Apply to be a Cultural Advisor for 2021-22
Why Apply to be a Cultural Advisor?
The Cultural Advisor program is devoted to fostering inclusion of students on campus. CAs are welcoming of others and demonstrate it in the way they treat each other and their peers on campus. Ideal candidates are genuinely interested in learning more about other cultures, identities, and lived experiences and finding ways to share that knowledge throughout campus.
CAs can be rising sophomores through seniors, and typically represent a wide range of identities and backgrounds. All CAs will live in designated spaces in upper class residence halls, and may be the designated CA for the building they live in or a building close by.
There will be information sessions with current CAs in January to learn more about the role. The application process involves an individual interview with Lisa Miles who directs the program, a group interview with the other applicants, an application form, and one recommendation from a faculty or staff member.
How do I learn more about being a CA?
The complete position description explains what is expected of a CA and includes information regarding the work they do in the residence halls and with SpiderNights. You are also welcome to contact Natalie Hawley (the Head Cultural Advisor) or Common Ground with your questions.
What do I need to do to apply?
- Review the CA position description
- Complete an application form
- Have a faculty or staff member complete the recommendation form
- Email Lisa Miles to schedule a personal half-hour interview
What are the application deadlines and important dates?
December 1: Applications Open
January 27: CA Info Session, 7 pm, on Zoom, register at tinyurl.com/CulturalAdvisor
January 31: CA Info Session, 4 pm, on Zoom, register at tinyurl.com/CulturalAdvisor
January 31: Returning CA Applications Due
February 7: New CA Applications Due
February 14: New CA Group Interview, 1-4 pm
Faculty/Staff Recommendation Due
February 15 - 18: CA Individual Interviews
February 19: Offers made
February 24: Acceptances/Declinations Due by 5 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a CA and an RA are separate positions and have separate responsibilities.
Yes, we will consider students who will be abroad for a semester. Please let Common Ground know if you are planning to go abroad when you apply.
The CA training process does not allow for you to be an OA as their trainings overlap. You are welcome to apply for both but will need to decide when you receive your offers.
CAs are not paid. But it is a vibrant leadership development program, that includes a generous programming allowance each semester for all your hall and SpiderNights activities, and training that is helpful both in your CA role as well as your life as a student and after. And we do feed you well during our August, January, and bi-monthly trainings.
You have some input, and can let us know the population you want to work with. When you are offered the position, you will be told the hall in which you have been placed, and you can decide at that time whether to accept the position.
It depends on the building. Most often you will be in a single room unless you request a roommate, or you have been accepted into an SSIR. You may live with the roommate of your choice and select your suitemates as well.
CAs may go through the lottery and if they receive housing in the apartments and have the approval of Common Ground they may perform their role there. They would be expected to participate in SpiderNights planning and hosting with the rest of the CAs, but for their programming requirement they would host one meal a month called a Meet and Eat for a small but diverse group of students in their apartment. More information about this can be found in the CA position description.
