Graduate School Announcements
June 12, 
2017
Contents
News:
Inaugural Conference Highlights Innovations in Teaching

At the inaugural Teaching as Research National Conference on June 6, scholars from across the country discussed how classroom research findings can be used to improve teaching techniques and learning outcomes.

One Cornell presenter, Allison Truhlar, PhD '17, spent a year as a teaching assistant observing students' participation in unstructured online discussions and measuring how this participation affected their engagement with course content. She found that changing to a more directed, question-and-answer format better served the students-a discovery that will directly influence how she designs her courses in the future.

Read more...
View Flickr slideshow...

Executive Orders Update: 

A second federal appeals court on Monday ruled against President Trump's revised travel ban. The decision, from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco, was the latest in a string of court rulings rejecting the administration's efforts to limit travel from several predominantly Muslim countries.


Cornell University and Ivy Plus institutions filed an amicus brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit arguing against the March 6 revised executive order restricting entry into the United States by people from six Muslim-majority nations. 

Complete resources and information on executive orders from Global Cornell...
Workshop to Bolster Minority Computer Science Ph.D.s
Fewer than 3 percent of computer science Ph.D. degrees in 2013 went to African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. Why aren't more of these underrepresented minority groups choosing to obtain higher-level degrees and pursue careers in academia?

Hakim Weatherspoon, associate professor of computer science, is working to counteract these issues with a workshop aimed at minority college students. Weatherspoon, in collaboration with Howard University's computer science chair Legand Burge, has developed a SoNIC (software-defined network interface) Summer Research Workshop to increase exposure and enhanced research capabilities for minority students.

Read more...
Symposium Organized by Graduate Students and Postdocs to Showcase Geneva Station Work 

Fascinating science is being done at the  New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES), and student researchers are eager to share their work.
Organized by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, the second annual Research Symposium will provide an overview of research being conducted across departments, sections and groups on the Geneva campus.

The symposium - June 23 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Jordan Hall - aims to launch student-driven interdisciplinary collaboration among NYSAES scientists, according to Larissa Osterbaan and Adrienne Gorny, student coordinators for the event organized by the Student Association of the Geneva Experiment Station.


Ask a Dean 

Email us your question, and a dean will answer within three business days. Some responses will be made anonymous and published. 


View the complete Ask a Dean archive with most recent questions on top. 
Registrar :
In Absentia Fall 2017

 

Submit In Absentia Request Now if You'll be Away for Fall 2017
 
If you plan to be engaged in full-time study at least 100 miles from campus during the fall semester you may apply for in absentia status. Please review the In Absentia form for general Information, requirements and checklist items.  Requests received after June 15th are subject to finance charges and additional fees.


Study and Take Courses at Participating Research Universities 

Cornell doctoral candidates have the opportunity to conduct research or take courses at a number of top universities as part of the Exchange Scholar Program. You may elect for one or two semesters in residence at any one of the participating universities (Berkeley, Brown, Chicago, Columbia, Harvard, M.I.T., Princeton, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, or Yale).

 

Applications must be submitted to the Graduate School a minimum of two months before your intended period of study. For more information on this program, contact the Graduate School Student Services Office in Caldwell Hall at 255.5820.

 

Graduate School Programs :

Seeking New Members - Students with Families Advisory Committee 


 

We are looking for one (or two) spouses/partners of our student community to serve on our Students with Families Advisory Committee.  This is a campus-wide committee charged to institutional resources, programming, and advocacy for expectant students, student-parents and spouses and partners of our students.  


 

The GPSA Graduate and Professional Community Initiative serves as the foundation for much of our work.  If interested, contact Janna Lamey, Students with Families Advisory Committee Chair at janna.lamey@cornell.edu  

Assessment Support Specialist - Part-time Position
 
If you are interested in the study and improvement of higher education, or would like to learn about working on the administrative side of higher education, this job may be for you.
 
This position is 20 hours per week thru August 18, 2017.  It is based on the Ithaca campus, although there may be the possibility for work to be done remotely, if desired. Compensation is based on qualifications.
 
Main responsibilities of the position:
  • Read and catalog biennial assessment reports submitted to the Graduate School in mid-June by 40+ graduate fields; track reminder emails sent to DGSs as needed.
  • Extract examples of educational methods and tools described in the reports; write clear and concise summaries of exemplary educational practices to share with all graduate field faculty.
  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Assessment to locate or develop educational materials and examples to support program-level assessment in Cornell's graduate fields.  
Required:
  • Prior related experience (e.g., studying or working in education or the social sciences).
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • The ability to effectively summarize others' ideas in writing.
  • Conscientious attention to detail and organization. 
Preferred:
  • Experience with the use and measurement of student learning outcomes.
  • Familiarity with educational research, program evaluation, or program-level assessment in education.
 
