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Faculty In Residence
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Program Description

SUMMARY

The Faculty in Residence programs offers faculty members and their families the opportunity to live in one of two locations on campus – Avery House or the Bechtel Residence. This assignment requires a permanent relocation to the community on a two-year contract.

The Faculty in Residence (FIR) program at Caltech aims to foster meaningful student-faculty engagement outside the traditional classroom and laboratory environments. FIRs play a pivotal role in enhancing students' educational experiences by providing informal mentorship, fostering a sense of community, and promoting success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This live-in position provides a unique opportunity to engage with undergraduates, contribute to their academic and personal development, and shape a vibrant residential community. FIR appointments are integral to Caltech's residential life and academic community, aligning with the Institute's mission of excellence in education and research.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Engagement

  • Facilitate weekly interactions with students, including:
    • Informal interactions, such as attending house dinners or hosting casual gatherings.
    • Formal programs that share academic initiatives, research opportunities, and STEM-related advice.
  • Organize and lead events designed to support academic success, foster mentorship, and provide guidance on navigating higher education in STEM fields.
  • Actively participate in house traditions and collaborate with students and staff to maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and enriching residential environment.
  • Support new students to the community, student leaders in their efforts to develop community and partner with the residential life team including the residential life coordinators and the resident associates in creating programs that are meaningful, supportive, helpful and fun.

Program and Community Leadership

  • Attend regular programmatic meetings with the Head FIR and the AVP for Student Affairs and Student and Family Engagement to coordinate the activities of the program.
  • Participate in required training sessions and ongoing professional development activities.
  • Act as a liaison between the residential community and broader faculty, helping to bridge academic and residential experiences.

Residential Life Support

  • Reside in the designated FIR apartment on campus as a primary residence.
  • Serve as a visible, approachable presence within the residential community to promote a sense of belonging and support.
  • Coordinate closely with the residential community to identify and address community needs.
  • Offer mentorship on academic programs, research opportunities, post-graduation options.

Operational and Logistical Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Office of Student and Family Engagement and the Housing Office to ensure seamless coordination of FIR-related activities and events.
  • Maintain the FIR apartment according to Caltech housing policies and Student and Family Engagement live-in staff policies, including oversight of permitted modifications and adherence to occupancy and pet guidelines.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Duration: Initial two-year term with the possibility of renewal based on performance and program needs. Summer programming is optional.

  • Residency: FIRs are required to live in the provided on-campus apartment as their primary residence.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Tenure or tenure-track professorial appointment at Caltech in good standing.
  • Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education and mentorship.
  • Ability to maintain residence on campus throughout the term of appointment, except for reasonable work or personal travel.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build meaningful relationships with students from diverse backgrounds.
  • All adult family members in residence must pass a background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience mentoring or advising undergraduate students, particularly in STEM disciplines.
  • A demonstrated interest in residential life or student engagement outside the classroom.
  • Familiarity with Caltech's unique academic culture and traditions.
  • Experience planning and leading community or educational events.

BENEFITS

  • Fully furnished on-campus FIR apartment equipped with essential appliances.
  • Meal plan for the FIR and family members living on campus.
  • Coverage of rent, utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash, basic cable, internet access, and one campus landline), and up to two campus parking spaces.
  • Annual event budget to support FIR programming.
  • Relocation expenses for moving into and out of the FIR apartment (taxable as per IRS regulations).
  • Permission for family members (partner and dependents) and approved pets to reside in the FIR apartment, in compliance with Student and Family Engagement live-in staff pet policy.

APPLY HERE: Job Application (please log in with your Caltech credentials; use your username only, not your full email address)