Women’s Communities

As part of the Graduate School’s mission to foster a diverse community of students and support professional development opportunities, we have numerous graduate student organizations related to women’s professional development to encourage active participation, various campus resources that are designated to support and promote women scholars, and external resources to support women’s professional development opportunities.

Graduate Student Organizations

There are numerous graduate and professional student organizations designed to promote a more vibrant campus community by supporting women students in their personal and educational pursuits at Cornell.

Women shaking hands

The Graduate and Professional Women’s Network (GPWomeN) provides a unified voice for Cornell’s graduate and professional student women. The organization serves as an umbrella organization to connect, coordinate, and promote efforts across campus that promote gender equality and support graduate and professional student women at Cornell University and beyond. We welcome all members of the Cornell community, including men. Contact: GPWomeN@cornell.edu.

In addition to GPWomeN, other organizations include:

Campus Resources

Constance E. Cook and Alice H. Cook Award: Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars are eligible to be nominated for the Cook Award. The Cook Award honors those who demonstrate a strong commitment to women’s issues and to improving the climate for women at Cornell.

Cornell Gender Equity Resource Center: The mission of the Gender Equity Resource Center is to foster a more vibrant campus community by supporting the full and active participation of women and gender-expansive students in both their personal and educational pursuits at Cornell. The center champions endeavors that support education, empowerment, and advancement at Cornell and beyond. 

Cornell University Graduate School Fellowship Information: Our women graduate students and postdoctoral scholars may be eligible for fellowship support.

The College of Engineering Office of Inclusive Excellence: The College of Engineering is committed to a global view of diversity, which is an important element in ensuring that teaching remains connected to real-world problems, research remains relevant and cutting-edge, and social composition includes a variety of voices, thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Through programming, mentoring, and community events, the College of Engineering welcomes your participation.

Students with Families: The Graduate School recognizes that some of our students may arrive in Ithaca accompanied by their partners and/or children. Our Students with Families website provides information and resources for expectant students, students with children, and students with partners.

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

External Resources

American Association for University Women (AAUW) Membership: The Cornell University Graduate School is a proud member of the AAUW. The mission of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The AAUW supports fellowships, grants, and awards that encourage educational and professional development. Learn more about the Ithaca AAUW branch.

Association for Women in Science (AWIS): Members receive access to a dynamic online platform that offers a multitude of tools and resources to navigate challenges of the STEM workplace, communication, calendar of events, member directory, national advocacy initiatives and trends, fellowship and leadership development, and awards.