Resources

There are numerous resources on campus designed to support graduate and professional students. Below is a list of common offices and services that many of our students refer to at some point during their graduate career. 


Academic Resources

Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI)CTI strives to strengthen teaching across campus in a multitude of ways, from disseminating research-based best-teaching practices to ensuring that graduate student instructors have the support and resources needed to help their students learn better.

Cornell Data Services (CDS): Cornell faculty, staff, and students can ask questions and work with CDS consultants on creating and implementing data management and sharing plans, applying best practices for managing research data, sharing and publishing data, and finding data-related services at any stage of the research process.

David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement: Dedicated to advancing community-engaged learning and public service across the university, this center opens new pathways for Cornellians to embrace the university’s land-grant mission to improve lives in New York state, across the nation, and around the world.

English Language Support Office (ELSO)This office’s mission is to offer comprehensive writing and speaking support for Cornell’s multilingual graduate and professional students, including courses, tutoring, workshops, and a conversation program.

Graduate Fellowships: Information about eligibility and applications for fellowships for new and continuing graduate students.

Graduate Writing Service (GWS): Cornell postgraduates (graduate students, professional students, postdocs, and faculty) can work with GWS tutors to develop and refine strategies for drafting and revising writing projects and professional materials.

Libraries: Cornell is home to more than 20 libraries, many of which specialize in specific fields.

Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA)ORIA coordinates compliance measures on campus and acts as a resource for the university community’s concerns regarding compliance requirements.

Student EssentialsCornell’s academic portal.

Student CenterCornell’s registration and enrollment portal.

Thesis and Dissertation Services and GuidelinesInformation about what steps you need to take to complete your degree and what support is available to you along the way.


Accessibility Resources

Student Disability Services (SDS)SDS is the designated office at Cornell that obtains and files disability-related documents, certifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for student accommodation provisions.

Map of All Gender Inclusive Restrooms on Campus: In keeping with the university’s policy of nondiscrimination and the commitment to inclusion, the university encourages students, staff, faculty, and visitors to use the restroom or facility that corresponds to their gender identity.


Career Resources

Pathways to Success: The Graduate School’s holistic professional development framework, with programming organized into the following thematic focus areas: Navigate Academia, Build Your Skills, Create Your Plan, and Prepare for Your Career.

Career GuideThese webpages provide a step-by-step guide with detailed information about how to prepare for your future career.

Careers Beyond Academia: Careers Beyond Academia gives Ph.D. students and postdocs the chance to test-drive specific aspects of various careers through flexible, experiential, empowering opportunities.

Cornell Career Services for Graduate StudentsCareer services for graduate and professional students are provided by a network of offices and resources across campus and online. Cornell Career Services, located in Barnes Hall, serves students from across the university.

Future Faculty and Academic Careers: Future Faculty and Academic Careers provides both in-person and online professional development and networking opportunities for graduate students and postdocs aspiring to careers in higher education.


Diversity and Inclusion Resources

Asian & Asian American Center (A3C): Information on programs and resources that focus on the rich diversity of Asian and Asian American student experiences and support an inclusive campus community.

Bias Response System: Learn about the steps and procedures for reporting bias activity.

Cornell’s Military Community: Cornell’s clearinghouse for information and resources for veterans among our faculty, staff, and students.

Gender Equity Resource Center: This center aims to foster a vibrant and supportive campus community to help empower students to bring their full and authentic selves to every part of their lives, on campus and beyond.

LGBT Resource Center: Information on programs and resources focused on supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community at Cornell.

LGBTQ+ Resource Guide: Guide offering best practices and tips, such as using gender-inclusive greetings in meetings and classrooms, integrating LGBTQ issues into curricula, or including statements in course syllabi and other gatherings that stimulate discussion and ensure civil discourse.

Students of Color: List of affinity graduate student organizations focused on supporting the sense of belonging and community for students of color and for contributing to a more inclusive environment for all students.

Student Development Diversity Initiatives: Home to several resource centers, program areas, and student organizations that center on building and maintaining community.

University Diversity and InclusionLearn more about Cornell University’s commitment to recruiting a heterogeneous faculty, student body, and staff; fostering a climate that doesn’t just accommodate differences, but engages with them; and providing rich opportunities for learning from those differences. Cornell also shares resources on Anti-racism and addressing Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

University Support of International Students: Access a portal of information and resources for those with questions and concerns about the current and future implications of U.S. Executive Orders for student, faculty, and staff, activities, and our international programs.

University Support of DACA & Undocumented Students: Find general information on matters of admissions, financial aid, campus resources, privacy, legal assistance, and safety available to DACA and undocumented students. 


Arts and Entertainment Resources

Cornell Cinema: Cornell Cinema screens close to 200 films and special film events each year in the historic Willard Straight Theater.

Cornell Music: Cornell’s Music Department sponsors more than a hundred concerts and lectures on campus each year, given by faculty members, students, and distinguished visiting artists from around the world.

Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: The Johnson Museum’s permanent collection includes 30,000 works from around the world.

Schwartz Center: Home to Cornell’s Performing and Media Arts (PMA) department, which hosts dozens of professional and student-run events and performances each year in this venue.


Graduate School Offices

Office of AcademicsUnder the guidance of the associate dean for academic and student affairs, the Office of Academics sponsors academic support programs, including the Three Minute Thesis competition, Thesis and Dissertation Boot Camps, and more.

