EOP Junior House Counselor

/Duties The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Summer Institute, a required program for all incoming EOP pre-first-year students prior to their fall enrollment at SUNY Cortland, seeks a full-time, live-in Junior House Counselor (JHC). The JHC plays a critical leadership role in supporting a residential staff of four House Counselors and fostering a positive, structured, and supportive living-learning environment. This position is essential to students' successful transition to SUNY Cortland, assisting in their acclimation to campus culture while promoting the development of strong academic habits. The JHC is expected to arrive several days prior to the start of the program to participate in staff training, orientation, and preparation of residential spaces. Compensation includes a stipend of $1,500, along with room and board at no cost.

Responsibilities include:

Serve as a welcoming and supportive presence for incoming students, helping to build a strong sense of community Respond to student concerns, including homesickness, self-doubt, and adjustment challenges Providing peer counseling support in collaboration with EOP Counselors and the EOP Director Coordinate and participating in co-curricular and out-of-class activities as assigned Maintain a residence hall environment conducive to academic success and personal growth Assist EOP staff with administrative responsibilities, including student records, meetings, and program coordination (e.g., USDA Summer Food Service Program) Attend meals with students and supporting community engagement Enforce structured study hours beginning at 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday Support student adherence to program expectations, including class schedules, supplemental instruction, meals, curfews, and program policies (including the no-leave policy) Assist the Senior House Counselor in supervising and guiding House Counselors Maintain consistent and professional communication with the EOP Director and staff While students attend classes from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on weekdays, the JHC is not required to attend classes but is expected to remain actively engaged in program operations and student support. Days/Hours Needed Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 This is a live-in position. Campus Location/Bldg. Cornish Hall, C109 Required Qualifications Must be a currently enrolled student at SUNY Cortland Be in good academic standing Demonstrated ability to guide and support students through the transition from high school to college life, including adjusting to independence, navigating a new environment, and modeling successful behaviors at SUNY Cortland Ability to consistently and objectively enforce program policies, expectations, and curfews with professionalism, sound judgment, and a supportive approach Clear understanding of and dedication to the mission, values, and high expectations of the Educational Opportunity Program, including promoting student success and accountability Ability to work collaboratively as part of a staff team, including following direction, adapting to feedback, and contributing to a cohesive program environment Ability to maintain appropriate staff-student relationships by avoiding favoritism or overly familiar interactions during the program. Staff must balance approachability with authority, establishing clear expectations from the outset to ensure consistency, respect, and adherence to program guidelines Preferred Qualifications Experience and/or knowledge about working and interacting with diverse populations are preferred. Exemplary record of student conduct is desirable. Physical Demands Special Conditions for Eligibility Contact Name(s) & Email(s) Kharmen Wingard kharmen.wingard@cortland.edu Salary Grade C-Other (Specify Below) Salary $1,500 + Room & Board