Cornell University is closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The health, safety, and well-being of our community is our top priority, and we are working closely with local and state public health officials.
Please view the following pages as well as Cornell’s COVID-19 website for regularly updated information.
Updates for the Graduate Community
Graduate School Updates
Compilation of pandemic-related statements from Graduate School leadership.
Spring 2021 Information
Spring 2021 Information
For the most up-to-date information, please visit Cornell’s COVID-19 website.
Summary Information on Arrival and Testing
Plan ahead to meet Cornell and New York State Requirements.
All new Graduate School students, whether they traveled recently or are already in Ithaca, should review the latest information on the spring semester start-up. View the full details.
Highlights
All students must:
- Complete Cornell’s Spring Checklist. If you have traveled, record your arrival date so surveillance testing can begin.
- Comply with NYS rules regarding testing and quarantine and complete the New York state Traveler Health form.
- Complete all required steps in Cornell Daily Check. It will provide you with personalized testing information.
If you are arriving from a contiguous state (CT, MA, PA, NJ, VT):
- Give yourself enough time in Ithaca to complete the Daily Check testing requirements prior to your need to be on campus. Testing availability the week prior to classes resuming may be limited.
If you are arriving from a non-contiguous state or another country:
- Take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to your departure if you can.
- Then, plan to quarantine for five days upon arrival. The checklist will guide you to complete a Cornell surveillance test on days two and four after your arrival.
- If you are unable to obtain a test within three days prior to arriving in New York state, you are required to complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in NYS.
- More details about arrival requirements for students can be found on the university’s COVID-19 website.
Surveillance testing for students in the Ithaca area remains a requirement of the Behavioral Compact. Students in research degrees who were granted an exception or reduced testing schedule will be asked to renew their requests later in January if they wish to have the exemption extended for the spring term.
Fall 2020 Information
Fall 2020 Information
Course and Modality (updated February 4, 2021)
Course enrollment timeline, modality of fall courses, and impact on graduate student travel and academic expectations.
Funding (updated February 4, 2021)
Funding updates and responses to frequently asked questions.
Health Information (updated February 4, 2021)
Cornell Health services, the Student Health Plan, and public health resources.
Quarantine and Isolation (updated February 4, 2021)
Quarantine and isolation definitions as well as guidelines for proper quarantine and isolation.
Faculty and Fields
Faculty Information (updated February 4, 2021)
Compilation of statements from Graduate School leadership and additional resources for faculty and fields.
Mentoring Remotely During Disruption (updated April 2, 2020)
A guide to mentoring remotely during disruption.
Student FAQs
Ask a Dean
See the responses to student questions about the pandemic
Student FAQs (updated July 31, 2020)
Responses from Provost Michael Kotlikoff and former Graduate School Dean Barbara Knuth to student questions regarding reactivation.
