October 31, 2016
Contents
News:
Eight Year Minimum 9-Month Stipend Trends




View Full Infographic
Learn more about Assistantships and Trends
Dean Knuth Updates GPSA on Strategic Progress, Federal Policy on Health Insurance, and Student Debt
Progress on GPCI (2013), federal policy affecting health insurance for students with assistantships, and student debt
 
Barbara Knuth, senior vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, updated the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) Oct. 24 on progress of the Graduate and Professional Community Initiative (GPCI), announced an update to federal policy affecting health insurance for students with assistantships, and shared data about graduate student debt.

"The GPSA has been an effective advocate for the graduate and professional student community and one whose input we frequently seek for issues ranging from stipend increases and graduate and professional student housing to the climate for graduate students at Cornell," Knuth said. 

"When the GPSA submitted the Graduate and Professional Community Initiative to improve graduate student and professional student life, Cornell listened. We partnered with the GPSA to create a multi-pronged effort to address student concerns," she continued.

Read more...
Union Representation FAQs
Background Information 

Learn what a union might mean for you by looking at our occasional list of questions and answers about possible graduate student union representation at Cornell.  
  1. What is a "union" and a "bargaining unit?"
  2. What does a union do?
  3. Have some Cornell employees elected union representation?
  4. What is Cornell Graduate Students United(CGSU)?
  5. Did Cornell ever have an election for union representation of graduate students?
  6. Where can I read the August 23, 2016 National Labor Relations Board decision, including the majority and dissenting opinions?

Read the FAQs...


This Week's QA

Dear Dean, 

I've been at Cornell for 8 weeks, but my wife just moved here.  She graduated in May, then finished a research project at her alma mater.  She wants a similar job here, but she doesn't know where to start looking.  
 
She is also concerned about meeting people and developing her own circle of friends.  I don't know where to tell her to meet people beyond my graduate field. 
 
Can you help us figure out the next steps? 

Sincerely, 
New Grad Student

Read response...

Send us your question, and a dean will answer within three days. Some responses will be made anonymous and published. Send to [email protected].
Registrar:

In Absentia Spring 2017

 

Submit In Absentia Request Now if You'll be Away for Spring 2017
 
If you plan to be engaged in full-time study at least 100 miles from campus during the spring semester you may apply for in absentia status. Please review the In Absentia form for general Information, requirements and checklist items.  Requests received after November 1st are subject to finance charges and additional fees.
 

Graduate School Programs:

Job Search Discussion Group

Tuesday, November 1 | 12:00-1:30 pm | G01Biotech

This year, we are once again gathering a supportive community of peers where you can discuss your experience on the academic job market. Bring questions, problems, and things you've always wondered about.

Moderators: Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies & Colleen McLinn, CU-CIRTL Director

 

Lunch will be served RSVP required: Register

Navigating Your Future: Submitting Your Thesis or Dissertation

Monday, November 7 | 12:00- 1:00 pm | 423 ILR King-Shaw Conference Center

 

During this program, students will learn about the administrative aspects of submitting your thesis or dissertation. The Graduate School has requirements for achieving this milestone. This information will be presented by Jason Kahabka, Associate Dean for Administration and Janine Brace, Student Services Administrative Assistant.

 

RSVP: http://tiny.cc/Cornell_NYF

 

 For Students with Families
  • Spouse & Partner (S&P) Happy Hour - Thursday, November 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the BRB.  This Happy Hour is dedicated for our student spouses and partners as a way for you to get to know other spouses and partners and become connected to the graduate and professional student community, as well as the Cornell community as a whole.  Feel free to come as a couple or fly solo!  All students and partners of students are welcome.  Light snacks, soda, and $1/beers.
  • Time Out!  - Tuesday, November 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Cornell Child Care Center.  This is a meeting designed for student parents to build community and to share information and strategies for success, during which free dinner and childcare are provided.  Please hurry and RSVP soon (space is limited)

GPWomeN-PCCW Speaker Series presents:

"Women's Leadership and the Imposter Syndrome" with Julie Kumble

 

Wednesday, November 9; 12:15-1:30pm  (lunch provided)|  401 Warren Hall  |  Register

 

This highly interactive program will contain practical takeaways on:

  • Life lessons gained while climbing the corporate ladder
  • Obstacles faced by women, including insights from Catalyst's research
  • Breaking down barriers by leveraging support systems available to women who take initiative
  • Remarks will be followed by Q&A

Pie with the Deans (Open to all graduate and professional students)

 

Thursday, November 10th |  3:00 - 4:00 pm |  341 Caldwell Hall  |  Pre-register here (and hurry, space is limited)

 

For any graduate or professional student who would like to ask questions in person or would like to continue or initiate a conversation with us at the Graduate School, we invite you to stop by for an informal visit with the Graduate School deans.  Drop by (come and go as needed).

