Graduate School Announcements
April 18 , 2016
Contents

Graduate School News :
Dean Barb Knuth Cited in New York Times

Dean Barbara A. Knuth
In the recent article in the New York Times, 
"Taking on the Ph.D. Later in Life" , identifies a national trend of adults seeking graduate degrees later in life as part of a second career, a change in industry expectations, or simply a search for meaning in life. 

In the article, Dean Knuth notes that at Cornell, the change is driven by women, with the number of new female doctoral students 36 or older now 44% higher than in 2009. She also states: "The people we see coming back have a variety of reasons, ... It could be a personal interest or for career advancement. But they are very pragmatic and resilient: strong thinkers, willing to ask questions and take a risk in their lives."
 
 
Graduate School Photo Contest
 
Photo: Michael Roman, PhD, Atmospheric Science
What inspires you?  
What motivates you?  
What is unique about how you see the world?

Share photos of your research, your family, your community, or somewhere that your research took you. Send us a photo (or up to 3 photos) of whatever inspires you in your field of study and you could win a cash prize. High resolution cell phone photos are welcome!
  • Grand Prize: $250
  • Runner Up: $150
  • Third Place: $100
Find out more
 
 
Kudos :
Graduate Student Archaeologist Eilis Monahan wins Fulbright Fellowship
Eilis Monahan

Congratulations to Eilis Monahan, a graduate student in classical and near Eastern archaeology, on winning a Fulbright Fellowship. 

In addition to the Fulbright, Eilis has recently received an NSF Dissertation Improvement grant. She is engaged in the digital humanities and public discourse surrounding archaeology, and she maintains the popular @GirlArchaeologist Twitter feed and Facebook page. 
Cornell Postdoc and Graduate Student Solve a Century Old Riddle in Theoretical Physics

"weirdest martensite" 
Physics Professor James Sethna,  postdoctoral physics researcher Danilo Liarte, physics graduate student Matthew Bierbaum and others have released a paper on the unusual microstructure of smectics - liquid crystals whose molecules are arranged in layers and form ellipses and hyperbolas - and their similarity to martensites, a crystalline structure of steel.

Using the latest computer game technology, a Cornell-led team of physicists has come up with a "suitably beautiful" explanation to a puzzle that has baffled researchers in the materials and theoretical physics communities for a century.Their research was published in the April 8 Physical Review of Letters .
 
Congratulations to P.E.O. Scholar Jessica Lamb

Jessica Lamb 
Jessica Lamb  was one of 90 doctoral students in the United States and Canada selected to receive a $15,000 P.E.O. Scholar Award from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was sponsored by Chapter AT of Fargo, N.D. 

P.E.O Scholar Awards are competitive merit-based awards for women of the US. and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. Scholar Awards recipients are a select group of women chosen for their high level of academic achievement and their potential for having a positive impact on society. 

Gaurav Toor represents Cornell at Clinton Conference
 
Toor (far right) with CGI
Ten students from Cornell participated in the  Clinton Global Initiative University  (CGI U) annual meeting, April 1-3, at the University of California, Berkeley. The Clinton Global Initiative brings together students, topic experts and celebrities to discuss and develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges in education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation, and public health.

Graduate student Gaurav Toor (Government) brought to the conference an initiative to make Kenyan orphanages self-sufficient. In addition to project development advice, the Cornell delegates received funds to attend the conference. They also have the opportunity to compete for additional funding to support their social justice projects.


 
Doctoral Candidate Ted Lawrence Works With Maya Leaders on Forest Management
Ted Lawrence

Cornell researchers are teaming up with Maya leaders to tap traditional ecological knowledge for a contemporary challenge: managing community forests in Mexico for conservation now and livelihoods - including bee-keeping and ecotourism - far into the future. Their new approach to conservation will help traditional forest communities flourish, along with native species and natural resources critical to Maya life.

CALS researchers  Stephen Morreale Richard Stedman  and doctoral candidate Ted Lawrence joined with indigenous Maya communities in Yucatán, Mexico, to map out a comprehensive conservation plan.

