Archives: Policies, Procedures, and Requirements
Policies and expectations governing graduate education at Cornell are put forth by the Graduate School in the Graduate School’s Code of Legislation (Code) and by the university in various Cornell University policies. The articles listed below offer clarification on aspects of the Code and university policies that frequently elicit questions.
Additional rules and expectations are set by graduate fields in their graduate student handbooks. Consult the Fields of Study page to find handbooks for individual fields.
Majors and Minors
Summary For students in graduate research degrees, earning a “major” or “minor” in a specific subject or concentration is not explicitly linked to the completion of coursework but is instead…
Research Misconduct
Summary Quick Facts: Your reputation and that of your collaborators, faculty, field, and university depend on you conducting sound, responsible, and ethical research. Understanding how to conduct responsible research is…
Responsible Conduct of Research
Summary Conducting sound, responsible research is more than simply being in compliance with rules and regulations. Ethical researchers and scholars think critically about the impact of their behavior on others—their…
Safety Training
Summary Health and safety considerations are paramount for students working in environments where there may be biological, fire, radiation, chemical, and laboratory safety considerations. Thus, Cornell offers safety training, much of which…
Selecting and Changing a Special Committee
Summary Forming a new committee Students must select their special committee chair within three weeks of registering with the Graduate School. A temporary committee chair or the field’s director of…
Thesis and Dissertation
Summary The thesis or dissertation is a scholarly work that forms the capstone of a research degree program. The Graduate School’s Code of Legislation requires the completion and defense of the…
Academic Integrity
Summary Academic integrity at its most basic means being honest in your research and scholarship. Understanding what is considered a violation of Cornell’s Code of Academic Integrity is the foundation for good…
Advocacy Services
Summary Please see the Code of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty for specific grievance procedures if informal attempts at resolving an issue have not been successful. In sum, the grievance procedure…
Bias Incidents
Summary Cornell University is committed to maintaining a bias-free climate based on civility, decency, and respect. Cornell University prohibits its faculty, administrative and academic staff members, postdocs, and undergraduate and…
Grievances and Complaints
Summary Conflict between graduate students and faculty members occasionally arises. When conflicts occur, they can often be resolved through discussion that engages both parties who are directly involved. However, when…