Graduate School Announcements
September 6 , 2016
Contents

From Dean Barbara Knuth
Update on Graduate Student Unionization
 
On August 23, 2016, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reversed its prior position regarding the status of graduate students, deciding that graduate assistants at private universities are employees for the purposes of federal labor law, not solely students, giving graduate assistants the legal right to organize a labor union for purposes of collective bargaining.  

Representation through a labor union would be accomplished in a two-stage process, first t hrough securing enough signed membership/authorization cards to prompt an election, and t hen having an election in which all who are eligible to vote would be encouraged to participate.  


 

The election outcome would be determined by a simple majority of those who vote and would be binding on current and future graduate students who hold an eligible appointment, regardless of whether they voted in the election or not. 


For information on issues related to union representation for graduate assistants at Cornell, please see the resources at http://gradschool.cornell.edu/union-representation, now updated to reflect this recent NLRB decision.
News:
Kudos:
Graduate Students and Recent Alumna Find New Energy Storage Device

A Cornell-led research team has developed a way of combining the large energy-storage capacity of batteries with the superior charge-discharge rate of supercapacitors to come up with a powerful new electrical energy storage (EES) device.

Their paper is titled "Superior Charge Storage and Power Density of a Conducting Polymer-Modified Covalent Organic Framework." Catherine DeBlase Mulzer, Ph.D. '16, a senior chemist at Dow Chemical, was first author. Other contributors were postdoctoral research fellow James R. McKone and graduate students Luxi Shen and Na Zhang.


Kenyan Alumni Wins Borlaug Field Award

Economist and Cornell alumnus Andre Mude, Ph.D. '06, has won the 2016 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, the World Food Prize Foundation announced Aug. 30. Mude is an economist with the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.



From the Registrar :
Fall 2016 Course Enrollment Deadlines

The last day to add courses is quickly approaching!
  • Last day to add courses and change credit hours is Tuesday,September 6th 
  • Last day to drop courses or change grading options is Tuesday,October 18th
At the end of the Drop period the Graduate School will adjust the number of credits in GRAD Research courses  9010, 9011 and 9012 to balance to the required minimum of 12 credits.

Graduate School Programs :
Student Child Care Grant Program Accepting Applications!

 

The University is pleased to announce the availability of child care grants to subsidize childcare expenses for full-time Cornell student families who fall within the eligibility guidelines.  Applications are available now and will be due on Friday, October 14, 2016.  


 

More details and application available on this site

Ethics Café

September 13, 2016, Big Red Barn, noon to 1:00 pm

Join us to discuss responsible mentoring, authorship, peer review, intellectual conflicts of interest, acknowledging the work of others in research and academic papers and publications as well as your questions about responsible research and scholarship. Limited to 12 research master's and doctoral students. Other Ethics Café lunch event on October 26.


 

Please pre-register here if you want lunch.

Student Reps Wanted for Grad/Professional Student Mental Health Committee

 

Want to support the mental health and well-being of the graduate and professional student body?  Join a committee designed to focus specifically on the mental health and well-being of graduate and professional students.  


 

Contact Janna Lamey, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life, at janna.lamey@cornell.edu or Catherine Thrasher-Carroll, Mental Health Promotions Coordinator, at ct265@cornell.edu. by Friday, September 23 . 

For Students With Families

Cornell Welcome to our Students with Families 
When: Thursday, September 8 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm 
Where: Stocking Hall Conference Center (Room 148)

Come learn about the academic structure at Cornell and what to expect as a student spouse/partner. Discuss common questions/concerns of our student families and learn about available resources. Meet other new student families while enjoying Cornell Dairy Ice Cream.  Come solo, with your partner, and/or with children.   Please RSVP to attend the event.

BRB Family/Partner Breakfast
When:  Saturday, September 10 from 9:30-11:00am
Where:  Big Red Barn

Free continental breakfast - bagels, muffins, cereal, yogurt, juice, coffee!  Come find out tips from parents/ spouses and partners who have been in your shoes!  Learn about fun things to do with or without children -   on campus, in Ithaca and regionally!  Learn where to shop for bargains and convenience!  Crafts and activities for children and the child in you!  Questions, please contact Janna Lamey at  janna.lamey@cornell.edu
Campus-Wide Breaking Bread: Community & Police Relations
 
September 21 | 6:00- 8:00 pm | 148 Stocking Conference Center

In the spirit of diversity, inclusion and dialogue, the " Breaking Bread " initiative invites you to the first community-wide dinner of the 2016-2017 academic year  on September 21, 2016, 6-8pm at 148 Stocking Hall  to discuss Community and Police Relations. 
 
Seating is limited to 90, with a priority given to students. Please RSVP as soon as possible to confirm your participation in this event.  You will receive a confirmation by Friday, September 16.
 
