The Crossroads Community
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in the Crossroads Community in the Carlson International Center!
Please see the Crossroads Mission Statement for information about the Crossroads Program. Please read our FAQs for more information about the selection and housing process for this community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Room Selection?
Room selection takes place in the Spring for the following Fall's placements. Please see the full Room Selection information page and Timeline for most updated dates. For Crossroads, the room selection process will be based on the scores assessed for the application essays. Before the day of the Crossroads room selection process begins, Residential Life will contact you with your selection order. This year, the room selection process will be in person, with the location being communicated closer to the selection date. If you are unable to attend yourself you may send a proxy to make the selection on your behalf.
Do I need to complete an application?
Yes! Any student interested in living in International Center must complete the application prior to the posted deadline during the Room Selection process each Spring. We are looking for students who are seeking to contribute to an intercultural living community and review each application to create a diverse community.
What if I already live in IC?
You must still complete the application. We review applications each spring for the upcoming academic year. Currently living in International Center does not guarantee your space for the following year.
What is the application like and how are they scored?
The application includes five essay questions to address an applicant's interest and experience with interacting with others. These essay responses will be reviewed without names attached to responses and scored based on the quality of their reflections, insight, and engagement with the prompts provided. The essay questions can be reviewed here. The scoring rubric can be reviewed here These essays are not only an opportunity to express your personal experiences and aspirations but also a way to demonstrate your potential to contribute to and thrive in the Crossroads community. Each response will be graded on a scale from 1 to 4, and your overall score will reflect the strength of your application.
Do I need to have a roommate?
You can apply with a roommate in mind, or as an individual. If you apply with someone: If you apply with a specific roommate in mind, both of you will be evaluated as a pair, and the quality of both applicants’ responses will influence your overall score for room selection. If you apply individually: Even if you apply by yourself, you will need to match up with someone else for the room selection process. There will be a time after the final deadline when we will hold an event for people to match with themselves. This is because living in Crossroads involves sharing space and building relationships with others from diverse backgrounds.
I was accepted but my friend missed the deadline. Can they live with me?
No. Individuals accepted without a roommate will have the opportunity to match in the housing portal with others accepted in order to find a roommate. All individuals wishing to be considered must complete an application and note their preferred roommates, who also must have applied.
I was not accepted, is there any chance I can still live in IC?
Those not accepted will be automatically added to the wait-list and contacted if a space becomes available. Wait-list activation will be based on original applications cores, and room types that become available. You will only receive an email if your wait-list request has been activated, at which time you can choose to accept or decline if you prefer instead to go through room selection or already have another housing assignment you would like to keep.
I'm thinking of applying to be a CF, can I be a CF in IC?
You can certainly apply both to be a Collegiate Fellow and to live in International Center, but the CFs for Crossroads are chosen through the CF selection process, not the Crossroads selection process. We try to have both selections completed before general room selection begins so applicants who are selected can decide if they want to accept.
Will I still be eligible for Room Selection after I select a room in International Center?
No, once you accept your space and select a room in International Center you will then be removed from any future Room Selection processes for the upcoming academic year.
Is there an additional cost to living in International Center?
Yes, there is a surcharge per person per semester for living in International Center. Housing rates are updated annually.
When do I have to make a final decision where I am living?
To be considered for the International Center, you must have submitted your application by the posted deadline. If accepted, you must decide prior to Crossroads room selection.