Read more... 
Research Travel Grant Recipient Elizabeth Murnane Spends Semester in Washington
Elizabeth Murnane

 The award enabled Elizabeth to spend a semester at the University of Washington (UW) with Professor Julie Kientz conducting research to develop personalized tools that deliver both passive visualizations as well as more actionable behavioral feedback - overall in order to support idiosyncratic biological rhythms of performance and sleep.

Elizabeth's work at UW contributed to her larger research objective of developing personalized systems that are capable of mining, modeling, and adapting to more personally-meaningful and contextually-relevant characteristics - a goal she explores by building novel mediums for manual data capture, developing lightweight algorithms for automated sensing, and designing technologies that supply tailored feedback and intervention.

From the Registrar :
Summer Registration
 
Registration for the Summer 2016 term is required if you are
  • receiving financial aid during the summer (fellowships, summer loans, assistantships, travel grants, or tuition awards);
  • wish to use campus facilities; or
  • are off campus but need to be registered for summer study. 
To register, simply enroll in the Graduate School's Graduate Summer Research course GRAD 9016 (class numbers 1054, 1444, 1445 or 1446) through Student Center. There is no charge for summer registration.
 
We encourage students to enroll now. Students who are not registered for the summer term by June 3, 2016 will be subject to FICA tax (OASDI and Medicare) withholding from Assistantship Payroll Appointments.

Planning your Thesis or Dissertation Defense
 
As we near the end of the semester and the submission deadline for a May 2016 conferral, please be aware you must schedule your exam with the Graduate School at least seven calendar days in advance by filing the proper examination scheduling form.
 
Please view the Thesis and Dissertation web site for submission guidelines and deadlines.

Dates and Deadlines:
April
  • April 19: Selecting Employee Benefits
  • April 20: Lab Crawl
  • April 22: Olin Lecture with Akhil Reed Amar
  • April 26: Take an Active Break (Perspectives Series)
  • April 26: Deadline to sign up for Career Focus Group
  • April 28: Schwarzman Scholarship Session
  • April 29: CTE Graduate Teaching Fellowship deadline

May

  • May 3: Graduate Student/Postdoc Photo Contest Deadline
  • May 12,13: Student Parent Study Nights

 

Graduate School Programs :
Olin Lecture 2016 - Akhil Reed Amar
 

When: Friday, April 22, 2015 
Time: 7:30 p.m. 
Where:  Alice Statler Auditorium
 
A limited number of free tickets are available:
  • Graduate School Deans' Office (350 Caldwell Hall)
  • Buffalo Street Books
  • Willard Straight Hall
Professor Amar is one of the country's leading experts on constitutional law, interpretation and history and has been cited in numerous Supreme Court decisions. 
 
When not in the classroom or writing books, Amar is a television consultant. He helped with The West Wing television series, with the character Josh Lyman even referring to him by name in one episode. His work also has been showcased on more recent TV shows such as The Colbert Report, Charlie Rose, Up! With Chris Hayes and The MHP Show.
 
Akhil
Reed Amar will visit Cornell Graduate School as part of the 2016 Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Lecture Series.
Spring 2016 Lab Crawl
 
Wednesday, April 20 4:00pm
Meet at the Big Red Barn

Meet at the Big Red Barn to start our Spring Lab Crawl. We will visit labs on campus to learn from graduate students about cutting edge research and effectively communicating science. After our lab visits we will return to the BRB (about 5:00) for fancy food and beverages. Each Lab Crawl is limited to a maximum of 8 graduate students. Email now ([email protected]) to reserve your spot and get more details.

Time Out Program - Last One of the Academic Year 
  • Thursday, April 21
  • 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Cornell Child Care Center
  • Please RSVP
 Are you a student parent?  If so, considering participating in an upcoming Time Out Program...  This is a meeting designed for student parents to build community and to share information and strategies for success, during which dinner and childcare are provided.  Parents enjoy dinner with fellow parents and spouses/partners followed by a facilitated discussion on a topic of importance to your role as a parent.  Dinner, childcare, and age-appropriate activities will be provided by the Cornell Child Care Center for children from infants to age 12.
 
