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 timely 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
- Do I need to notify the Graduate School about my change of graduation month?
- What is the process for designating a proxy for my B Exam?
- Can you recommend solutions for a dissertation needing copy editing?
- Is it possible to transfer to another field to continue a Ph.D. or will I have to reapply and start from the beginning?
- Is it possible for the Graduate School to contribute to the Expanding Your Horizons program?
Fellowships and Funding
- Does a graduate assistantship pay for health insurance?
- Is there a reason for not receiving regular, biweekly paychecks as a fellowship recipient?
- Is there a campus fellowship advisor who can answer questions and read my essays?
- What funding is available for Latinx students?
- How do I check on my stipend and are they contingent on receiving an appointment?
More Fellowships and Funding questions
Health and Wellness
- What mental health support options does Cornell have for in absentia students?
- What happened to the Calm app subscription?
- Do we still have free yoga sessions?
- Why has the Student Health Plan payment system changed?
- How can we get involved with fitness classes despite limitations?
More Health and Wellness questions
Other/Miscellaneous
- How do students get considered for a spotlight?
- What resources are still available after defending a dissertation?
- Why do some of the windows in Morrill Hall no longer open?
- Why are some parts of campus not well lit?
- Does Cornell have support available for job-seeking student partners/spouses?
More Other/Miscellaneous questions
Policies and Requirements
- Does Cornell have a policy about non-romantic relationships between TAs and undergrads?
- Can I finish my MS degree early?
- How do I check on my stipend and are they contingent on receiving an appointment?
- Why are the in absentia forms so cumbersome to fill out?
- What is the protocol for announcing student deaths?
More Policies and Requirements questions
Political and Global Concerns
More Political and Global Concerns questions
Student Experience
- How can I share an article on grad students selected as Forbes Under 30 Scholars?
- How can we be added to the BRB listserv?
- Are vegan options offered at Pie with the Deans events?
- How do I get emergency funding to help with a major health issue?
- How can we prevent demolition of Parrott Hall?
More Student Experience questions
Tax
- 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?
- Can you tell me how Cornell follows 117 a-c while so many other institutions obviously follow 117d?
- Will the Graduate School commit to increasing wages or decreasing tuition for graduate students if the proposed changes to the tax code pass?
Union Representation
- 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?
- Am I eligible to vote in the upcoming election if I am provided with a partial stipend?