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Student Life at Cornell University

Athletics and Physical Wellness

Your student will have a plethora of opportunities to sharpen the body and Big Red spirit while a Cornellian. Whatever their ability or participation level, there are many ways to get involved with the Big Red on campus. Below are links to resources for such opportunities:

• Athletic Scores and Schedules
• Intramurals
• Club Sports
• Cornell Fitness Centers
• Outdoor Education

Money Matters

Office of the Bursar
(607) 255-2336 • www.bursar.cornell.edu
The Office of the Bursar keeps track of student accounts and sends bills for payment. The office provides customer service and counseling to students, parents, and the Cornell community and proactively assists families in meeting their financial obligations to the University. The Office of the Bursar functions as the central billing service center for the Cornell community. The office provides monthly billing statements of tuition, fees, and other charges incurred by the students including housing, dining, and other Campus Life expenses; parking services; health services; etc. Additionally, the office provides cashiering functions for the University, and administers the CornellCard (the on-campus student charge card program), Cornell Net.Pay, the Cornell Installment Plan, and direct deposit for the Student Refunds program. Most families will want to discuss the use of services with their student and have a clear understanding about usage. The Office of the Bursar conducts all business directly with the student. Monthly charges, as well as any awards, grants, scholarships, and loans, are listed and billed under the student’s name. Direct deposits and refund checks are also drawn in the name of the student. Cornell is authorized to offset any credit balances against any debts owed by the student to the University. Call or visit us to see what the Office of the Bursar has to offer that will make your lives at Cornell easier.

Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment
(607) 255-5145 • finaid.cornell.edu
You may recall seeing the Case for Cornell, which included information about Cornell’s financial aid and student employment options. Please remember that all financial aid determinations at Cornell are made on the basis of demonstrated need. Cornell calculates the amount of financial need by taking the expected cost of the year of study and deducting the amount that students and their families should reasonably be able to contribute.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment (FASE) may be able to help if your student needs an award adjustment because of changes in family circumstances. FASE may recalculate the amount of your expected family contribution if you experience a serious change in financial status (for example, due to unemployment or change in family status). The awarding of financial aid is contingent on the availability of funds. Financial aid counseling is available to address questions about all aspects of financial aid and student employment. Before students arrive on campus they are assigned a financial aid counselor who will be their primary contact with FASE.

Cornell offers a wide variety of student job opportunities throughout the school year and during the summer. Over 51% of Cornell students work on campus; many also work off campus in the Ithaca community. Although there are no restrictions on the number of hours a week that students can work, many students average between 5-12 hours per week when classes are in session and coordinate their work schedules around their class schedules. Students are eligible to work as student employees as long as they remain registered full-time in a degree-seeking program.

Health and Well-Being

• Gannett Health Services
• Immunizations
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Health Promotion
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Confidentiality
• Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Mental Health Concerns
• Sexual Decision-Making

Gannett Health Services
(607) 255-5155 • www.gannett.cornell.edu
Good health is essential for academic success and full enjoyment of college life. Gannett Health Services, fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, offers quality primary-care medical services, counseling and psychological services, physical therapy, and health education in a convenient location on central campus. Gannett staff will work with students to care for illnesses, injuries, and mental health concerns, and help them learn to protect and enhance their health. NOTE: Gannett serves all enrolled students, no matter what health insurance plan they have. Most appointments with a health care provider or counselor are covered by a $10 visit charge. Fees are charged for lab tests, x-rays, prescriptions, routine physicals, and special procedures, and often are covered by students’ health insurance plans.

Gannett primary-care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants), nursing staff, and counselors have skills and experience to serve the health-care needs of members of an academic community like Cornell. Students who have a pre-existing condition or chronic health problem, such as diabetes or asthma, an eating disorder, or depression, will find it helpful to have a summary letter sent from their home physician or counselor. Upon arrival at Cornell, they should schedule an appointment at Gannett; this will give students the opportunity to become acquainted with a health care provider, discuss concerns before a problem develops, and arrange for transfer of all relevant medical information to Gannett.

In addition to primary medical care, Gannett provides counseling and psychological services; allergy shots, immunizations, and travel shots; urgent care; minor surgical care; sports medicine; gynecology and sexual health care; pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology services; physical therapy; massage therapy; and health promotion services. Gannett staff members also assist students who need emergency and specialty medical care by making referrals to community practitioners and private health-care facilities.

