Registrar: COVID-19 Deadline Extensions

• Spring 2020 Drop Deadline & S/U Grading Option: The last day to drop courses or change grading basis has been extended to Tuesday, May 12. See the message, “Changes in Course Grading Policy for Spring 2020“, for detail on S/U grading options. Students can drop courses with a W and petition to change the grading basis to S/U between May 12 and May 23.
   
• Thesis/Dissertation Submission Deadline: The thesis/dissertation submission deadline has been extended to Friday, May 15. Refer to the Thesis & Dissertation Planning Timeline for detailed information on deadlines and submission requirements.

Due to the rapidly evolving situation, students should continue to monitor their email and the university websites for future updates.

No-Cost Student Health Plan (SHP) for Qualified Self-Pay Students

We know that many students will be dealing with exceptional financial pressures in the coming months. If you are a self-pay student and will reside in New York State for the 2020-2021 academic year you may qualify for Student Health Plan Plus (SHP Plus). The plan has no premium costs, no copayments, and no coinsurance. SHP Plus is an option for qualified students with modest household incomes under a partnership with New York State. Many graduate and professional students meet the income and residency requirements, even if they have just arrived in NY.    

The deadline for enrolling in the fall is June 1, 2020 for an August start, but students who apply in August can convert their regular SHP into SHP Plus beginning in October and receive a refund their plan premium. For more information visit the Student Health Benefits website. This plan is not available to fully funded students with Cornell fellowships or assistantships.

Cornell Tech Students

We know some of this information is only relevant to Ithaca based students. For other information, please refer to the Cornell Tech weekly Student Services Newsletter sent on Wednesdays and check the Cornell Tech COVID-19 Updates page.

Spring in New York City

Central Park. Images by Jackie Klein, director of student services at Cornell Tech.

Tips for Effective Advisor-Advisee Communication

Are you and your advisor seeking ways to maintain effective communication, convey expectations and needs, and keep your academic and research progress moving forward at this time?

• Acknowledge these uncertain times and the distress you may be experiencing. Most people are feeling this uncertainty, faculty advisors and mentors, too.
• Talk with your advisor about any support and flexibility you need. Depending on individual circumstances, some faculty will be in the position to provide more support than others. The Graduate School staff and CAPS counselors are also available to provide support, conversation, and resources. The Graduate School has modified hours of operation so staff are answering emails and accommodating virtual appointments from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
• Do you need tips for making good use of meetings with your advisor, for resolving conflict, or for communicating with your advisor? Read more about communicating with your advisor in the new Advising Guide for Research Students.

Motivation During Crisis

On April 15, Travis Winter, counselor/therapist from Cornell Health, spoke with over 150 graduate and professional students about Motivation During Crisis. This session was recorded for others to watch.

Watch a recording of the April 15 session or read the tips and takeaways.

Another session about Motivation During Crisis with Travis Winters is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Zoom (link to be sent when registered) – (Know that material presented will be different, but does not rely on you attending the first one. Come, it is a continued conversation about motivation!)

Student Spotlight: Robert Chiodi

Robert Chiodi is a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering from Abington, Massachusetts. After earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, he chose to pursue further study at Cornell due to the faculty as well as the Ithaca area.

Read the full student spotlight

Interested in what other graduate students are doing both on and off campus?

Check out our student spotlights, Q&As with current students about their research, hobbies, and experiences at Cornell.

Kudos!

Doctoral Candidate Hired as Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware

Lauren Genova, a doctoral candidate in chemistry and chemical biology, accepted a teaching position as an assistant professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Delaware.