Graduate School Announcements
December 12
, 2016
Contents
News:
Dean Knuth Visits Washington to Advocate for DACA Status Students

Protections for Dreamers or students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was the top agenda item at a recent meeting between Graduate School Dean Barbara Knuth and Representative Tom Reed (R-NY) in Washington.
Dean Knuth and Rep. Reed discuss DACA student status

Knuth asked Rep. Reed to work in the House of Representatives for legislation similar to the Senate's Bridge Act that aims to  maintain the protections of   DACA for the more  than 740,000  young people who were granted deportation reprieve and work permits under the program. 

Sponsored by  U.S. Senators Graham (R-SC) and Durbin (D-Ill), the Bridge Act would put DACA recipients into a new type of status, "provisional protected presence," and would not be limited to only those who currently have DACA: eligible individuals who have not yet applied could be granted provisional protected presence as well. 

While in Washington, Dean Knuth met with staff for Senator Chuck Schumer (D) to encourage his support for the Bridge Act too.

Graduate School Statement on Funding For DACA Students

Cornell graduate students holding DACA status and receiving funding through the university have expressed concerns about their personal situations and funding should DACA, which includes federal work authorization, be discontinued. All assistantships (TA, RA, GRA, and GA) currently require federal work authorization. 

Effective immediately, all currently-enrolled graduate DACA students will continue to receive funding for the complete length of time they were offered in their admissions letters (assuming satisfactory academic progress). 

If DACA is discontinued and students lose the ability for federal work authorization, instead of being awarded an assistantship, fellowship funding, which does not require federal work authorization, will be provided to these students to honor the funding commitment each student received at time of admission to Cornell.

General Committee Clarifies Grievance Procedure Timing

At its December meeting, the General Committee of the Graduate School approved a revision to the language of Step Four of the "Grievance Procedure for Graduate Students Relating to Graduate Education and Support. The General Committee is the  administrative, legislative, and judicial board of the Graduate School  and includes voting graduate student and faculty members.

The revised language clarifies the final step in the grievance procedure, the timing of the Provost's final determination after receiving the recommendations from the Graduate Grievance Review Board.

When grievances are not resolved to all parties' satisfaction in one of the first three steps of the Procedure, Step Four commences. Step four describes taking a complaint to the Grievance Review Board, including the Board's composition, timing, and hearing process. The Grievance Review Board includes faculty and students appointed with involvement by the GPSA. 

Step four has been invoked only once in two decades; all other grievances have been resolved to all parties' satisfaction in earlier stages of the process.  

Read Grievance Procedure
View General Committee Roster
Graduate School Receives ETS/CGS Innovation Award
 
Dean Knuth and Associate Dean Sara Xayarath Hernandez
Last week, the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) presented Cornell University with this year's ETS/CGS Award for Innovation in Promoting Success in Graduate Education: From Admission through Completion. 

Dr. Barbara Knuth, senior vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, joined by Sara Xayarath Hernandez, associate dean for inclusion and student engagement, accepted the co-sponsored award on Cornell's behalf during the 56th Annual Meeting of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) .


Ask a Dean - Questions and Answers 

Question 1:
Dear Ask A Dean,

I am writing to ask for your support of the annual  Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference, which will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2017 here at Cornell.  EYH is a one day conference that encourages young women in 7th-9th grade to pursue science, math, and engineering through exciting hands-on workshops organized by active science researchers including Cornell students, faculty, and staff. 

Sincerely, 
EYH Fundraiser


Question 2:
Dear Grad School Deans,

I just wanted to say thank you for the "Ask a Dean" feature! I have really enjoyed reading the questions and informative answers in the weekly grad school announcements. More importantly though, while I am sure that the deans have always been available to us grad students, this program makes you all more obviously accessible. 

While I haven't had a question or situation requiring a dean, thanks to the "Ask a Dean" program I certainly feel like I could contact you if the need ever arises. So, thank you for this program and all that you do for grad students!