More information - www.studentswithfamilies.cornell.edu or Facebook -www.facebook.com/CUstudentswithfamilies  

Student Parent Study Night 
 
Need some additional time to study for an exam, complete a paper, or finish grading, but are unsure what to do with your child(ren)?  New in Spring 2016 is our Student Parent Study Night.  Just sign-up for free childcare with Cornell Child Care Center during Cornell's Study Period to allow you uninterrupted time to focus on your academics.  Hurry as space is limited and you must sign up to participate.  Dates and time, along with RSVP is found:
 
·         Thursday, May 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM (register by May 10)
·         Friday, May 13 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM (register by May 11)

Empowering Women in Science & Engineering (EWISE) Symposium 

 May 25, 2016

Diversity Programs in Engineering, the Office of Faculty Development & Diversity, and the Graduate School Office of Inclusion & Student Engagement announce the 4th Empowering Women in Science & Engineering (EWISE) Symposium, which will take place on May 25, 2016 at Cornell University.

This one-day event is a professional development opportunity for faculty, staff, postdocs, PhD students, and professionals that will provide participants with the chance to network and establish relationships with women and champions of women across the STEM disciplines. This conference is sponsored by a grant from the President's Council of Cornell Women and the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Keynote and Session Topics Include:
·        Progress and Remaining Challenges for Women in STEM
·        Building a Foundation of Mentors
·        Speak out. Stand Out - an interactive workshop on self-presentation
·        Negotiating Professional Advancement & Personal Commitments

Register here 
BEST (Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training) Events
 
For many events, the BEST Program offers special discounts, travel reimbursements and other perks to attend if you are part of the BEST Program. Here's how to get involved in BEST if you are a PhD or postdoc in any STEM discipline considering a career beyond academia.

The *starred events* are free and open to the public. Contact Susi Varvayanis if you have any questions.

 * April 20: BEST Careers in Science Policy discussion in Ithaca 226 Weill Hall 10am-noon* Whether this is your ultimate career objective, want to somehow be involved in making science policy, or simply want to learn what the world of science policy looks and feels like, come join in the discussion!

May 6: 9th Annual NIH Career Symposium in Bethesda, MD to learn about the diversity of career choices available to biomedical PhD researchers

 * May 17: 3rd Annual BEST Symposium in Ithaca 226 Weill Hall 8am-2pm* to hear from practitioners in Science Communication; Industry, Entrepreneurship and Management; Science Policy; and Governance, Risk and Compliance about their careers and advice for PhDs and postdocs. A Keynote talk by Rush Holt rounds out the half-day event.

May 19: 8th Annual Biotechnology Symposium in Syracuse to network with industry professionals in all areas of biotechnology from biomaterials, biofuels, health, food, forest and the environment.

May 24: BEST Day in Albany to meet professionals at the heart of environmental and public health policymaking at the state level. A small group of 10 BESTies will meet with lawmakers and New York State's environmental protection and regulatory agency executives.
GPWomeN End of the Year Party 
 

When: April 28th, 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: Big Red Barn

 

Everyone is welcome to join GPWomeN for an end-of-the-year party! The event will have food and drinks. We will be hosting Women's Trivia, as well as, holding elections for our board for the coming year. To be on the board no prior GPWomeN experience is necessary. This will be a fun event to relax at the end of the semester and network with others on campus. Please RSVP 

Office Hours with Assistant Dean Janna Lamey
 
As a reminder, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life Janna Lamey has regular office hours for students.  Stop by to say hello or to chat about additional academic support, assistance in navigating your educational program, referrals to campus services, supporting your personal development or just an ear to listen when you feel stressed!
 