During the academic year, Gannett is open for appointments and urgent care during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and for limited hours on Saturdays. Unfortunately, urgent physical and mental health needs do not always arise on schedule! Whenever the health center is closed, students may consult by phone (255-5155) with a Gannett health care provider or counselor who can offer advice and if necessary, arrange transportation to the Convenient Care Center or Cayuga Medical Center Emergency Room. Anyone with a health emergency, any time of day or night, should call 911.

Immunizations
All new students entering Cornell must complete the online Health History Form, and return it to Gannett by the applicable deadline (for more information, see Cornell Bound). The American College Health Association, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Gannett medical staff recommend that all students (especially first-year students) consider getting vaccinated before coming to campus to prevent Hepatitis A and B, varicella, mumps, and meningococcal disease. These vaccines, as well as the influenza vaccine, are available at Gannett by appointment and at fall vaccine clinics at various campus locations.

Health Insurance Coverage • Office of Student Health Insurance
(607) 255-6363 • sicu@cornell.edu • www.studentinsurance.cornell.eduAdequate health insurance coverage helps students get the care they need when they need it and protects families from unexpected health care expenses. Cornell University policy requires that every full-time registered student be automatically enrolled in and billed for Cornell’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Only those students who can demonstrate that they have insurance meeting all of Cornell’s criteria will be approved for waiver of this requirement. To meet Cornell’s criteria, another insurance policy must:

1. Be provided by a company licensed to do business in the United States,
with a U.S. claims payment office and phone number.
2. Provide coverage in the Ithaca area for outpatient and inpatient medical care (coverage for emergency care only does not meet this requirement).
3. Provide coverage in the Ithaca area for outpatient and inpatient mental
health care.
4. Have a maximum benefit of at least $500,000 per year.
5. Remain in force as long as your student is registered at Cornell.
6. Cover pre-existing conditions.

If you decide not to purchase the SHIP for your student, make sure you have coverage that meets Cornell’s criteria. NOTE: Carefully review any plan you have or might consider, to make sure it provides adequate coverage for your student in Ithaca or wherever he or she might travel. Some plans have little or no out-of-area coverage for non-emergencies. Many plans drop students if they take a leave of absence from college or reach a certain age.

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is developed especially for Cornell University students and meets the student health insurance standards set by the American College Health Association. The SHIP is an accident and sickness policy designed to provide:

• Extensive coverage at a reasonable cost for most on- or off-campus medical care.
• Protection against catastrophic expenses.
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Coverage twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, anywhere in the world, from August 17, 2007, to August 16, 2008.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage with an unlimited dollar
amount.
• Optional dental and vision plans.
• Convenient insurance assistance adjacent to the campus, in Collegetown.

Complete details about Cornell’s health insurance criteria, the Student Health Insurance Plan, costs, and the enrollment/waiver process will be mailed to your student in July.

Health Promotion (607) 255-4782 www.gannett.cornell.edu/healthpromotion/default.html
As students assume responsibility for their health care, they also face new social situations and personal dilemmas that can affect their quality of life. Professional staff at Gannett Health Promotion provide health information, support, and training for Cornell students to help them thrive in the midst of these challenges. The mission of Gannett Health Promotion is to work collaboratively with other members of the Cornell community to promote the development of health-enhancing values, attitudes, behaviors, communities, traditions, and environments that support students’ academic experience, quality of life, and citizenship in the community. Health-related education, advocacy programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events, along with confidential individual consultation and referral, are available on a wide range of topics, including stress management, nutrition and problem eating, sexual health, alcohol and other drug use, dating, and relationships.

Gannett staff members encourage families to talk openly with their sons and daughters about health issues before they leave for Cornell and after they get here. Be sure to discuss the pressures created by adjusting to a new environment, establishing new relationships, meeting academic and peer expectations, and navigating a new social scene (which is sometimes complicated by alcohol and other drug use, eating issues, and sexual activity). Doing so may help your student avoid some of the familiar first-year pitfalls. We are confident that your messages, coupled with the resources available at Gannett, will help students make appropriate, informed health decisions that will promote their health and well-being.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
(607) 255-5208 • www.gannett.cornell.edu/CAPS/default.html
Many students away at college for the first time feel the need to talk to someone who is not a part of their everyday life on campus to help sort out thoughts and feelings, increase self-understanding, and work out solutions to troubling situations. Professional therapists at Gannett’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide assessment, crisis intervention, short-term counseling, and psychiatry services. Counseling groups are offered to encourage students to learn from and help others with shared concerns. Groups discuss issues such as interpersonal relationships, bereavement, minority concerns, stress management, alcohol and other drug use, and eating disorders. Students may also take advantage of informal, walk-in consultations, called “Let’s Talk,” offered by CAPS staff at many locations across campus. Your student can schedule an appointment by calling (607) 255-5208. For emergency consultation after hours and on weekends, students can get support and assistance by calling (607) 255-5155.