Best wishes,
Grateful Grad

 
Question 3:
Dear Deans,

I'd like to apply for a Graduate School conference travel grant. Am I eligible if I am on a leave of absence? I have moved out of the country while I write my dissertation, but I want to stay engaged professionally and present my research at a conference this year.

Sincerely, 

International Grad Student


Have a Question about Graduate School?
Ask a Dean 


  • Send your question related to graduate study to [email protected] with Ask a Dean in the subject heading.  
  • One of the Graduate School deans will respond to your question within three working days.  
  • Selected responses will be published anonymously on the Graduate School website and in the Graduate School Announcements. 
Registrar :

Student Health Plan (SHP) Early Termination Option

 

If you're going to be graduating or withdrawing at the end of this semester, studying in absentia for the spring semester, or are currently on leave from your program, you may be eligible for early termination of your Student Health Plan (SHP) coverage (the plan year ends July 31). 


 

The deadline to apply for early termination is January 31. Learn more here.  

 

Planning Your Thesis or Dissertation Defense

 

As we near the end of the semester and the submission deadline for a January 2017 conferral, please be aware you must schedule your defense with the Graduate School at least seven calendar days in advance by filing the proper examination scheduling form. Visit Thesis & Dissertation for detailed information on scheduling and taking your final exam and preparing for graduation.

Graduate School Programs :

Pie (and Soup) with the Deans

  

As we head into colder weather, we are adding soup to the menu for the monthly Pie with the Deans events. Join us on Friday, December 16, in 341 Caldwell Hall between noon and 1:00 for soup and pie; bring your questions related to Graduate School policies and resources as well as any issues related to your Cornell graduate school experience.

  

Pre-register here if you plan to eat soup and pie.

  

If you can't make it the December event, join us in spring for monthly Pie with the Deans!

Participate in the December Recognition Event

 

Saturday, December 17, 2016
Bartels Hall, Newman Arena


 
The university's fourteenth annual Recognition Event and Reception for January 2017 graduates is a special event enjoyed by students and families. There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend and there are no tickets. However, for event planning purposes, students who plan to attend must RSVP.

 

See Recognition Event web page for CAP & GOWN | RSVP | PROCESSION ORDER,and more.


 

Graduate students may also attend additional college events and need to RSVP accordingly.

Dissertation and Thesis Writing Boot Camp

Do you need help jumpstarting your proposal, thesis, or dissertation writing? Do you want to become a more productive writer to meet your goals and deadlines for completing your proposal, thesis, or dissertation?

January 17-20, 2017 Boot Camp and January 18-20, 2017 Boot Camp (download application): Applications will be reviewed and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the workshop is full.


Each Writing Boot Camp includes group meetings, individual coaching and writing support, and at least four hours of writing each day. Participation in Boot Camp requires submitting an application to  [email protected]

Students who are selected to participate will be notified as soon as possible and will receive materials prior to the start of the event. Students who are selected are expected to attend all sessions of the Boot Camp.

Resolve to be a More Productive Writer in 2017!

Do you have writing goals for your thesis or dissertation in the new year? Have you resolved to be a more productive writer in 2017? If so, join our community of writers by subscribing to the Productive Writer listserv to receive emails twice a month with advice and strategies for becoming a more productive writer. 

Join our Productive Writer listserv, a writing community of over 12,000 graduate students, post-docs, and faculty from 297 graduate schools in 18 countries.

In January you will begin receiving messages, every other week, about managing your time for greater writing productivity, reducing distractions, staying motivated, revising and editing, binge writing, communicating with your advisor, dealing with writer's block, and managing procrastination and perfectionistic tendencies.  
Sponsored by the Cornell Graduate School, the Productive Writer is free and open to all, especially graduate students writing papers, proposals, theses, and dissertations. 


