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
- How can I discuss justice usefully in my classroom?
- Can you help me find a TA who can take over my course this fall?
- How can I find out about the tenure status of one of my minor subject special committee members?
- How can I provide feedback about the advising I received?
- How many years will it take to complete my PhD?
Fellowships and Funding
- 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?
- How do I get emergency funding to help with a major health issue?
- Which tax year is used for spring stipends?
More Fellowships and Funding questions
Health and Wellness
- 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?
- What can we do to be prepared for an active shooter?
More Health and Wellness questions
Other/Miscellaneous
- Why are some parts of campus not well lit?
- Does Cornell have support available for job-seeking student partners/spouses?
- Can my partner benefit from student partner workshops despite not living in Ithaca?
- Can we invest in silent air conditioners?
- Can you refer me to any legal services in Tompkins County?
More Other/Miscellaneous questions
Policies and Requirements
- 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?
- Can I minor in a field that Cornell does not offer and can I have a non-Cornell faculty member serve on my committee?
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
- 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?
- Are all funded graduate students functioning under 117(a-c) of the current tax code?
- How will the proposed changes affect my taxable income, particularly in regards to the tuition that the NSF pays to Cornell?
- Three questions about Cornell’s response if the proposed tax legislation is passed
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?
- If I vote not to be represented, will my wishes be recognized?