Confidentiality
Medical care and counseling at Gannett are confidential. Health-care records are kept separate from academic records. Families should understand that Gannett does not release information, not even to families, without the permission of the patient, except on court order, as required by law (as in the case of certain communicable diseases and reports of child abuse), or as required, in our judgment, to protect the patient or others from immediate physical danger.

Alcohol and Other Drugs
You have probably heard a lot about drinking and drug use on college campuses. Fortunately, most Cornell students tend to drink in moderation or not at all, and even fewer use illegal drugs. At the same time, abuse of alcohol and other drugs causes or contributes to significant harm for a number of students and those around them. These problems include alcohol poisoning, poor academic performance, accidents, and sexual assaults.

To assist students in making decisions regarding alcohol, we expect all new students to complete a science-based, online Alcohol Education course. This course can be accessed with any internet-connected computer that has audio capabilities. Students are expected to begin the process during the summer, and to complete it during the fall. Your student received directions regarding this course in the orientation guide.

New York State law and similar laws across the country make it illegal for those under 21 years of age to possess and/or consume alcohol. Despite this, many American high school students come to college with some experience with alcohol. The Alcohol Education course provides information that many current Cornell students say they wish they had known before coming to campus. The information provided in the program will be valuable even for students who do not drink alcohol.

We encourage you to talk with your son or daughter about his or her experiences with the Alcohol Education program as well as your own expectations regarding drinking and drug use. Although you may have had such conversations in the past, it is helpful to have an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time talk. Here are some ideas you may want to consider:

Look for opportunities to start the discussion. TV and newspapers can provide “teachable moments” for beginning the conversation.

Discuss potential alcohol-related decisions. Consider asking questions such as: How will you make decisions about alcohol when you arrive at school? What will you do if your roommate drinks too much? If someone who has been drinking offers you a ride that you need? If you find someone passed out?

Make it clear that it is a violation of New York State law and the Cornell Code of Conduct for anyone under the age of 21 to acquire, purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages or use false identification.

If you choose to discuss your own experiences as a young adult, be sure not to glamorize your drinking or the drinking of others. Such stories may inadvertently “normalize” risky behavior and be interpreted as tacit approval of heavy drinking. Share your family history and highlight members who drink moderately as well as those who may have had problems with alcohol or other drugs. Children from families where there is alcoholism may be at increased risk for developing alcoholism themselves.

Mental Health Concerns
Most parents of college students have seen troublesome headlines about the prevalence of stress, depression, and suicide on college campuses. You may be worried that your student is at risk, or wonder how to talk with him or her about such issues. You may question when the normal “ups and downs” of college adjustment become something more serious, and when they warrant concern or intervention. Rest assured. You are not alone in your concern, and there are staff and faculty at Cornell who can help.

While it’s true many students experience mental health concerns, most times such challenges can be addressed with a little support. Cornell students tend to check in with their families regularly, so you are likely to be one of the first to know if your student is having trouble, and if his/her emotions are interfering with the formation of relationships, academic performance, or engagement in campus activities. In addition to regular check-ins, consider the following steps:

Initiate some pre-planning. Before your student leaves for college, talk about stress that arises during transition times; discuss ways to manage it as it occurs. You might also find it helpful to redefine what a “successful” year looks like (i.e., not just academic achievement, but also learning about and enjoying Cornell).

Encourage your student to reach out. In times of trouble, students typically turn to family and friends, but there are times when getting an outside perspective (i.e., from an RA or professional counselor) can be particularly useful. At Cornell, we consider it is a sign of maturity and strength for a student to recognize when help is needed, and to seek it out. Having family support makes this task much easier. Encourage your student to view our campus community as a resource and to see that early intervention can prevent negative thoughts and feelings from escalating.