 

Let's Talk: Diversity and Inclusion

 

Please join the GPSA Diversity and International Students Committee for a dinner and conversation about campus efforts to foster diversity and build a more inclusive Cornell. These dinners are designed to bring together faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students to discuss progress in the administration's efforts related to diversity and inclusion, and how these can be improved based on student experiences.

Please RSVP by Friday, November 11th using this link. We will be posting more updates through our Facebook Event page.

This event has been co-sponsored by the Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement (OISE) of the Graduate School, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA), and others.

Invitation to Register for a Membership to the New York Academy of Science - Nov. 15 Priority Registration Deadline

 

The Graduate School encourages you to sign up for membership to one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific organizations in the United States, the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS).  

 

A student/postdoc membership to NYAS typically costs $36 per year, but as a graduate student or postdoc at Cornell, you can qualify for a special rate of only $20!

 

How to Get Started

We will share with NYAS data on all Cornell member registrants in early October. Once your Membership is created, NYAS will send you a Welcome Email with login information and instructions on how to access the benefits of Membership.  

 

Be sure to always login prior to registering for Academy events and webinars.

 

Interviewing & Negotiating for Academic Positions

Wednesday November 16, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm,  102 Mann Library

 

An important part of the job search is interviewing then negotiating the offer, come learn about the art of interviewing:

  • Learn about the different type of interview
  • Prepare to answer tough questions
  • Understand why and how to negotiate

 We will provide drinks and cookies; feel free to bring your own lunch.  RSVP required: REGISTER

 

CA$H COUR$E -  Understanding Taxes as It Relates to Being a CU Student

Thursday, November 17  |  12:30 - 1:30 pm  (lunch served at 12:15 pm)  |  M01 Stocking Hall  |  Please RSVP

 

Presenters will focus on the complexity of understanding taxes and what are some common realities for our students.  This session will help you to understand the broad area of student taxes and to learn the resources that support you.  Please note that this session is not designed to provide individual tax advice.  Presenters: William Allen Jr. and Lori Kanellis, Cornell University Tax Office

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.

 

Deadlines for students planning to attend

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

Teaching and Future Faculty:
Center for Teaching Excellence Get Set Programs

GET SET Workshop: Engaging Lectures and Effective Presentations
(Certificate: Creating an Engaging Classroom)
Thursday, November 3, 4:45-6:00 p.m. (143 Plant Science)

Interested in creating dynamic, innovative lectures? This workshop explores ways to prepare, organize and deliver engaging presentations, lectures, and seminars.
 

GET SET Workshop: Facilitating and Evaluating Group Work And Projects
(Certificate: Assessing Learning & Teaching)
Monday, November 7, 4:45-6:00 p.m. (143 Plant Science)

Effective group design promotes learning and active participation. This session considers different methods of assigning students to groups and identifies approaches that promote positive group work.

GET SET Discussion: Developing a Professional Identity in Teaching

Wednesday, November 2, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (421 CCC)

Have you ever thought about your professional identity? This is an opportunity to talk with others about best practices.

Fellowships, Postdocs, and Awards:

Fellowship Deadline Reminder

 

Gates Cambridge Fellowship

Application Deadline for U.S. citizens has passed.  Other countries:  December 7, 2016.  Complete application information available on the Gates Cambridge Scholarship's website.

 

Herbert Coville Jr. Peace Fellowship

The following application deadline is January 6, 2017, for the Fall 2017 semester.  For more detail, go to the Scoville Web site.

 
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Application deadline:  November 1, 2016.  Detailed information on the Soros available on the Fellowship's Web site.
 

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS

Who may apply: Women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Funding: $18,000-$30,000

Deadline: December 1

 

Switzer Fellowships 

 

The Switzer Fellowship provides:

  •  a one-year $15,000 cash award;
  • access to other Switzer grant programs and career support, and
  • membership in the Switzer Fellowship Network, an active and engaged community of nearly 600 environmental leaders in the U.S. and around the world.

The Call for Applications describes the Fellowship program and its requirements. 

