Ask a Dean
How can I get funding to present a conference talk? How do I apply for parental leave? Who can I talk to about a confidential issue in my graduate field? How do I handle a difficult relationship in my field?
Use the “Ask a Dean” program to get answers to your questions.
Questions and responses that may be of interest to the graduate community will be published anonymously on the Graduate School website and in the Graduate School Announcements.
Academics
- Is there a way that teaching assistants teaching in-person sections can receive microphones?
- Students get evaluated through the SPR yearly, but is there a process that evaluates our advisors?
- Is the A exam scheduled before a student completes research for a dissertation, during which the student presents proposed dissertation research?
- Will conference grants still be supported by the Graduate School?
- What is the timeline for thesis draft submission and the revision process?
Fellowships and Funding
- What is the total compensation for students funded by the NSF GRFP in 2022-23?
- With inflation and rising gas prices, is it possible Conference Travel Grant funding will be increased?
- Why is the annual stipend increase below the annual inflation rate?
- How does meeting the Ph.D. degree requirements impact stipends and health insurance?
- What happens if a graduate student teaching assistant or instructor of record gets sick and is unable to perform their assigned responsibilities?
More Fellowships and Funding questions
Health and Wellness
- Is there any chance the Cornell gym’s paid membership plan may change to be less cost-prohibitive?
- How is Cornell addressing food insecurity?
- Why are Cornell Tech Ph.D. students unable to access CAPS services?
- How does meeting the Ph.D. degree requirements impact stipends and health insurance?
- Will spring semester physical education classes start during the third week of classes due to current university policy?
More Health and Wellness questions
Other/Miscellaneous
- Can the construction crew ensure that the Tower Road bike lane is free of debris?
- Part II: AC installation in graduate student housing
- Can the Graduate School provide funds for AC installation in graduate student housing?
- Why do graduate and professional students have to pay for Slope Day wristbands?
- How many Ask a Dean questions are received and published?
More Other/Miscellaneous questions
Policies and Requirements
- How long does it take for a degree to be conferred once a thesis is submitted to the Graduate School?
- How does meeting the Ph.D. degree requirements impact stipends and health insurance?
- How does student health insurance work during an internship? Do I have to take a personal leave of absence?
- Three questions: Can we see accrued sick leave in Workday? What is the process for taking sick leave? What are the changes to the academic leave policy?
- How will faculty be held accountable for completing their part of the Student Progress Review?
More Policies and Requirements questions
Political and Global Concerns
- Is there anything in the works to get students to fill out the census?
- Has Cornell been advocating for international students relying on OPT work authorization?
- In response to the recent anti-Asian and anti-Chinese views, what specific steps is Cornell taking to ensure the integrity of anti-discrimination policies?
- When will Cornell stand up for free speech and free inquiry?
More Political and Global Concerns questions
Student Life
- Is there any chance the Cornell gym’s paid membership plan may change to be less cost-prohibitive?
- What can Cornell do about unreliable TCAT service?
- Is there a map of campus sidewalk closures?
- Can you please explain graduate student parking cost decisions?
- Why do graduate and professional students have to pay for Slope Day wristbands?
Tax
- How do I rectify an overpayment on my taxes as a result of an overpayment from Cornell?
- Will I still qualify for the stimulus payment if I did not file a tax return last year?
- Are we taxed on our health insurance?
- Which taxes do not have to be paid by graduate students?
- Which tax year is used for spring stipends?
Union Representation
- What ever happened with the union vote?
- Are there any updates on the unionization vote that took place last spring?
- If we vote to form a union, where will the money come from to pay for the added benefits?
- Several questions about student union design
- Is the union allowed to use my name and image without my permission?