We hope you will join us to become a more productive writer in 2017.
Fellowships, Postdocs, and Awards:

Engaged Graduate Student Grants

Application deadline: Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Contact: Office of Engagement Initiatives

  • Provide opportunities for Ph.D. students to conduct research or scholarship that is community engaged or to develop strategies for incorporating community engagement into existing thesis work
  • Grants of up to $15,000

Click here for more information

 

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship 2017-18

Send your application to Associate Dean Jan Allen in the Graduate School (350 Caldwell Hall) by January 9!

 

The Will of Dolores Zohrab Liebmann created a perpetual charitable trust designated as "The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund" for the purpose of funding advanced education and graduate study grants, which must be carried out entirely in the United States of America. The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowships are to be awarded only to candidates who have outstanding undergraduate records, have demonstrated a need for financial assistance, are citizens of the United States of America, are enrolled in accredited colleges and universities in the United States, and have received baccalaureate degrees. Learn more and download application here.

Einaudi Center International Research Travel Grant Program 


 

Applications now open: http://einaudi.cornell.edu/international-research-travel-grants


 

These grants provide travel support for Cornell University graduate students conducting short-term research and/or field work in countries outside the United States. They also provide travel support for professional students engaged in various academic experiences in the international arena.

 

Applicants must be enrolled in an approved PhD or Master's degree program at Cornell University, or be enrolled in one of the professional schools. Groups are not eligible to apply as grants are awarded on an individual basis.  The application deadline is February 15, 2017.  

Grants Program for Digital Collections in Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences and Cornell University Library (CUL) have established a competitive digital collections grants program to support collaborative and creative use of visual resources through the creation of digital content of enduring value to the Cornell community and scholarship at large. The collections created through this grants program will become a part of Cornell University Library's digital library. The program is open to Cornell graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information, including requirements for applying, please visit https://dcaps.library.cornell.edu/grants/as.

Two International Research Travel Grant Opportunities 

Application deadline January 31st, 2017

 
The Frosty Hill Fellowship grant is awarded to faculty members and students collaborating with international agriculture research centers. For more information visit http://ip.cals.cornell.edu/professional-development/frosty-hill-fellowship
 
The CALS AWARE grant supports graduate students conducting international research that fits within the scope of the AWARE mission. For more information visit http://ip.cals.cornell.edu/aware/aware-grant

Please see the attached memo for further application information, or visit the links provided above.

CU-CIRTL:

Online Graduate Courses for Spring 2017

Every semester, CIRTL offers a variety of online graduate courses that leverage the expertise and diversity of faculty from across the Network. Graduate students and postdocs will receive registration priority, followed by faculty and staff. Early registration for Spring 2017 courses open now through December 19. Register here.

 

Spring 2017 Courses include:

Basics of Online Learning and Teaching

Teaching as Research

Developing a Teaching Portfolio

The College Classroom

Diversity in the College Classroom

Research Mentor Training

Service Learning in STEM Classrooms

 

Optional credit is available to Cornell students through a graduate individual study course number. Contact [email protected] to inquire about credit. Learn more

 

Building Mentoring Skills for an Academic Career

Spring 2017 Certificate Program - Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00 pm

 

In this series of lunchtime workshops for graduate students and postdocs, you will develop essential research mentoring skills to provide guidance for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs in academic fields where research is conducted collaboratively. Register here.

 

Spring 2017 Schedule:

February 7, 2017 - What Makes a Good Mentor and Mentee?

February 21, 2017 - Aligning Expectations and Guiding Doable Projects

March 7, 2017 - Creating Inclusive Labs and Research Groups

March 28, 2017 - Handling Tricky Mentoring Situations

April 18, 2017 - Supporting Mentees' Professional Development

 

 

Careers, Internships, and Jobs:

Hourly Grading Position Available SP'17

 

COMM 2310 Writing about Communication

Approximately 5 hours per week

$14/hour - flexible hours

Must have strong writing skills!

