Program Description

MISSION.
The mission of the FIR program is to facilitate student-faculty interaction outside the classroom and laboratory, and to provide informal mentorship relationships to help students advance their education in science and engineering.

ELIGIBILITY.
FIRs must be employed as tenure or tenure-track members of the professorial faculty, and maintain good standing with Caltech throughout their term as FIR.

RESPONSIBILITIES.

• FIRs must be on campus during their participation in the program (except for reasonable work and personal travel).
• FIRs are expected to engage in multiple interactions with students on a weekly basis, both informally (e.g., by attending house dinners) and formally (e.g., at dedicated FIR events). This includes both informal interactions and formal programs that share academic and research initiatives and provide advice on success in STEM and higher education.
• FIRs are expected to attend regular programmatic meetings with the Head FIR and the AVP for Student Affairs and Residential Experience.
• FIRs are expected to attend training events as required by the program.

APPOINTMENT TERM.
FIRs are appointed for 2-year terms, with the option to renew for an additional two years based on performance. The position is considered part of an educational program at Caltech, and as a condition, the Faculty in Residence is required to live in the FIR apartment as their primary residence.

BENEFITS.

• On-campus FIR apartment, with permission for family members (partner and dependents) to reside in accordance with the apartment's occupancy limit.
• Meal plan for the FIR and family members living on campus.
• Rent, campus food, and utilities (including electricity, gas, water, trash, basic cable, internet access, and one campus landline) covered as part of the contract.
• Up to 2 campus parking spaces provided during the term of the agreement.
• Yearly FIR event budget.
• Moving expenses reimbursed for the move into and out of the FIR apartment, with arrangements made in coordination with Office of Student And Family Engagement and Caltech Housing Office. Please note: These relocation expenses are considered taxable income by the IRS and will be reported on your W-2, subject to federal, state, and local withholding in compliance with IRS regulations.
• Permission to maintain pet(s) in the FIR apartment, in accordance with Caltech's pet policy.
• Apartment provided unfurnished, but equipped with basic kitchen appliances, a washer, and a dryer.