Careers Beyond Academia: Careers Beyond Academia gives Ph.D. students and postdocs the chance to test-drive specific aspects of various careers through flexible, experiential, empowering opportunities.

Future Faculty and Academic Careers: Future Faculty and Academic Careers provides both in-person and online professional development and networking opportunities for graduate students and postdocs aspiring to careers in higher education.

Office of Graduate Student Life: The Office of Graduate Student Life provides students with resources for academic support, assistance in navigating the educational program, referrals to campus services, support for personal development, and any other concerns that are impacting a student’s ability to succeed.

Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement (OISE)OISE provides recruitment, diversity fellowships, professional and community development programming, and ongoing support for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.

Office of Postdoctoral Studies: The Office of Postdoctoral Studies provides information, programming, and support to Cornell’s 800+ postdoctoral scholars.


Health and Wellness Resources

Cornell Health Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Provides crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, psychiatric care, and referral services to Cornell students. Consultation, education, and prevention strategies are offered to individuals who have concerns about a student’s welfare.

Cornell United Religious Work (CURW)Counseling and referrals in general, religious, prenuptial, and crisis matters for individuals and couples are available from trained staff members. CURW also can provide referrals for support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous.

Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service (EARS)EARS provides training, workshops, and outreach to promote mental health, well-being, and help-seeking among the Cornell campus community.

Cornell HealthThe primary medical and mental health care provider for all students, Cornell Health is guided by a model of integrated care for the whole person and for the Cornell community. The staff includes over 220 medical, counseling, and related health care professionals, with a wide range of training, expertise, and personal and professional experiences to serve our diverse community.

Mental Health at CornellDedicated to providing support and resources to meet the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of the university community.

Recreational (Fitness) Services: Cornell Fitness Centers offer exercise opportunities for the Cornell community. CFC has five fitness centers located around campus, offering an extensive variety of cardio and weight equipment, and over 95 group exercise classes each week. CFC memberships are available to students and student spouses/partners.

Student Disability Services (SDS)SDS is the designated office at Cornell that obtains and files disability-related documents, certifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for student accommodation provisions.

Student Support and Advocacy Services: Student Support and Advocacy Services strives to help students navigate challenging issues in all facets of their lives utilizing non-clinical, trauma-informed, and identity-conscious approaches.

Map of All Gender Inclusive Restrooms on Campus: In keeping with the university’s policy of nondiscrimination and the commitment to inclusion, the university encourages students, staff, faculty, and visitors to use the restroom or facility that corresponds to their gender identity.


International Student Resources

International Services: International Services assists individuals and their families from all over the world, who have come to Cornell to study, teach, or conduct research. International Services provides information and advising on federal immigration, tax, and labor regulations, and counseling on personal, academic, and cultural matters.

English Language Support Office (ELSO)This office’s mission is to offer comprehensive writing and speaking support for Cornell’s multilingual graduate and professional students, including courses, tutoring, workshops, and a conversation program.

Additional English Support Programs: International Services maintains a webpage on English language support programs available at Cornell, in Ithaca, and in the area available to Cornell’s students and their families.


Safety Resources

Cornell University Police: Cornell University Police operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, from G-2 Barton Hall. Learn more about CU Police on the safety and security reports page. In an emergency, you can contact Cornell Police by:

  • dialing 911 from any campus phone,
  • calling (607) 255-1111, or
  • picking up a Blue Light telephone.

For non-emergencies or information, dial (607) 255-1111 or pick up a Blue Light telephone.

Emergency Notification System: Cornell’s mass emergency notification system is used to alert you when there is a significant emergency or a dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of the university community.

Gorge Safety: Swimming in the gorges is prohibited by Chapter 250 of the City of Ithaca code, Peace and Good Order. Please read the Gorge Trail Map and Safety Information brochure. This brochure provides a path guide and advice for safety precautions while visiting the gorges.

Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education (SHARE): The Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education website provides ready access to reporting, services, support, education, and advocacy related to all forms of sexual misconduct.

Weather Emergency: In the event of an adverse weather condition such as a blizzard or ice storm, you should check the Operating Status webpage for status of university operations. Condition updates such as delayed university openings, road closings, and university closings will be available on this site.


Student Life Resources

Big Red BarnAn old carriage house turned student center, the Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center is located in the heart of campus and surrounded by lawns and gardens. A central place for eating and relaxing, the Big Red Barn hosts more than 200 events per year.

Communities: Comprehensive list of communities that our graduate students typically join in order to encourage your active participation in the broader university community.

Living in Ithaca: Information to help ease your transition to the Ithaca and Cornell community, including transportation options, housing and neighborhood information, on- and off-campus dining options, and general information about the region.

Students with Families: Our Students with Families website compiles information about resources, ways to stay informed and get involved, along with valuable contact information.

Office of University OmbudsmanThe Ombudsman Office offers a safe, confidential place where community members may discuss problems or issues within the university. This office provides students with information regarding university policies and practices, and how to make the university aware of a particular problem.


Additional Resources

CU Info: CU Info provides a comprehensive page of resources and information about Cornell that includes everything from emergency information to local weather.  

211 Tompkins Information Referral: 2-1-1 Tompkins Information and Referral, a program of the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, is a free, confidential, 24-hour helpline that maintains a comprehensive database of health and human services available to those who live and work in Tompkins County.

Voter Registration & Election Information: To vote in federal, state and municipal elections, you must be a registered voter. Students and other members of the Cornell community who are not from New York State have the option to vote in NYS or in their home state.