What are the responsibilities and job description for the EOP Summer House Counselor position at State University of New York, Cortland?
/Duties
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Summer Institute, a required program for all incoming EOP pre-first-year students before their fall enrollment at SUNY Cortland, seeks full-time, live-in House Counselors (HCs) to join a residential team led by a Senior House Counselor and Junior House Counselor. The House Counselor role is essential in supporting students’ transition to SUNY Cortland, helping them acclimate to campus culture while fostering the development of strong academic habits and personal responsibility. HCs are expected to arrive several days before the start of the program to participate in staff training, orientation, and preparation of the residence hall environment.
Compensation includes a stipend of $1,200, along with room and board at no cost.
Responsibilities include:
Compensation includes a stipend of $1,200, along with room and board at no cost.
Responsibilities include:
- Serve as a welcoming and supportive presence for incoming students, helping to build a positive and inclusive community
- Respond to student concerns, including homesickness, self-doubt, and adjustment challenges
- Provide peer counseling support as appropriate, in collaboration with EOP Counselors, the EOP Director, and residential staff
- Participate in co-curricular and out-of-class activities as assigned by EOP staff
- Maintain a residence hall environment that supports academic focus and student success
- Assist EOP staff with administrative responsibilities, including program coordination, student records, meetings, and the USDA Summer Food Service Program
- Attend meals with students to promote engagement and community building
- Enforce structured study hours beginning at 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
- Support student adherence to all program expectations, including: class schedules, supplemental instruction sessions, meal schedules, timely assembly and travel for Friday and Saturday activities, curfews (as outlined during training), and the no-leave policy
- Follow the direction and leadership of the Senior and Junior House Counselors to ensure consistency and effective program implementation
While students attend classes from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on weekdays, House Counselors are not required to attend classes but are expected to remain actively engaged in supporting program operations and student development.
Days/Hours Needed
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Wednesday, August 5, 2026
This is a live-in position.
This is a live-in position.
Campus Location/Bldg.
Cornish, C109
Required Qualifications
- Must be a currently enrolled student at SUNY Cortland
- While this role does not involve direct academic instruction, a strong academic record is preferred, as it reflects the ability to serve as a positive role model and source of inspiration for incoming students
- 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
Diversity Experience: Experience and/or knowledge about working and interacting with diverse populations is preferred.
Physical Demands
Special Conditions for Eligibility
Contact Name(s) & Email(s)
Kharmen Wingard
kharmen.wingard@cortland.edu
kharmen.wingard@cortland.edu
Salary Grade
C-Other (Specify Below)
Salary
$1,200 Room & Board