Office hours are scheduled on Tuesdays 10:00 - 12:00, Fridays 12:00 - 3:00, and other times by appointment in 350D Caldwell Hall.  To make sure that a connection is made, please contact her directly at [email protected].
Perspectives Series:
Thinking of Spring? Enjoy and Take an Active Break

 
Where: Big Red Barn
When: Tuesday, April 26, 12:30 - 1:30PM

Exercise can improve the ability to learn and remember, along with being a proven method to decrease stress levels.  We will join together to network, walk around scenic Beebe Lake, and end with continued conversation over lunch.  Wear walking shoes and dress for rain or shine.  Presenter:  Janna Lamey, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life. 

RSVP by April 22

CA$H COUR$E for Spring 2016 

Personal Finance Information for Graduate and Professional Students!

 

Selecting Employee Benefits

Tuesday, April 19  |  12:15 pm - 1:30 pm (lunch available at 12:15 pm)  |  G01 Biotech  |  Please RSVP

As you prepare for employment beyond graduation, learning about employee benefits now will help you to make the "right" personal financial decisions.  In this session, you will learn about employer-sponsored health insurance plans, retirement plans, and other options that may be available to you.  Using Cornell University as an example, the presenters will provide an understanding of the different options employees have and how employee benefits work.   Presenters:  Mary D'Ambrosio Zielinski and Donna Bugliari, both from the Cornell Office of Human Resources, Benefit Services

Teaching and Future Faculty:
 
Upcoming Opportunities for:
G raduate Students, Future Educators, and Teaching Assistants
 
Open to all eligible graduate students at Cornell, this competitive one-year fellowship is a wonderful opportunity to:
  • Enhance teaching, leadership and mentoring skills
  • Explore the art of teaching through coursework and mentorship
  • Build your CV and skills for the job market
  • Applications now due: April 29, 2016    
Careers and Internships:
Participate in a Grad Student Focus Group on Non-Academic Careers
 
Have you been thinking about pursuing a career outside of academia? How familiar are you with the career resources at Cornell?  Whether you're in the first year or final year of your PhD program, your input is needed!
 
You are invited to join your fellow PhD students in a small focus group to discuss how Cornell can most effectively disseminate non-academic career resources to meet your needs.  This is a one-time commitment that will only take one hour of your time.  The results of this discussion will inform the Graduate and Professional Community Initiative's Career Working Group's efforts to make career-oriented resources and programs more accessible to the graduate and professional student community.
 
Sign up here by April 26.  
 
PhD students from all disciplines are encouraged to participate.  Light snacks will be provided during the focus group discussion.
 
Questions?  Contact the co-chairs of the Graduate and Professional Community Initiative's Career Working Group:
·      Anne Poduska, Graduate & International Student Career Advisor, Cornell Career Services
·      Kimberlee Swartz, Associate Director, Engineering Cooperative Education & Career Services

P&G Focusing on Industrial Recruitment of Scientific Talent (FIRST) Conference

 Applications Due: June 30
 
From September 18-21, participants in this conference will travel to Cincinnati-based technical centers to view industrial careers in action, network with a group of successful minority scientists and other professionals whose leadership in science and technology is well established, and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of cultural and workforce diversities.
 
The FIRST Conference is primarily intended for African American, Hispanic, and Native American doctoral and postdoctoral scientists from STEM disciplines who want to learn more about industrial research careers. Scientists in those affinity groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Other qualified candidates, including foreign nationals, also will be considered for participation.  Applicants must have a doctoral degree or expect to receive one within 9-24 months of the conference date.
 
Submit your application here.  Travel expenses and hotel accommodation costs will be paid by P&G.  

Work Part Time Summer or Fall with the Big Red Barn

For Summer: Staff to work Tell Grads it's Friday (TGIF) this summer!  4:00-8:00pm on Friday night!  Continuation in the fall given priority!

For Fall:  Staff positions to work shifts throughout the week $10/hour
 - as little as 2.5 or as many as 12 hours/week!  get away from your lab and work and...
  • meet people - peers, post docs, faculty/staff
  • control the stereo;
  • run the register;
  • pour beer;
  • make popcorn, and more!  
No experience is necessary.    
You must be a graduate/professional student to apply.
 
