Ask a Dean Category: Academics
Do I need to notify the Graduate School about my change of graduation month?
Category: Academics Date: April 2019
Hi Deans, I hope you had a wonderful break! I am a M.S. student who was planning to graduate this May, but my schedule changed and my committee has approved…
What is the process for designating a proxy for my B exam?
Category: Academics Date: February 2019
Dear Graduate School, I am writing to ask you some questions on finding a proxy for one of my committee members for my B exam: Do I have to change…
Can you recommend solutions for a dissertation needing copy editing?
Category: Academics Date: February 2019
Dear Deans, I have recently defended my dissertation as a non-native English speaker. One of my committee’s recommendations for revisions is to work with a professional copy editor toward a…
Is it possible to transfer to another field to continue a Ph.D. or will I have to reapply and start from the beginning?
Category: Academics Date: November 2018
Dear Cornell Grad Dean, I’m currently in a Ph.D. program but my committee has let me know that they don’t think I’m ready to take my A exam. My committee…
Is it possible for the Graduate School to contribute to the Expanding Your Horizons program?
Category: Academics Date: November 2018
Dear Dean Knuth, Thank you for supporting Expanding Your Horizons last spring! I am writing to ask for your support of this year’s Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference, which will…
Is there an award for graduate advising?
Category: Academics Date: November 2018
Dear Deans, Is there an award for graduate advising available? I can only find awards in the colleges or at the university level for undergraduate advising, but it seems like…
How can I discuss justice usefully in my classroom?
Category: Academics Date: September 2017
Hello Deans, Like many teaching assistants, my class is diverse with students from many countries, states, and ethnicities. The class is about sustainability and justice is an essential component of…
Can you help me find a TA who can take over my course this fall?
Category: Academics Date: August 2017
Dear Deans, Do you know of any graduate students in the life sciences that might be looking to TA in the fall? I’m asking for a “friend” who is looking…
How can I find out about the tenure status of one of my minor subject special committee members?
Category: Academics Date: July 2017
Hello, At a recent conference I was informed by a faculty member at a different university that one of the minor members of my special committee did not receive tenure.…
How can I provide feedback about the advising I received?
Category: Academics Date: July 2017
Dear Deans, There seems to be no way for Ph.D. students to provide feedback to departments and the graduate school regarding the strengths and weaknesses of their advisors. Is it…