Gryphon FAQs

Below you will find answers to some commonly asked questions about the Gryphon position. Don't see your question answered? Please email us at gryphon@lehigh.edu!

Other Employment Opportunities

Q: Can I be a Gryphon and hold a work-study position?

A: Unfortunately you are not able to do both. Gryphons are not able to hold a work study position given how the role is structured with Financial Aid.

Q: Can I hold an additional position outside of the Gryphon role?

A: Gryphons are able to hold additional employment at the University pending the cumulative total number of hours being requested.  The Gryphon position is coded at 15 hours a week, and so if a Gryphon is requesting to work more than 20 hours a week during the academic semester (15 Gryphon hours plus 5 or more hours for additional employment) they need to submit a petition to the Dean of Students Office.  The total number of hours can't exceed 25 across all held positions. 

Study Abroad

Q: Can I be a Gryphon and study abroad?

A: That would depend on the semester and the position. As a New Gryphon, you are unable to study abroad during your first-year so that you are able to fully learn and experience the position. As a Head Gryphon, you are also unable to study abroad as you are expected to commit to the full academic year in this elevated leadership opportunity. As a Returning Gryphon, you may be able to study abroad with the following stipulations:

1. If you intend on studying abroad during any August or January training dates, there may be additional actions that come from that decision.

2. If you intend on studying abroad during the fall semester, you will have to accept a position as an Alternate Gryphon candidate. This means that we will consider your placement in the following spring semester pending there are vacancies in the Gryphon Society. There are no guarantees that you will be placed in the original offered community nor that you will be extended an offer if there are no vacancies.

3. If you intend on studying abroad during a spring semester, you will have to submit a letter to our office indicated you intend to resign your Gryphon position. Should you wish to be considered for the following academic year's process, you will need to complete the Returning Gryphon application process in full.

Q: I'm currently in Lehigh Launch, can I still go through the process during the fall semester?

A: Yes! If you are a student in the Lehigh Launch program but not physically on campus for the fall semester, just reach out to our office so we can work with you directly to ensure you can fully participate in the seminar experience.

Housing

Q: Am I able to select my placement?

A: Gryphon candidates do not have the option to select their placement. The Professional Staff team will review the candidates overall performance in the Selection Process and make the best determination on where their skills and abilities would best fit within the Gryphon Society.

Q: What if I have a housing accommodation on file?

A: Gryphon candidates that have an accommodation on file will need to share that information with our office during the application process prior to the official start of the selection process. We will use this information during the selection process in order to meet the accommodation. If this information is not receiving during that process, there is no guarantee that the accommodation will be fully met. If you are looking to begin the process of submitting an accommodation, please go to the Center for Disability Services' website.

Financial Aid

Q: Will the Gryphon position effect my financial aid?

A: It depends. We highly recommend all candidates learning more about how the Gryphon position may, or may not, impact their finanicial aid package. We've put together a Financial Aid FAQ Guide to review. All students personal circumstances are different, which is why we cannot stress enough the importance of connecting with your Financial Aid Counselor with any questions or concerns.

General Gryphon Questions

Q: What does a typical day as a Gryphon look like?

A: It truly depends on the time of the semester, the student population, and the Gryphon team of that area. This also doesn't account for any issues or concerns that may pop up when you're not expecting it. You should chat with a Gryphon you know about what they're day-to-day looks like!

Q: I can only be available for the fall semester; am I still eligible to apply for the Gryphon position?

A: Candidates that can only be available for the fall semester of the academic year we're hiring for are still eligible to apply for the position. However, preference is given to candidates that are available for the full academic year. If you are only available for the spring semester of the academic year we're hiring for, you are eligible to apply for a mid-year position in next year's application process.