Assistant Manager for Operations:   
Work with the Director of the BRB;  prepare daily register banks;  train staff; place orders weekly; manage TGIf on a monthly basis, etc.  $12/hour
 
Several BRB Fellow Positions are in Programming  
BRB Fellows  plan, coordinate, market and implement a minimum of one program per month in the Big Red Barn in one of the following Areas:
  • Cultural
  • Family
  • Financial Literacy
Fellows will be paid $1,800/year for an average of 6 hours of work per week while classes are in session. Email [email protected] for more information.
Seeking Applicants for House Director

Cornell sorority is seeking applicants for the position of House Director. The House Director works with the alumnae house corporation board in maintaining a safe and secure home for  women who live in the sorority house.  The House Director is responsible for maintaining open lines of communication between the sorority's staff and the women living in the house.
 
Many aspects of the job are similar to that of a Residential Advisor. The House Director is responsible for fostering and maintaining a living and learning environment which positively contributes to the health, happiness and personal development of chapter members.  Compensation includes a private suite in the sorority house, all meals with the women in the house, and a stipend.  Email a cover letter and resume to: Donna Barsotti at [email protected]
Work at Reunion 2016

Reunion 2016 is June 9-12 and we need workers to fill several Reunion positions. We are looking for candidates to fill the following roles:
 
·         Van Drivers
·         Kids Club Counselors
·         Luggage Handlers
·         Set-up Workers
 
Access position information and applications
 
Candidates do not need to be part of the Cornell community. We encourage you to spread the word to friends, family, and community members you know may have interest. These positions are fun, interactive, and are complete in only a few short days!
How to Pursue a Career on Wall Street

Perspectives from AB Bernstein, Presented by John McDonald BSILR '91, Senior Analyst-Large-Cap Banks, AB Bernstein

When: Wednesday, April 20, 4:45 p.m
Where: 105 Ives

John McDonald is a sell-side equity research analyst covering large-cap banks at AB Bernstein, where he has consistently been ranked among the top U.S. bank analysts in the Institutional Investor and Greenwich surveys. Prior to joining Bernstein in 2008, McDonald spent four years as a senior research analyst at Bank of America and six years at UBS, where he covered bank and credit card stocks. McDonald began his career as a regulatory attorney with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BS in Industrial & Labor Relations from Cornell University
Fellowships, Postdocs and Awards:
Application for Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowships Now Open
 
The Fulbright-Hays DDRA award provides funding to the university to support individual doctoral students who conduct research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies.   The application for the October 2016 - March 2018 Fulbright-Hays DDRA fellowship is available at www.g5.gov.  

Prospective applicants are required to contact the Einaudi Center at [email protected]  to indicate their intention to apply.   Applicants must apply through Cornell and meet the university's submission deadline of April 20, 2016.]

For more information, visit the Einaudi Center website at  http://www.einaudi.cornell.edu/fulbright-hays-doctoral-dissertation-research-abroad-fellowships     
 
 Visit the Einaudi Center website  http://www.einaudi.cornell.edu/fulbright-us-student-program for further details about the program.
 
Scholarship Information Sessions

SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Thursday, April 28, 5:00 p.m., Kaufmann Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall

Speaker:  Robert Garris, Global Director of Admissions

Learn more about the Schwarzman Scholarship, which provides one year of master's degree study at Tsinhua University in Beijing in one of three fields:  public policy, international studies, or economics and business.  Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1, 2017.  Citizens of all countries are eligible.  More info at:  http://schwarzmanscholars.org/program/


Wellness:
What's Normal Eating? 

Tuesday, April 19th 7:30-8:30pm
Willard Straight International Lounge

What are "typical" thoughts? How do I know if I am eating "normally"? Beth McKinney, Registered Dietician with the Cornell University Wellness Program will share characteristics of healthy eaters. Beth will discuss the Total Diet Approach and provide tips on how to make small behavior changes that can help you reach your nutrition goals. Free and open to everyone in the Cornell community.

