorporating images of your house, members in action, and relevant data or testimonials to strengthen your case.

Submitted PowerPoint Presentation: 

Here are examples of the required PowerPoint presentation. The suggestions below can guide your organization’s submitted presentation or help you develop your own. 

Introduction to Organization

  • Mission Statement: Briefly state the mission or vision of the organization.
  • History: Share a brief history of the organization and its involvement in student housing.
  • Overview: Summarize the purpose of this presentation: demonstrating why your organization is an ideal fit for second-year student housing.

Our Culture and Contribution to the Second-Year Experience

  • Core Values: Highlight key values (e.g., leadership, community, academic success, personal growth).
  • Positive Contribution: Explain how your organization enhances the on-campus experience for second-year students (e.g., mentorship, support systems, promoting diversity).
  • Activities & Events: Showcase examples of community-building events or traditions your house promotes (e.g., study groups, wellness programs).

House Management Structure

  • Leadership Roles: Detail the leadership structure within the house (e.g., House President, Floor Leaders, Residential Advisors).
  • House Governance: Explain the rules and procedures for managing the house, including conflict resolution, maintenance, and event planning.
  • Collaborations: Mention any partnerships with university services (e.g., Off-Campus Living, Residential Life) to ensure smooth operations.

Living-Learning Space and Quiet Hours

  • Living-Learning Environment: Describe the atmosphere of the house that fosters academic success (e.g., study rooms, peer tutoring).
  • Quiet Hours: Highlight the house’s quiet hours policy and how it contributes to a conducive learning environment. Mention any posted guidelines and enforcement strategies.
  • Common Spaces: Showcase amenities that encourage a balanced social and academic life (e.g., lounges, kitchens, libraries).

Second-Year Experience Curriculum

  • Educational Programs: Outline any programs specifically designed for second-year students (e.g., leadership development workshops, career guidance, wellness seminars).
  • Community Engagement: Detail how second-year students are involved in outreach, service-learning projects, or collaborations with other student organizations.
  • Mentorship Programs: Describe how senior members or alumni provide guidance to second-year students.

Support for Academic and Personal Growth

  • Academic Support: List academic resources provided to residents (e.g., study groups, writing centers, guest speakers).
  • Personal Development: Highlight personal development programs such as leadership training, conflict resolution workshops, and stress management sessions.
  • Career Development: Mention any career prep workshops or networking events your house provides.

Feedback and Future Plans

  • Resident Feedback: Summarize any feedback from second-year students about their experience in the house.
  • Improvements: Share any changes or new initiatives planned to enhance the second-year experience (e.g., new living-learning programs, upgraded facilities).
  • Goals for the Future: Highlight future plans for maintaining or improving your contribution to the second-year student community.

Conclusion

  • Summary: Recap the main points of the presentation.
  • Commitment to Excellence: Reinforce the organization’s commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for second-year students.
  • Q&A: Open the floor for questions from the review committee.