 
Careers, Internships, and Jobs:

Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) Events

  1.  Nov. 1: Insights into industry careers with special guest Kent G�klen http://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/events.details?eventID=1093 Kent G�klen is a Cornell BEST mentor and GSK's Director of Engineering, Downstream Process Development, in the biopharmaceutical business unit of GlaxoSmithKline in King of Prussia, PA. 
  2. COMM 5660 Science Communication Workshop (with Bruce Lewenstein) Nov. 11-13 http://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/events.details?eventID=1111 
  3. COMM 5665 SciComm Practicum (with Lauren Chambliss and Nathan Seppa) Dec. 2-4 http://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/events.details?eventID=1112
  4. Career Blitz & Company Site visit at Research Triangle Park, NC Nov. 14-15. http://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/events.details?eventID=1110
  5.  5) Navigate Your Future: BEST Careers in Industry, Entrepreneurship & Management Nov. 17 http://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/events.details?eventID=1007

...and many more events on our websit calendar: http://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/events.cal


 

See also news about BESTies herehttp://best.cornell.edu/index_new.cfm/news.listing, and to learn about how one can benefit from BEST opportunities

 

How do you get involvedhttp://best.cornell.edu/index.cfm/page/about/FAQ.htm

Career Events Listing


 
Preparing Materials for Positions in Design and Visual Arts

Monday, October 24     4:45 pm     B1 West Sibley Hall


 

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:

Weekly Safety Tip - Blue Light Escort

 

When a Blue Light Escort is requested, two members of the Cornell University Police Auxiliary accompany any member of the Cornell community or visitor to destinations on campus or near campus. If you are riding a bus, they will wait with you at the stop until the bus arrives. Blue Light Escorts are members of the Cornell community hired and trained by Cornell Police. Each escort wears a highly visible uniform and is in direct radio contact with Cornell Police.  

 

To request an escort team, call 255.7373 on campus (607.255.7373 outside the campus system), or use one of the Blue Light phones on campus. The service operates from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day during the fall and spring semesters.

 
Around Campus:
Glow in the Dark Dodge Ball


 

Date: Friday, November 4th

Time: 7:00-9:00pm (open to grad students, spouses, faculty, staff)

Location: Helen Newman Gym

Who: Teams (of 8-10), Individuals, and Small groups are welcome! Individuals and small groups will be placed on teams upon arrival. Both FRIENDLY and COMPETITIVE courts will be open. SPECTATORS are welcome too! 

Cost: Free! Plus you'll get a limited edition "Energy Smackdown" headband, blacklight-activated face paint, and copious amounts of Insomnia Cookies!


More details to come: https://www.facebook.com/SustainCornell/

 

Cornell Veterans  

 

Join fellow vets at one of the local veterans commemorations. For a complete listing, visit:

 https://blogs.cornell.edu/vcng/files/2016/10/Veterans-Day-events-poster-2d6oydh.pdf

 

Winter Driving/NYS Driver's License Workshop

Tuesday, November 1stin Myron Taylor Hall, Room 182 from 4-6 pm.

This is a free information session.

  

A must for all drivers new to driving in snowy, icy conditions! Cornell Police Officer Beverly Van Cleef will present tips on driving safely this winter on Ithaca's hilly streets.

Afterwards, international and non-New York State drivers can learn how to obtain a New York State Drivers license.

Sponsored by the Cornell Law School Graduate Legal Studies Program, the Cornell Police Department, and the International Students and Scholars Office.

Big Red Shuttle

Cornell's first free, student-run, late-night transportation service for students in need of a safe ride home.


 

The Big Red Shuttle runs on Friday and Saturday nights from midnight to 3am.  For schedule, see http://www.cornellbigredshuttle.com/#route-and-schedule

With Halloween on Monday, the Shuttle will be running:

  • Friday October 28 (12am-3am)
  • Saturday October 29 (12am-3am)
  • Monday October 31 (12am-3am)

The driver is a professional, paid employee. Additionally, there are two student managers employed by Campus Activities to help provide a welcoming and safe environment for passengers on the shuttle.

Renaissance Ball

Date: November 5th, 2016

Time: 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Tickets:  $10

The 6th Annual Renaissance Ball will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, November 5th from 7:30-11pm! This year's theme is 'Prohibition!', so come dressed for a night of fun and elegance at our speakeasy.

 

There will be a live band, DJ, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. We look forward to seeing you there! Doors open 7:30pm. Please bring proof of payment. 


 

Buy tickets here ($10): https://creditcard.cbs.cornell.edu/Billing.aspx?eventid=966C5FD2-90FD-47D4-8280-8CE2491ABA01

Everyone is welcome!


 

Funded by the GPSAFC and open to the Graduate Community. Proudly co-sponsored by: oSTEM@Cornell, BGPSA, GWIS, LGSC, SAAGA, IGSA, GradSWE, MAC, GPSA Programming Board, ISSO and ISU.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/401144263343133/

Cornell event page: https://events.cornell.edu/event/2016_graduate_diversity_and_inclusion_renaissance_ball

 

From the GPSA Student Advocacy Committee

C-Camp Mentor

Are you interested in mentoring children? Are you connected to your cultural background? Are you looking for service opportunities in the Cornell and Ithaca communities?

