Ask a Dean Category: Other/Miscellaneous
If I see people working on campus without approvals, how can I report my concerns?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: May 2020
Hello deans, If I become aware that graduate students, postdocs, staff, and/or faculty are working on campus (e.g., in labs, studios, or offices) without appropriate university approvals prior to the approved, phased re-opening of campus, how can I report my concerns? Sincerely, Concerned Graduate Student Response Dear Concerned Graduate Student, To report behaviors that you…
Is Cornell preventing students from leaving Ithaca during the pandemic?
Category: Academics, Fellowships and Funding, Health and Wellness, Other/Miscellaneous Date: March 2020
Dear Deans: I am an international graduate student who would like to go to my home country for the spring and summer. I am able to continue my research remotely as I’m in the dissertation phase of my studies. I want to confirm that Cornell is not preventing students from leaving Ithaca, assuming that I…
Does Cornell have a recording studio where students can record interviews and audio?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: February 2020
Dear Deans, I can’t seem to find this information somewhere, but it must exist! Does Cornell University have a recording studio where students can go and record interviews or other audio? Sincerely, Perplexed Response Dear Perplexed, Thanks very much for your Ask a Dean question. I consulted with Glen Palmer, the director of Cornell Broadcast…
What resources are available to help student-partners find employment?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: December 2019
Hi Grad School Deans, I am about halfway through my Ph.D. and my partner recently moved across the country to be with me. He has been here for four months and has not been able to find a job. I have tried to leverage any personal connections I have here at Cornell to help him…
How can we assure ourselves a parking place on campus?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous, Student Life Date: November 2019
Dear Deans, My fellow graduate students and some staff in our labs pay over $750 a year for access to the parking lots labeled ‘SC’ (the only permit available to us). This academic year, the parking situation has been absolutely untenable; arriving after ~9:30am (or leaving and coming back) makes it impossible to find a…
Can the Graduate School help address the need for more late-night buses downtown?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous, Student Life Date: October 2019
Dear Dean, I am a first year Ph.D. student. I was also a Cornell undergrad. It is my first time living in the downtown area in Ithaca, but I know that there used to be bus services that run late during weekdays, until 1 AM or so, if I remember correctly. As the time goes…
How can I speak out about issues that are important to me without jeopardizing my career?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: May 2019
Hello, I’m a PhD student and a member of my field’s national professional organization. My hope is to find an academic job and be a part of this organization for the duration of my career. Our annual conference this summer (at which I will present) is set to be held in the state of Georgia.…
How do students get considered for a spotlight?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: April 2019
Dear Deans, Hello, I have seen so many of my colleagues featured in the newsletter, and I would like to possibly be considered for a spotlight before the semester/my time at Cornell ends. How would that be possible, and to whom would I forward that information? Thank you for your time, Accomplished Student Response Dear…
What resources are still available after defending a dissertation?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: February 2019
Dear Deans, I defended my dissertation at the end of last semester with the hope that this would make me a more sought-out candidate on the job market this season (keeping fingers crossed!). I am now spending my last semester at Cornell TAing and revising my dissertation before filing this May or August. My question…
Why do some of the windows in Morrill Hall no longer open?
Category: Other/Miscellaneous Date: November 2018
Dear Deans, I am writing in relation to the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge (signed by Cornell), Cornell’s existing pledge to environmental stewardship, and the renovations taking place on Morrill Hall. I’m hoping to have you help me understand why many of us are no longer able to open our windows. Over the summer,…