Learn more about Cornell’s support services. This Guide is full of information about Cornell services that can benefit your student. The Gannett website, www.gannett.cornell.edu, has an extensive listing of services, including Counseling and Psychological Services. At CAPS, students can discuss issues one-on-one with a professional counselor and/or join formal or informal discussion groups in order to solicit support and assistance getting back on track.

No one wants to think about the difficulties that may arise when a student is just beginning a college career, but addressing mental health issues directly with your student will help him or her reach out if the need arises.

Sexual Decision-Making
College is a time when many students begin to explore their sexuality. We encourage you to talk with your student about responsible sexual decision-making. Once on campus, your student will be able to attend programs and find information related to intimacy, relationships, abstinence, healthy sexual practices, and the risks and pleasures associated with sexual relationships. Encourage them to seek out these educational opportunities.

Your son or daughter’s sexual choices will be influenced by personal feelings and desires, as well as the expectations from their families, culture, spiritual background, and peers. Cornell students report that the following guidelines helped clarify their decisions about whether or not to be sexually active:

• Learn as much as possible about your body and how to keep it healthy.
• Participate in relationships that are respectful, pleasurable, and affirming.
• Understand that sexual exploration includes knowing who you are, who you are attracted to, and what you want from a relationship.
• Seek out staff on campus who can provide information and answer
questions (e.g. Gannett’s Health Promotion and Clinical Counselors, residence hall staff, etc.).

Safety on Campus

Cornell Police
911 (Emergency) • (607) 255-1111 (Non-Emergency)
(607) 255-1113 (TDD)
Email: cu_police-mailbox@cornell.edu
Web site: www.cupolice.cornell.edu
The Cornell Police, located in G-2 Barton Hall, is the law-enforcement agency for the University community, whose primary objective is to enhance safety and security on campus. Authorized to enforce local, state, and federal laws, Cornell Police are on duty twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. Cornell Police personnel are individuals who have shown a particular interest in, and sensitivity to, working in a college environment to promote as safe and secure an environment as possible for all members of the community. All officers must complete the New York State Municipal Police Basic Academy, and many have earned college degrees as well.

The Cornell Police began reporting campus crime to the Uniform Crime Report of the FBI in 1974, and a year later established the Public Safety Advisory Committee to advise and counsel the department about crime and safety issues affecting the campus. Cornell continues to comply with all federally and state-mandated reporting and advisory requirements. Cornell’s crime statistics are available to any interested individuals by contacting the Cornell Police Crime Prevention Unit at (607) 255-7404 or www.cupolice.cornell.edu.

Although numerous departments and offices at Cornell provide students with the information and means to help achieve a safer environment, each individual is responsible for his or her personal safety. Students should lock their rooms or apartments, offices, and labs when they leave; never prop open locked doors; keep valuables in cars out of sight or locked in the trunk; and report to the Cornell Police all crimes and/or suspicious activities on campus. The Cornell Police provide a variety of programs to Cornell students, groups, and organizations. Many of these programs are presented in conjunction with other university departments and offices.

Blue: Lights, Escort Service, and Bus Service
Blue lights throughout the campus mark the sites of direct telephone lines to the Cornell Police for information or emergency help. In addition, the Blue Light Escort Service provides walking escorts for anyone traveling to and from campus buildings and vicinity Sunday - Thursday 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM, Friday and Saturday 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM during the regular academic year, except during official breaks. It is staffed by members of the Cornell Police Student Auxiliary. To arrange an escort, students can call 255-7373 or pick up a Blue Light Phone. The free (with Cornell ID) Blue Light Bus Service operates seven nights a week throughout the year. The buses make stops at various campus locations and fringe areas.

Operation Identification
Cornell Police has a nationally recognized program for engraving valuable property with a personal identification number, traceable throughout the United States and Canada. If the property is stolen and recovered, this number will enable police to return the property to its owner. Anyone in the Cornell community can obtain an identification number from the Cornell Police. Each number is specific only to one person and is valid forever. Electric engravers may be borrowed from the Cornell Police, at no charge, for marking valuable property.

Bicycle and Key Registration
Cornell Police maintains a free key registry available to members of the Cornell community. Those who register receive a key tag that guarantees return postage from anywhere in the United States.

Members of the Cornell community who park their bicycles on campus are required to register the bicycle with the Transportation Office. Registration cards can be obtained at Cornell Police or the Transportation Office.