GENgagement tm  Strategies for Mastering Intergenerational Challenges in Academia & Beyond

with Phyllis Weiss Haserot

 Learn more...

All-Campus LGBTQQIA+ Welcome Reception
 
Join us in welcoming the 2016-2017 academic year!
When:  September 8, 2016 -  4:30pm  to  6:00pm
Where: Baker Portico, Physical Sciences Building


* Please note that we do not want childcare to prevent anyone from participating in this event. Therefore, if you have children and wish to do so, we welcome you to bring your children with you to this family friendly event.

If you need accommodations to participate in this event, please contact the LGBT Resource Center at (607) 255-4406 or  lgbtrc@cornell.edu as soon as possible.

Transitions... Open to ALL Students
Wednesday, September 7  |  4:00 - 5:30  |  401 Physical Sciences Building

 

Did you know that imposter feelings are normal and that most high-achieving graduate students experience these feelings at some point? 


 

Join us to better understand the Imposter Syndrome; learn where it comes from and how it can manifest. More importantly, understand how it can be a barrier to graduate student success and what you can do to overcome this. Presenter: Wai Wong, Assistant Director for Community Based Services, Gannett Health Services  RSVP by September 5  More information:  http://gradschool.cornell.edu/transitions


Teaching and Future Faculty:
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Practitioner Program

Applications due September 23, 2016
  
CU-CIRTL and the Center for Teaching Excellence are now recruiting graduate and postdoctoral applicants to join the Fall 2016 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Practitioner program.  Both individuals and pairs/small teams may apply for this program; send inquiries to Kimberly Williams at: kw299@cornell.edu  
 

Fellowships, Postdocs, and Awards:
Fellowship 101 Workshop

September 15, 2016, 700 Clark Hall, 4:00 to 6:00 pm

Working on a fellowship application? Bring your questions to get information and advice on preparing a competitive application.

Please pre-register here

NSF Fellowship Information Session

September 21, 2016, 102 Mann Library, 5:00 to 6:30 pm

Join us for information and tips to help you prepare and submit a competitive NSF Fellowship application this semester. This session includes advice from current Cornell NSF Fellows.


 
Please pre-register here

Fellowship Draft Review Sessions  

October 4 and October 6, 2016, (both in) 341 Caldwell Hall, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Bring your fellowship essay/statement drafts and receive feedback on your application.  


 

Please pre-register here http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=79rzv7nab&oeidk=a07ecwdwo3f56341c4e and http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=79rzv7nab&oeidk=a07ecwdwoph01bbaa42

Schwarzman Scholarship
 
The Schwarzman Scholarship provides one year of master's degree study at Tsinghua University in Beijing in one of three fields: public policy, international studies, or economics and business. Instruction will be in English. Applicants must have an excellent academic record and demonstrate leadership. Citizens of all countries are eligible. Candidates must be under 29 years of age. English proficiency test scores must be submitted if English is not the applicant's native language. Application Deadline: September 15, 2016.
Complete application information on the Schwarzman is available at the Foundation's website.

Careers, Internships, and Jobs:
Graduate Assistant(s) Position open at the Asian & Asian-American Center (A3C)


 

The Graduate Assistant(s) provides lead student support to the Asian & Asian American Center.  The Graduate Assistant(s) works in the Center for 10-12 (ten to twelve) hours per week throughout the academic year and is paid at a rate of $15.00 per hour.  For a complete description, please contact Vigor Lam, Assistant Director of the Asian & Asian American Center: vigor.lam@cornell.edu.  Resumes and cover letters are due on Friday, September 9. 


 

Learn more and job description...

Virginia Tech Future Faculty Development Program
An  intensive two day event for doctoral candidates and post-doctoral scholars interested in academic careers. The deadline for applications to our January 2017 program is October 2, 2016. 
   
Learn more at:
Upcoming Career Services Events and Workshops

 
Crack the Case Interview
Tuesday, Sept 13, 4:45 pm
251 Malott
 
Thrive (Don't Just Survive) At Cornell With Strategies to Boost Your Career Activities
Tuesday, Sept 13, 4:45 pm
Lewis Auditorium, Goldwin Smith
 
Exploring Careers Outside of Academia
Wednesday, September 14, 12 pm
701 Clark Hall
 
Are you contemplating a career outside of academia and are unsure about what transferable skills you have or what careers are available to you?  If so, you are invited to attend this free seminar to learn what strategies you can take in exploring a career outside of academia. 
 