To Apply: 
By June 21, email resume and a cover letter describing your fit for the position to Anne Laughlin, Director of Assessment in the Graduate School, Cornell University (AML393@cornell.edu).  Please send attachments in PDF format.
 

Fellowships, Postdocs, and Awards:

Fellowship Writing Tips


 

Want to submit a competitive fellowship application in 2017-18? Wondering if you are eligible or competitive for awards, or where to apply for external funding? This summer we'll offer 20 Tips for Fellowship Writing in Graduate School Announcements each Monday.

 

First up, where can you find fellowships for which you are eligible?

  • Talk to advanced peers in your field. Where did they apply for external fellowship funding? Ask for their advice; ask if they will share a copy of their fellowship application (even if it was not successful). Some competitions, such as the National Science Foundation, provide feedback on all applications. 
  • Read examples of fellowship applications. The Graduate School collects examples of fellowship application from Cornell graduate students willing to share. Come to 350 Caldwell Hall to view (or submit your application to jan.allen@cornell.edu for others to read. We don't distribute paper copies  or post these electronically. We collect these in notebooks and students come to the Graduate School to view.) Some graduate fields also have past fellowship applications for you to read.
  • Find out who funds research. As you read journal articles in your field, check the acknowledgements footnote to determine who funded the research. Many of these agencies and foundations also have graduate fellowship competitions.
  • Search the database. Use the Graduate School's searchable fellowship database, where you can search by category (discipline, degree, citizenship status) and keywords related to your field and research.

 

 

George Mitchell Scholarship 

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship supports one year of graduate study in any field at one of the eight institutions of higher learning in the Republic of Ireland.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens under the age of 30 with a record of intellectual distinction, leadership, extracurricular activity, and service to others.  Cornell endorsement is required.  Campus application deadline:  August 15, 2017.  Campus Contact:  BTF1@cornell.edu

More information on the Mitchell Scholarship is available at the Foundation's Web site.

Luce Scholarship

The Luce Scholarship program provides a stipend and an individually arranged job for one year to increase awareness of Asia among future leaders in American society.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens under 30 years of age and have demonstrated leadership in a chosen field.  

Applicants may NOT have a professed career interest in Asian affairs or have had significant exposure to Asia.  Otherwise all fields are welcome, including fine arts, environmental studies, public policy, engineering, architecture, veterinary medicine, agriculture, law, non-profit management, international relations, et al.

Cornell endorsement is required.  Campus Application Deadline:  October 5, 2017.  Campus contact:  BTF1@cornell.edu
Detailed information on the Luce is available at the Foundation's Web site.


Productivity Boosts from Graduate Student Life:
    

Mindful Meditation...  What is this all about?

 

Meditation is the practice of training your mind to focus on one thing at a time, and to be fully present in the moment.  Meditation benefits are widely documented to foster increased well-being - mentally, physically, cognitively, and emotionally.  Meditating may help you to improve memory, attention, and focus; increase productivity; reduce stress; increase energy and self-esteem; improve sleep patterns; create deeper levels of relaxation; among others.  Katy Meyers writes about Meditating in Grad School: A Personal Story, while Eva Lantsoght writes Mindfulness:  Awareness for Stress Reduction.

 

Now that the summer is here, why not give it a try?  This simple exercise is an excellent introduction to basic meditation techniques (provided by Cornell Health):

  1. Sit or lie comfortably, and close your eyes.
  2. Take several deep breaths through your nose, releasing bodily tension on the out-breath.
  3. Focus your attention on the breath, making no effort to control your breathing. Simply breathe naturally. Notice how the breath moves in and out of the body with each inhalation and exhalation. Observe your chest, shoulders, rib cage, or belly. Keep focusing on your breath without controlling its pace or intensity.
  4. If your mind wanders, observe without judgment the thoughts or emotions that have arisen and then release them, returning your focus back to your breath. When noticing thoughts or emotions, you might name them -- saying to yourself, "thinking" or "planning" or "worrying," as this acknowledgement can help with letting them go.
  5. Maintain this meditation practice for two to three minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods.

 

For more information, please visit Cornell Health Website.

 

 
Wellness:

Let's Talk Drop-In Consultation - Summer 2017 Hours

 

"Let's Talk" is a drop-in service that offers informal, no-commitment consultation with a Cornell Health counselor.  Let's Talk is FREE for Cornell students, offered first-come, first-served (no appointment necessary), and confidential.  Open to all graduate and professional students, you can speak with a counselor about concerns, get help problem-solving, and learn more about counseling services at Cornell Health and other resources available to you at Cornell.

