Orientation Information
Check out the Orientation Schedule for incoming graduate students.
Check out the Orientation Reception for incoming undergraduate students.
The International Students and Scholars Office provides a general orientation for both undergraduate and graduate students. Orientation seminars are offered at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters. The international undergraduate orientation is called PREPARE and is held one week prior to the undergraduate orientation provided for all students by the New Student Orientation Department.
The ISSO sponsors several events which, along with those offered by the Graduate School & other individual graduate departments and schools, combine to provide a comprehensive orientation week for both International and American students.
In all cases, these orientation times are organized to provide assistance with the adjustment process for new internationals on campus; a structure by which new students can meet other students on campus which we believe will help aid in their transition. Also included in the orientation weeks are social events designed to encourage students to feel connected to the Cornell community.
Academic Life
For most international students, there is a sense of unfamiliarity with the education system in the US. Courses, grading mechanisms, the different types of tests, the concept of credit, academic integrity and the role of academic advisor are some of the initial considerations. Perhaps more challenging is the expectation of the instructors, where cultural values and differences can play a significant role. For example, in some countries students are expected to repeat the ideas of their instructors and text book materials in their tests and assignments. In the US, professors expect students to analyze the information given both in the classroom and the reading materials and come up with their own views and ideas. This critical thinking is to be reflected in tests, research papers, and other assignments. This is just one example of an adjustment that may face a student.
In order to assist international students, our office organizes a seminar on Academic Success at Cornell for both undergraduates and graduate students as part of the orientation. The undergraduate program features international sophomores, juniors and seniors who discuss the specifics of academic life at Cornell, including choosing classes, tests, and the requirements of each college within Cornell. The new students can ask several questions to learn more about this subject. Students also have the opportunity to go and meet with freshmen advisors from individual colleges. Our office has also designed a brochure called "Making the Grade", for undergraduate students that gives a general overview of the salient features of the American academic system and some specifics about the various offices at Cornell that can help new and continuing students. This brochure is given to all international undergraduate students.
The graduate student orientation features a panel of graduate students who are in various stages of their academic program. They talk about choosing courses, the role of the advisor, the thesis or dissertation committee, and other related experiences. The new students generally ask a number of questions on academic issues to the panel. Usually the graduate orientation advisor invites 1-2 professors to talk about the academic life at Cornell and what instructors expect from graduate students.
Safety Issues
One of the most informative sessions in both the graduate and undergraduate programs is the program on Safety. This is presented by two officers from the Cornell Police Department and they discuss issues of car and bicycle registration, some basic rules to be observed while driving, personal and property security, and the many services offered by their office to help students. Skits by student volunteers are also presented to emphasize the issues discussed. A pamphlet explaining the functions and responsibilities of the Cornell Police, services, and programs offered through the year by this department is included in the orientation folder of all international students.