 

APPLY TO BE A C-CAMP MENTOR for the 2016-2017 school year!!!

 

C-CAMP is an organization that pairs adopted children from the Ithaca area to mentors from the Cornell community in order to foster cultural exchange through a mentorship relationship. Mentoring is voluntary, and most of your interactions with your mentee will be coordinated between yourself and the mentee's parents.

 

You can access the mentor application in the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/pM1cGrgWvgDwspVx2 

Cross-Cultural Adoptee Mentorship Program (C-CAMP)

https://sites.google.com/site/cornelluniversityccamp/home

http://orgsync.rso.cornell.edu/org/ccamp/

Sponsored by the Cornell University Public Service Center

Science Immersion Program

 

The Science Immersion Program is an intensive, three-day series of workshops on research skills for master or doctoral students in the life or physical sciences. The program will be held in Mann Library from January 18-20 and is tailored for students who have matriculated in the past two years.

 

The program aims to provide participants with practical technologies, tools and research skills to become more efficient scholars. 

A complete itinerary of the program will be available at the end of the Fall 2016 semester.  

 

Space is limited as only 15 participants will be accepted.  The deadline for applications is December 1, 2016.  Application can be found here - https://cornell.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_0pQSG1OCghKk5pP

 

Participants will be awarded a $150 stipend upon completion of the entire three-day program.  Food is provided. If you have any questions, please send a message to [email protected]  

Recruiting Events (Send this to friends who might be interested in a graduate program at Cornell.)

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) and Neurobiology and Behavior (NBB) are pleased to announce our first PhD Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Weekend happening April 21-23, 2017. This event will introduce attendees to our departments and connect them with faculty members that share research interests, as well as to help familiarize them with the graduate school application process. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. More information and the application can be found at http://cudiversityrecruitment.weebly.com.


Johnson's PhD Program boasts a course of study that is completely customized to fit your background, with fully paid tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Attend to explore PhD careers and lifestyle in high-growth, in-demand fields and secure information relevant to your PhD exploration and preparation. Sachin Gupta, director of Graduate Studies, will be accompanied by select faculty members and current PhD students to provide an inside view of the program and answer your questions.
PhD Virtual Open House
  • When: Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 8:00 am EDT
  • Where: Connect via your computer

Cornell University Library Events

  

Punkfest Cornell, a week-long celebration of punk music and history

  • Wednesday, Nov. 2   - Pussy Riot Panel Discussion with Maria (Masha) Alyokhina and Alexandra (Sasha) Bogino
  • Friday, Nov. 4 - John Doe and Exene Cervenka of the L.A. punk band X
  • Saturday, Nov. 5 - Opening reception for the exhibition "Anarchy in the Archives"

For more information about these events and others, visit http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/punkfest/.  

Wikipedia, Libraries & Digital Pedagogy: Talk and Workshop

Thursday, Nov. 3

1:00-2:00 p.m. for the talk, followed by the workshop from 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Olin Library, Room 106G


 

Alex Stinson, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums) -Wiki Strategist at the Wikimedia Foundation, will give a talk on Growing Collaboration Between Wikipedia in Libraries and a workshop on Digital Pedagogy. Please register here for the workshop, and contact Marsha Taichman [email protected], if you have any questions.

 

Library Chats in the Stacks

 

Reading Cy Twombly: Poetry in Paint

Book talk by Mary Jacobus

Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 4:30 p.m. 

Olin Library, Room 107

 

For more information, visit http://events.cornell.edu/event/reading_cy_twombly_poetry_in_paint. Refreshments served and books available for purchase. Free and open to all.

 

Emotion, Aging and Health

Book talk by Corinna Loeckenhoff 

Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 4:00 p.m. 

Mann Library, Room 160

 

For more information, visit http://events.cornell.edu/event/emotion_aging_and_health.  Refreshments served. Free and open to the public.

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) 

One day conference aimed at getting 7th, 8th, and 9th grade girls interested in science, math, and engineering. We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students to put together and lead math, engineering, and science workshops at the 2017 conference to take place on Saturday, April 15th. 


 

If you are interested in coming up with and leading a workshop, formal applications will be due by Friday, November 18, 2016. The application, a cover letter with more details, and examples from the past are available at the EYH Workshop website: http://workshops.eyh.cornell.edu. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions ([email protected]).

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

 


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