 
Case Interview Preparation Exercises
Wednesday, September 14, 4:45 pm
253 Malott
 
 
Job Search Strategies: Summer Jobs and Internships
Thursday, Sept 15, 4:35 pm
Lewis Auditorium, Goldwin Smith
 
 
Case Mock Madness
Friday, September 16, 10 am - 4:30 pm
103 Barnes Hall
 
Register via Handshake
 
Be a Star: Interviewing Tips from Actual Interviewers
Tuesday, Sept 20, 4:$5 pm
217 Ives
 
Heather Porzuczek , MILR '05 will share insights on behavioral  interviewing and how to master it.  A definite must for interview prep!  Sponsored by GE. 
Pre-registration required via  Cornell Handshake .
Wellness:
Weekly Safety Tip - Laptop Security Software (FrontDoorSoftware)

Graduate and professional students can register and protect your laptop, smart phone and/or tablet in seconds for free at www.frontdoorsoftware.com/cornell  It only takes seconds to protect your devices. Register, protect and track your computer with a free 4 year license.  If your device is lost, your program will turn your monitor into an ownership tag. You can update and change your recovery information as you move or travel back and forth from home to school.  Available through our Cornell University Police Department - More information:  http://www.cupolice.cornell.edu/crime_prevention/valuables.cfm


Wresting with the recent tragedies at Cornell?

Finding Solace through Creativity

Wednesday, Sept 7th  7 - 8:00 PM,

Slope Studio, 2nd Floor Willard Straight Hall

(go down the steps across from the International Lounge)

No artistic skill necessary. Join others in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere to reflect, create and process the recent tragedies at Cornell.  Free and all materials provided. 

Free Yoga!

Every Thursday -  5-6:15 PM
Willard Straight Garden Room ( go down the stairs across from the International Lounge)

Open To All Cornell students. All skill levels welcome. Increase your physical and mental well-being. We will have some yoga mats, but if you have one, please bring it.

Bereavement Group

Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 


 
(This group begins on 9/14. Once started, it will be "closed" until next semester, at which time new members may be admitted.)

 

This is a weekly, confidential support group for enrolled Cornell undergraduate and graduate students who have suffered the death of a family member or other significant person. The group is open to those whose loss occurred some time ago as well as those for whom the loss is more recent. 

 

To learn more: Interested students should contact the facilitator directly at Ken.Cohen@cornell.edu. Dr. Cohen will get back to them via myGannett secure messaging to schedule a 50 minute screening (no charge) to assess their situation, discuss the group, answer questions, and together determine whether they are appropriate for group.

 

EARS = Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service

EARS offers communication and inter-personal counseling skills -  free and open to all in the Cornell Community

Come join the GRADUATE STUDENT training group
Mondays Sept. 5th - Nov. 21st, RPCC 7-9 pm

For more information and to register:  Http://ears.dos.cornell.edu

Finding Well-being in the Face of Tragedy

Dining with Diverse Minds

Friday, September 9, 2016 at 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Willard Straight Hall, Memorial Room

This summer and fall have been marked by a chain of tragic events across the nation and the world. What are the "hashtag campaigns" all about?  How are Cornell students being affected by the current political climate?  How can we all take care of ourselves and our communities? What can Cornell do to best promote a culture of respect in our community at this time?  Open to all Cornell students - come early to ensure a seat.  Enjoy a delicious catered dinner by Aladdin's Natural Eatery.  Co-sponsored by ALANA and Cornell Minds Matter, and funded in part by the Student Assembly.

Around Campus:
SACNAS Meeting
Thursday, September 8
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Conference Room, 4th floor Rockefeller Hall
 
SACNAS is a society of scientists fostering Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientist.  


Fall Financial Literacy Fair
Tuesday, September 6
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Willard Straight Hall
 
Has MONEY been ON YOUR MIND? 
Financial Aid? Student Employment? How Basic Checking and Savings Accounts Work? Investments? Your Credit Score? Funding Your Next Steps?  

Learn more about your finances and how money affects your life.  

Open to all members of the Cornell Community, this year's Fall Financial Literacy Fair will serve the purpose of helping students to become more financially savvy in their lives. Hosted by the Financial Literacy Initiative Club

Looking for Assistance with Statistics? 

Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit (CSCU) has released their Fall 2016 workshop schedule. Workshops will be given from September to November on a variety of topics including:   
  • Basic Data Analysis and Research Skills
  • Introductory Statistical Analysis Using R
  • Intermediate Statistical Analysis Using R
  • Introductory Statistical Analysis Using a User-friendly Software
  • Interpreting Linear Models: Regression and ANOVA
  • Introduction to Logistic Regression
  • Getting Started with Data Analysis
  • Visualizing Data using ggplot2 in R
  • Nonparametric Statistical Methods
  • Introduction to Modeling Count Data
  • Model Selection and Multi-Model Inference
  • Missing Data
Visit https://cscu.cornell.edu/workshops/schedule.php to find out more and register


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

 


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