Let's Meditate Program 

Mondays from 4 - 4:30 and Fridays from 3 - 3:30
Big Red Barn
 
Cultivating a practice of mindfulness is a smart investment in your career, your health, and your overall happiness. Individuals who meditate seem to feel better, do better, and find that the practice sustains them in their personal and professional lives. The weekly Guided Meditation Series offers an opportunity for all members of the Cornell community to practice a relaxing and restorative technique supported by scientific research.

Everyone is welcome: Open to all members of the Cornell community, including students, faculty, and staff of all ages, genders, sizes, shapes, and abilities.

Come as you are (dress comfortably)
Participation is FREE (come to as many as you wish)
EARS Expands with Special Hours for Graduate Students

Stressed about degree completion?  Trouble surrounding your dissertation? Communication challenges with your advisor/partner/family?  Worried about the job market in your future?  Need to know how to find balance and take care of yourself?

EARS (Empathy, Assistance & Referral Services) has expanded to serve graduate students with special new hours. 

Mondays 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Tuesdays, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm, and Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Call 607-255-EARS (3277) or stop by at 213 Willard Straight Hall

From Cornell Minds Matter

 

Free YOGA!!!!

Mondays and Thursdays  |  5-6:15 PM  |  Willard Straight Garden Room  (go down the stairs across from the International Lounge)

 

Creative Arts for Health and Well-Being!

All Wednesdays  7 - 8:00 PM  |  Slope Studio, 2nd Floor Willard Straight Hall (go down the steps across from the International Lounge)

 

Free ZUMBA - All Wednesdays 5 - 6 PM   5th Floor Lounge, Willard Straight Hall

From Cornell Minds Matter
 

Around Campus:
Campus Wide Breaking Bread Dinner

When: April 20, 6 - 8pm
Where: G10 Biotech

In the spirit, of diversity, inclusion and dialogue, The "Breaking Bread" initiative invites you to a community-wide dinner to discuss the political landscape, and its impact on race and climate at Cornell.  Using recent college campus and global events as a backdrop for this conversation, we invite you to join students from the Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) who will lead table conversations with other students, faculty and academic staff.

The Campus-Wide Breaking Bread Dinner is an initiative to bring together senior administrators, students, faculty and staff for facilitated conversations about timely and meaningful topics. The critical dialogue taking place at these dinners is skillfully facilitated by students involved with the Intergroup Dialogue Project. These talented students facilitate meaningful conversations that help Cornell community members work across differences and address issues of concern.

Funded by the Office of the Provost, the event is hosted by the Center for Intercultural Dialogue (6-2-6), the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI), The Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement (OISE), and the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity, which are directed by the University Diversity Officers.

Seating is limited to 90 with a priority given to students. Please submit your RSVP as soon as possible to confirm your participation in this event. 

Kids Science Day, April 30

Kids' Science Day will be Saturday, April 30 from 1:30-4:30 at the Big Red Barn. There will be exhibits and experiments to explore, on topics from astronomy to zoology.  This popular annual event is free and open to the public. 



Climate Change Seminar - Communicating Climate Change

With Katherine McComas
When: Monday, April 25 - 3:35
Where: 233 Plant Science

 
Seminar led by Katherine McComas, Department of Communication: much has been made about the politicization of climate change and the partisan divide in light of scientific evidence. This talk will review some of the seminal findings in communication research that examines public opinion about climate change and some of the explanations for the persistence of a partisan divide. In doing so, it will explore why, in the face of copious amounts of scientific evidence, people still choose to deny its existence and refute any policy action. It will also provide examples of some recent research that examines how even the subtle cues of labeling in climate change communication can influence people's support for policy.

Learn more... 

Slamming Stigma: Beyond Skin Deep 

April 21st, 8-10pm
Bear's Den

The Intergroup Dialogue Project presents: Slamming Stigma: Beyond Skin Deep
Join us on April 21st from 8-10 PM at the Bear's Den for our slam poetry event focused on the intersection of race and socioeconomic status, offering a safe space for members of the Ithaca community to share their experiences and talent. We invite you to share a poem, spoken word, testimonial, or simply come and learn more about social identities.