 

Mondays (June 12th - August 7th):

  • 2:30-4:30 pm - Willard Straight Hall
    Office of Student and Community Support, 211 Willard Straight Hall  (one floor down from the Ivy Room)

Thursdays (June 15th - August 10th):

  • 2:30-4:30 pm - Willard Straight Hall
    Office of Student and Community Support, 211 Willard Straight Hall  (one floor down from the Ivy Room)

Weekly Safety Message - Operation ID


 

Engraving your property means it will more likely find its way back to you, should it be lost or stolen. 


 

Through the Operation ID program, Cornell Police and other law enforcement agencies can return recovered personal property. You'll be assigned a lifetime personal identification number, which you then engrave - using equipment loaned to you by Cornell Police - on valuable possessions.  Items worth engraving include electronic equipment, power tools, cameras, and PDAs.  


 

The Cornell Police Crime Prevention Unit, open 8am - 4pm Monday through Friday, can register you in the operation ID program, lend you an engraving tool, and answer any questions you have.  The Operation ID program is open to any Cornell community member at no charge.

Around Campus:
Want to Learn a New Sport This Summer? 

Rowing is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy Ithaca's beautiful waterways. 

Cascadilla Boat Club offers summer learn to row programs for adults.

Classes run in three weeks sessions starting on June 20 for $175. 

Learn more...
The Inventor's Role: Understanding the Tech Transfer Process
June 14, 2017
12:00-1:30PM
Phillips Hall, Room 203
Ithaca Cornell Campus
 
Join the Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) for an informative and interactive session that will explore the inventor's role within the technology transfer process. Our experienced Technology Licensing Officers will share tips and suggestions to make the most of CTL services and how you can help us, help you.
You are invited to bring your questions to ask the CTL team!

Pizza, salad, and drinks will be served.

FREE Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series
Date: June 22, 2017 - September 7, 2017

The 2017 Summer Concert Series presented by CFCU Community Credit Union kicks off  on the Bernie Milton Pavilion stage in the Ithaca Commons on Thursday, June 22, 6-8pm! 

The Summer Concert Series is a free outdoor concert series open to the public held every Thursday evening from 6-8pm, June 22 - September 7 (with the exception of Grassroots week- the show will be on Wednesday, July 19 not Thursday and with the addition of a Saturday, July 8th show from 4-6pm at Dewitt Park),  Local and national acts perform music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more! 

Enjoy a beer and wine garden open for the duration of each concert. Seating is not provided but participants are encouraged to bring a chair and stay a while!


Free Summer Concerts, Lectures, and Performances at Cornell

The School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions offers concerts and lectures at no charge during the summer. 

Cornell Botanic Gardens in June


 

Cornell Botanic Gardens is the arboretum, gardens and natural areas of Cornell University. During June our rhododendrons, irises, and peonies should be blooming, and you may still find many spring wildflowers in the Mundy Wildflower Garden and natural areas. At the Nevin Welcome Center and gardens on Plantations Road you can take a tour, chat with one of our wandering volunteer Garden Guides, pick up a visitor map and explore on your own, browse the exhibits and Garden Gift Shop, or just relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the gardens and grounds. 

 

Garden Tours start June 17

Enjoy a guided tour through the gardens around the Nevin Welcome Center and discover the beauty and diversity of our numerous theme gardens, including the Herb Garden, Flower Garden, Groundcover Collection, Tropical Container Display, and more. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Actual tour content will vary from week to week depending on what's in bloom and the interests of the group.

 

Date/time: June 17 - October 1; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Instructor: Volunteer docent
Location: Meet at the Nevin Welcome Center

 

Guided Gorge Hikes Start June 17

Explore Cascadilla and Fall Creek Gorges with Cornell's knowledgeable Gorge Stewards, which run every Saturday and Sunday, June 17 through September 3.

Have you wondered how the gorges throughout the Finger Lakes were formed? Do you want to know more about the natural and cultural history of the region? There are hidden waterfalls and millions of years of history to see and understand during hour-long hikes through Ithaca's most iconic settings. The hikes are moderately strenuous, including walking on uneven surfaces, inclines, and plenty of stairs. Tours will NOT run in inclement weather.

 

Fall Creek Gorge Hikes: Saturdays and Sundays; 11:00 a.m. Meet at the information sign on University Avenue across from the Johnson Art Museum.


Cascadilla Gorge Hikes: Saturdays and Sundays; 1:00 p.m. Meet at the information sign in Treman Triangle Park, off Linn Street in downtown Ithaca.

 

All tours are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required.

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

 


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