Office of the Judicial Administrator
(607) 255-4680
The Office of the Judicial Administrator receives and investigates alleged violations of the Campus Code of Conduct. Any Cornell community member who believes that he or she has been victimized by a violation of the Code should contact the Judicial Administrator (or CU Police) to discuss those concerns.

 

Cornell Information Technologies

www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/families

Students can conveniently subscribe to many Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) services, and are always informed of any costs and/or fees, requirements, risks, etc. As with all matters, the IT resources and services offered by CIT can incur negative (or simply unexpected) consequences when not used responsibly or fully informed.

It can be difficult balancing your new college student's need for autonomy with your own need to be informed and at ease with the options your student may encounter, particularly if you will be the one paying the bill for some of these decisions. CIT has provided an online family guide as a resource for you to learn a bit about our services and answer some of your questions.

Student Support and Activities
Academics is just one part of your student’s Cornell experience. Students are encouraged to develop a well-rounded education in and out of the classroom. These are just a sampling of the different outlets students can explore to find their extracurricular niche at Cornell.

The Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 255-6839 • www.dos.cornell.edu • 401 Willard Straight Hall
The Office of the Dean of Students falls under the Division of Student and Academic Services, and Kent L. Hubbell ‘67 is the Robert W. and Elizabeth C. Staley Dean of Students and Professor of Architecture. Dean Hubbell is the primary liaison between students and the university administration and welcomes students’ concerns and suggestions. The Office of the Dean of Students promotes university programs that help students develop a sense of belonging to a supportive educational community.

Cornell United Religious Work (CURW), Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 255-4214 • www.curw.cornell.edu
Comprised of twenty-five affiliated religious communities, CURW offers programs of worship, study, and social life, as well as opportunities for students to engage in interfaith dialogue. Chaplains from the religious communities can be found in Anabel Taylor Hall. Sage Chapel and the Chapel in Anabel Taylor are frequent sites of student, staff, faculty, and alumni events and services, as well as a place for performances of sacred music.

International Students and Scholars Office, Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 255-5243 • www.isso.cornell.edu • B-50 Caldwell Hall
The ISSO staff assists individual international students and foreign academic staff and their families by advising them on federal immigration, tax and labor regulations, and by providing counseling on personal, academic, and cultural matters. In addition, the staff promotes cross-cultural awareness in the Cornell community through educational programming, such as orientation, cultural adjustment, and cross-cultural communication. ISSO serves as an information service for Cornell, Ithaca, and the surrounding communities and promotes the benefits of international educational exchange.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center, Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 254-4987 • www.lgbtrc.cornell.edu • 282 Caldwell Hall
The mission of the Center is to coordinate the efforts of the entire Cornell University community to ensure the inclusion of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and to eliminate heterosexism and gender identity oppression. The Resource Center affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities and lives, and provides education, outreach, programming, program support, consultation, community development, visibility, and advocacy.

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 255-2310 • www.dos.cornell.edu/dos/fsa • greeks@cornell.edu
Fraternity and Sorority Affairs oversees the almost 3000 undergraduate members of more than 45 fraternities and 20 sororities each year. This team of staff act as advisors and advocates for the Greek community, coordinating events reinforcing community expectations, supporting council chapter and individual member needs, and working with the vast number of supportive alumni from our Greek community. Additionally, the staff works diligently with chapters to help them develop positive new member programs. For example, there is a new member series that includes discussions on hazing, substance abuse, and interpersonal relations. Hazing is illegal in the state of New York and is prohibited at Cornell University.

Fraternity and Sorority Membership
You may hear your student talk about rush, recruitment, or membership intake at Cornell, as he or she tries to decide whether to join a fraternity or sorority. For chapters belonging to the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Association (PA), formal membership recruitment (rush) occurs at the beginning of the spring semester for first-year students. Recruitment of upper-class and transfer students happens year round, provided they have completed a semester of college. Multicultural Greek Letter Council organizations (MGLC) accept members individually throughout the academic year.

Office of New Student Programs, Office of the Dean of Students
The Carol Tatkon Center • First-Year Experience
New Student Orientation • First-Year Family Weekend
(607) 253-4282 • newstudentprograms.cornell.edu • 3058 S. Balch Hall
The Office of New Student Programs (NSP) introduces new students and families to Cornell through the August and January New Student Orientations and First-Year Family Weekend. In addition, NSP offers a broad array of programs and services to support and inspire students throughout their first year. NSP is in the Carol Tatkon Center, in South Balch Hall, on North Campus, where it provides many of its offerings. For instance, at the Tatkon Center, students can participate in academic and cultural programs; attend course-review sessions; speak to faculty about potential majors; enjoy monthly art exhibits; sip lattes and smoothies at Carol’s Café; read and chat in the Center’s many beautiful spaces; ask upper-level student staff advice on courses and other subjects; and borrow laptops. Throughout the year, the Center offers programs and events to acknowledge and embrace the many different cultures among Cornell’s student body. You are encouraged to look at the Tatkon Center’s ever-changing calendar of events. During the academic year, the Tatkon Center is open more than 85 hours a week.