PLEASE SIGN UP to perform by Monday, April 18

Here is the link to the facebook event:

Need Some Help? Consider Let's Talk 
 
Do you have a concern, problem, or issue that you would like some insight from a trained professional that is free, confidential, and you do not need to make an appointment?  Consider the Let's Talk program as counselors can help provide insight, solutions, and information about other resources.  Counselors hold walk-in hours at sites around campus Monday through Friday; times and locations occasionally change throughout the semester.   More information, hours and locations.
Language Offerings Continue to Expand via Shared Course Initiative 
  
Cornell's language courses are continuing to expand with an ongoing agreement among Cornell, Yale and Columbia to share instruction in less commonly taught languages.  This partnership uses videoconference technology that enables Cornell students to take languages that are not offered locally at Cornell.  These for-credit courses are taught live via videoconferencing by an instructor at the sending institution, while students at the receiving institution attend a regular class in a classroom outfitted with the same videoconferencing technology.
 
Languages in this program include Dutch, Romanian, Hungarian, Tamil, Punjabi, Modern Greek, Classical Tibetan, Ukrainian, Wolof, and isiZulu.  Cornell students can sign up for any of these courses through regular student center registration.  The courses are offered at the Language Resource Center, in specially equipped rooms.  The teacher and the other classmates appear on a large live screen.
 
In the future, if there is sufficient interest and continued support, it may be possible to offer Czech, Finnish, Pulaar, Swedish, and Modern Tibetan through the Shared Course Initiative.
 
If you have questions or are interested in studying any of these languages, please feel free to contact Dick Feldman, Director of the Language Resource Center, at [email protected], or Lisa Sansoucy, SCI Coordinator at [email protected].
Library Chats in the Stacks

The Holy Earth by Liberty Hyde Bailey
Panel discussion on the newly released 100th anniversary edition
Scott Peters, Jim Tantillo and John Linstrom
Tuesday, April 19 at 4:00 pm
Mann Library, Stern Seminar Room 160
 
Protecting and sharing our environment for future generations is a global challenge we face today, and to celebrate Earth Day, April 22nd, Mann Library is hosting a panel discussion highlighting the newly released 100th anniversary edition of The Holy Earth by Liberty Hyde Bailey (published by Counterpoint, December 2015). Join us for a panel discussion with Scott Peters, Department of Development Sociology; Jim Tantillo, Department of Natural Resources; and John Linstrom, editor of the anniversary edition of The Holy Earth, and former curator and director of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum.

The Ethical Dimension of the 'Decameron'
Book talk by Marilyn Migiel
Wednesday, April 20 at 4:30 pm
Olin Library, Room 107
 
Giovanni Boccaccio's masterpiece The Decameron challenges the reader to look beyond the surface and offers us an opportunity to talk about the ethical choices we make. The dialogue is born of stories--the one hundred stories told by the ten Florentines who escape the Black Death of 1348. By examining this dialogue we gain insights into our own values, our biases, and our decision-making processes.  Marilyn Migiel is professor and chair of the Department of Romance Studies at Cornell University.
 
Refreshments served and books available for purchase. This event is sponsored by Olin Library. For more information, visit https://www.library.cornell.edu/booktalks/.
 
Be in an Educational Video

The Cornell Interactive Theater Ensemble and the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives are creating a new educational video for use by undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Cornell and beyond. The video will be available online and promoted via social media starting in the next academic year (2016-2017). It will also be shown widely to student leaders through various trainings and educational workshops.  

WE NEED YOUR HELP:
We are in the process of calling for extras and featured extras to be in our film.  We are looking for both undergraduates and grad/professional students of all backgrounds and identities who represent Cornell's diverse community.
 
WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED/INVOVLED?
We will be filming April 25-29 with most extras only needed for a half day during this period.
 
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED:
If you are interested in being considered for an extra or featured extra role, please email Leah Berkenwald at [email protected].

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