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
- What is the timeline for thesis draft submission and the revision process?
- How will Cornell set clear research reactivation priorities?
- Do you have any suggestions for creating a peaceful work environment?
- Is there an update on access to campus libraries and any funding available to reimburse research-related expenses?
- Is there a possibility of extending the deadlines for students graduating in August?
Fellowships and Funding
- Why are international students not allowed to work remotely from abroad?
- Is it possible for the stipend to be extended?
- Why is the Provost Diversity Fellowship not open to all students?
- Does the assistantship extension and stipend supplementation also apply to students with external fellowships?
- How flexible will the Graduate School be if students need extra time to complete their academic milestones?
More Fellowships and Funding questions
Health and Wellness
- How will Cornell set clear research reactivation priorities?
- Do you have any suggestions for creating a peaceful work environment?
- What can be done about paid-for fitness memberships we can’t currently use?
- What can I expect with my TAship if I am asked to isolate?
- Can you consider posting the following mental health resource?
More Health and Wellness questions
Other/Miscellaneous
- If I see people working on campus without approvals, how can I report my concerns?
- Is Cornell preventing students from leaving Ithaca during the pandemic?
- Does Cornell have a recording studio where students can record interviews and audio?
- What resources are available to help student-partners find employment?
- How can we assure ourselves a parking place on campus?
More Other/Miscellaneous questions
Policies and Requirements
- What is the timeline for thesis draft submission and the revision process?
- Is there a possibility of extending the deadlines for students graduating in August?
- Why are international students not allowed to work remotely from abroad?
- Is it possible for the stipend to be extended?
- Can graduate classes be taken S/U during these trying times?
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?
- Can the country-specific language be removed from the original COVID-19 Ask a Dean message?
- 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
- Can you consider posting the following mental health resource?
- What should grad students’ expectations be of the TGIF schedule throughout the semester?
- Can the country-specific language be removed from the original COVID-19 Ask a Dean message?
- 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?
- What are grad students supposed to eat when campus dining is closed?
Tax
- 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?
- Can you tell me how Cornell follows 117 a-c while so many other institutions obviously follow 117d?
Union Representation
- What ever happened with the union vote?
- Are there any updates on the unionization vote that took place last spring?
- Is the union allowed to use my name and image without my permission?
- 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