Office of Student Support, Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 255-3608 • www.dos.cornell.edu • 527 Willard Straight Hall
This unit helps students to become vital, contributing members of the Cornell community with such programs as diversity education and outreach; peer counseling and training; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender student support; a women’s center; and educational events, speakers, and literature. Student Support hopes to promote personal growth for participants and to help students develop self-confidence and leadership skills that will allow them to understand, support, lead, and cooperate with their peers.

Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service (EARS)
(607) 255-EARS (3227) • www.dos.cornell.edu/ears
Extensively trained EARS peer counselors are available seven days a week during the academic year. Any member of the Cornell community is welcome to call 255-EARS (3277) or to drop in the EARS room (211 Willard Straight Hall) for free, confidential, and anonymous counseling and referrals. Volunteer student counselors can help callers and visitors to explore feelings and options and to find their own solutions. No issue is too big or to small, and no appointment is needed. Professionally supervised by the Office of the Dean of Students, the student-run EARS program also offers three series of weekly workshops in communication and counseling skills every semester. Campus groups may also request individual outreach workshops on such topics as stress management and conflict resolution.

Student Activities Office, Office of the Dean of Students
(607) 255-4169 • www.activities.cornell.edu • 521 Willard Straight Hall
The mission of this unit is “to provide students with opportunities designed to promote individual growth, creativity, and personal connections through experiential learning.” The Student Activities Office coordinates the registration of over 700 student groups annually, provides event registration and event planning assistance, oversees the use of Willard Straight Hall (the student union), which includes a darkroom, ceramic studio, and the Student Publications Organization (StudPubs).

The many posters, chalkings, and other forms of advertising across campus give you an idea of the wealth of diverse activities available to Cornellians. There are more than 700 active student organizations, ranging from the African Latino Asian Native American Student Programming Board (ALANA) to the Republicans of Cornell Coalition; the Whistling Shrimp to the International Folkdancers; La Asociación Latina to Democrats at Cornell; the Cornell Concert Commission to the Uhura Kuumba Dance Ensemble. It is hard to imagine a student interest that is not served through an existing campus organization.

Additional Opportunities

Cornell Outdoor Education (COE)
(607) 255-6183 • www.coe.cornell.edu • B01 Bartels Hall
COE helps students develop teamwork, leadership, and personal growth through adventure and outdoor experiences. With over 100 different programs, serving 10,000 participants a year, COE is the largest, most comprehensive university-based outdoor education program in the country. Your student can take advantage of physical education credit (start dates throughout the semester), teambuilding, leadership training, wilderness medicine classes, gear rental, or student employment opportunities. Financial aid is available.

Cornell Recreational Services
(607) 255-5133 • www.bigred2.athletics.cornell.edu/recservices •
305 Helen Newman Hall
Recreational Services provides a wide array of activities, events, and facilities to promote health, well-being, and enjoyment for both Cornell students and staff. The Department encompasses the Cornell Fitness Centers (CFC), Intramural Sports (IM’s), the Wellness Program, the Bowling Center, and Open Recreation. Nearly 66 percent of all first-year students and over 50 percent of all undergraduate students are members of the CFC, which oversees all fitness sites and group exercise programs on campus. Intramural Sports offers over 30 fun, competitive activities each year for the general student population.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Air Force (607) 255-4004
Army (607) 255-4000
Navy/Marine Corps (607) 255-4202
The Reserve Officers Training Corps is offered at Cornell by the three Military Departments, Army, Navy, and Air Force. ROTC has continuously served Cornell since 1868. The three services confer officer commissions upon graduation and successful completion of ROTC academic classes and laboratories that are offered each semester. Leadership, organization, and management skills are stressed, as are physical fitness and personal responsibility. Scholarships are awarded to selected students based on academics, leadership potential, and physical aptitude.