Grading rubrics will be provided to ensure consistency

 

If interested, please send your CV/résumé  to Lauren Chambliss at [email protected]

Post- Graduate, Geological and Environmental Systems (GES) Directorate

 

Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), this posting seeks motivated, post-graduates (MS and PhD) interested in researching as part of the GES directorate at NETL who has a strong background in most, but not all of the following elements: high-pressure/low temperature laboratory experiments, geomechanical characterization and analysis, hydrologic or fluid transport models, statistical data analysis, programming (C++, Fortran, Matlab, Python), and basin model development (PetroMod). 

 

For more information, please visit http://www.orau.gov/netl/

Career Events Listing

 

A list of all events may be found at the following link to the Career Services calendar:

http://www.career.cornell.edu/events/calendar.cfm

Wellness:
Need Some Additional Support?

 

It is important to remember the many different mental health services that are here to support our graduate and professional student community.  Remember that it is a sign of intelligence and strength to recognize when you may need help.  A brief summary is provided below.

 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS is a safe place to talk with someone privately about any concern. This may include stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, relationship difficulties, questions about identity, managing an existing mental health condition, or other issues. CAPS staff members provide a safe, confidential atmosphere where, together, we can consider your current situation in the context of your personal history and life experiences. You can come to see yourself, your relationships, and the world in a different way.  Please call CAPS at 607-255-5155 to speak with a staff member directly.  More information

 

Let's Talk Program

Offered through Gannett Health Services, Let's Talk provides free and confidential consultation and support on a variety of issues.  This is available to all students and no appointment necessary.  You just show up to talk with counselors from Gannett Health Services  Counselors hold walk-in hours at sites around campus Monday through Friday.  More information

 

EARS (Empathy, Assistance & Referral Service)

Not sure you need the assistance of a professional therapist but would appreciate having the support of a confidential peer?  EARS is committed to serving the graduate student community with the assistance of trained counselors who are graduate students or professional staff at Cornell.  EARS reserves special hours for graduate students: Sunday 8-10:30 pm, Monday 3-5:30, 8-10:30 pm, and Tuesday 3-5:30 pm.  Special graduate & staff hours over break include Wednesday, 12/7 8:30-10 pm, Saturday, 12/10 8:30-10 pm, and Tuesday, 12/13 8:30-10 pm.  Just call 607-255-EARS or stop by at 213 Willard Straight Hall.   

 

Additional resources can be found - http://caringcommunity.cornell.edu/get-help/

Around Campus:

Access the Library Off Campus Over Break


 

Get connected with Passkey: Need to access the Library from an off-campus computer over winter break (or anytime)? Add Passkey to your internet browser, and you can connect to library databases and journals with a single Cornell login from any computer, anywhere.

Movie and Wine Night: How the Grinch Stole Christmas - December 17
 
Spend chilly winter evenings in a cozy barrel room turned movie theatre at Treleaven's Wine & Movie Nights ($7.50 admission). Round up your friends and family, bring a blanket and sip on delicious wine or beer while enjoying the evening's feature film - the Treleaven staff promises you no previews and all the wine you can drink! 

December 17 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Quiet Study Space in Collegetown

St. Luke Church (right next to CTB) will be open from Saturday December 3 through Wednesday 14, 10am to Midnight (except Sundays - 1pm to Midnight)
  • Wireless available throughout the building
  • There will be FREE coffee and tea
  • Welcome to bring your own food
  • Several small group study rooms available for quiet study  http://www.stlukeithaca.org
Dryden Lecture: True Crime, Forensics, and Investigations in the Criminal Mind
Saturday, December 17 at 7:00 pm

Scott Ochs, Professor of Criminal Justice (TC3) and experienced investigator in NYC will at look at some of the most famous cases documented, the history of forensic science in criminal investigations and the criminal mind through films, books and actual accounts.

Learn more...
Movies at the State Theater

Die Hard
Friday, December 16 at 8:00 pm
$5-6

Polar Express
Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 pm
$5-6

Learn more...
Do you have kudos to share with the Graduate School community?  Submit Kudos here

 


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