Cornell University: An Essential Guide for Students
Cornell University, a vibrant and diverse community, offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for its students. From academic support to health and wellness services, this guide provides an overview of essential information to help students thrive during their time at Cornell.
Academic Support and Resources
Navigating the academic landscape can be challenging, but Cornell provides comprehensive support to help students succeed.
Academic Advising and Enrollment
The Student Center is a valuable resource for students as they plan their academic program of study, enroll in classes, and monitor their progress toward completing degree requirements. Students can utilize several tools within the Student Center:
- Advisement Report: This report allows students to view their academic requirements, the status of those requirements (whether they are satisfied or not), and the courses that can fulfill each requirement.
- Transfer Credit Report: This report provides a summary of test and transfer credits that have been applied to a student's academic record.
- Course History: Students can review their complete course record, including courses that have been completed, are currently in progress, and are planned for the future.
Career Services
Cornell offers extensive career services for graduate and professional students through a network of offices and online resources. Careers Beyond Academia is a particularly useful resource for Ph.D. students exploring career options outside of academia.
Health and Wellbeing
Cornell prioritizes the health and wellbeing of its students, offering a range of services to support their physical and mental health.
Read also: Student Accessibility Services at USF
Cornell Health
As the primary medical and mental health care provider for all students, Cornell Health operates under a model of integrated care, addressing the needs of the whole person and the Cornell community. Services include:
- Crisis intervention
- Individual and group counseling
- Psychiatric care
- Referral services
Counseling and Religious Support
Trained staff members provide counseling and referrals for individuals and couples dealing with general, religious, prenuptial, and crisis matters.
Fitness and Recreation
Cornell Fitness Centers (CFC) provides diverse exercise opportunities for the Cornell community. With five fitness centers located around campus, CFC offers a wide variety of cardio and weight equipment, as well as group exercise classes each week.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of the Cornell community are paramount.
Cornell University Police
The Cornell University Police (CU Police) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from G-2 Barton Hall. Detailed information about CU Police can be found on the safety and security reports page.
Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing
Gorge Safety
Swimming in the gorges is strictly prohibited under Chapter 250 of the City of Ithaca code, Peace and Good Order. Students should consult the Gorge Trail Map and Safety Information brochure for important safety guidelines.
Emergency Preparedness
In the event of adverse weather conditions, such as blizzards or ice storms, students should check the Operating Status webpage for updates on university operations.
Community and Inclusion
Cornell is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of its community.
Diversity and Inclusion
Cornell University strives to recruit a diverse faculty, student body, and staff. The university aims to create a climate that not only accommodates differences but actively engages with them, providing rich opportunities for learning from diverse perspectives.
International Services
International Services provides assistance to individuals and their families from around the world who come to Cornell to study, teach, or conduct research.
Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue
Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center
The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center, a converted carriage house, is located in the heart of campus, surrounded by lawns and gardens. It serves as a central hub for graduate and professional students.
Ombuds Office
The Ombuds Office offers a safe and confidential space for community members to discuss problems or issues within the university.
Civic Engagement
Voter Registration
To participate in federal, state, and municipal elections, students must register to vote.
Recent Initiatives and Events
Generative AI Critical Literacy Pilot
Launched in the spring, a Generative AI critical literacy pilot addresses the impact of Generative AI on research, teaching, learning, and work in higher education, in light of the emergence of ChatGPT.
Historical Marker Commemorates Toni Morrison
A historical marker commemorates Toni Morrison’s time in Ithaca.
Composers Tackle Environmental Issues
A multimedia Cornell University Library exhibition demonstrates how music can be a powerful vehicle for raising environmental awareness.
New Student Checklist
The New Student To Do List is an essential resource that helps new students stay on track as they prepare for their transition to Cornell. The list includes key steps for new students, but it is important to note that not all tasks will apply to every student, as requirements vary based on specific enrollment details (college, program, student type). New students are encouraged to review their New Student To Do List carefully and check in regularly to ensure a smooth start to their Cornell journey.
tags: #student #essentials #Cornell #University