Cornell Public Service Center
(607) 255-1148 • www.psc.cornell.edu • 200 Barnes Hall
The Public Service Center was founded in 1991 to support, expand, and institutionalize the public service initiatives of students and faculty that connect academic study with practical experiences in our communities. The Center promotes faculty and student engagement in service and social action, using the service-learning approach as our basis. The Center has oversight for the Community Work Study Program, sponsors over 15 student-run programs involved in service, and collaborates with faculty to develop academic connections with the community. To view a complete listing of programs and opportunities we encourage you to visit the Public Service Center’s website at www.psc.cornell.edu or stop by and visit us at 200 Barnes Hall.

Living At Cornell

Living On Campus
Campus Life • (607) 255-5511 • www.campuslife.cornell.edu
Living on campus gives students a chance to live and learn from a community comprised of students from all over the world. Residential staff and faculty members live and work along with students to develop programs, projects, and social activities in the residence halls. First-year students, sophomores, and incoming transfer students are guaranteed university housing.

Full-time professional Residence Hall Directors and student Resident Advisors and Community Assistants work with residents to create the best possible atmosphere for academic achievement and personal development. The professional staff are often able to provide on-the-spot assistance with personal and community concerns, and—if needed—crisis intervention. This support is augmented through referrals to other campus resources. Other benefits of living on campus include:

Faculty in Residence and Faculty Fellow Programs: All undergraduate residence halls have Faculty in Residence and/or Faculty Fellows assigned to them, giving students an opportunity to spend time with faculty members outside of classes.

Community Centers: There are two main Community Centers on North Campus where all students can gather to eat, to meet, or to enjoy programs: Robert Purcell Community Center and Appel Commons. The new Noyes Community Center is now open on West Campus.

Dining and Retail Services: Cornell Dining is considered the best food service in the Ivy League. In addition to daily variety and quality, Dining provides unit specials and the Cross Country Gourmet program, which brings world-renowned restaurant menus to Cornell. Cornell Dining operates 32 food locations including meal-plan dining halls, cash à la carte facilities, and convenience stores.

Housing in the First Year
All first-year students who choose to live on campus are housed on North Campus in either a traditional residence hall or a Program House. We have nine traditional residence halls, including one all female community, and a townhouse community. In addition to the traditional residence halls and townhouses, Cornell has several residential Program Houses that are themed living and learning environments. Each Program House has its own unique focus. For a complete list of these communities, visit http://housing.cornell.edu.

Housing Beyond the First Year
Many families are concerned about housing alternatives and some may receive anxious calls from their sons and daughters about finding housing after the first year. Sophomores are guaranteed university housing as long as they participate in the Housing Lottery and Room Selection process and meet all appropriate deadlines. Housing options for upper-level students include:

Traditional residence halls on West Campus at the base of Libe Slope.

Alice Cook House, Carl Becker House, and Hans Bethe House, which are part of the West Campus House System.

Collegetown, adjacent to the campus, is the site of two of our traditional residence halls.

Program Houses on North Campus and in the Cook House.

Cooperatives (co-ops), which house both undergraduate and graduate students. All co-op residents have house jobs and share residence operation and decision making.

Thirty-nine fraternities and 12 sororities offer opportunities for members to live in their respective chapter facilities.

The Housing Lottery and Room Selection process takes place from January through mid-March. Information will be available to students at the beginning of spring semester. Students who are interested in joining a university cooperative residence or residential program house can apply directly to the house for membership. Decisions are generally made in late February.

Off Campus Housing Office, Office of the Dean of Students
Willard Straight Hall • (607) 254-8718 • www.housing.cornell.edu
If your student chooses to live off campus, the Off Campus Housing Office website (www.housing.cornell.edu) has a list of available off campus housing. The Off Campus Housing Office does not endorse or recommend any of the property owners on the listing website, but there is plenty of high quality housing available in Ithaca. It is important to do your homework and research. Area landlords and property owners participate in an annual Housing Fair, held in late January. Please remember that once you sign an off campus housing lease, it is a binding agreement. Therefore, do not rush into signing a lease early in the fall semester. It is important to encourage your student to look very carefully at all housing options and receive assistance from the Off Campus Housing Office. Although the Office cannot make rental arrangements, negotiate contracts, or litigate on behalf of tenants, the staff is available to review lease agreements and guide you. Students living off campus should be sure to obtain renter’s insurance unless insurance coverage is provided by a parent’s homeowner’s policy.