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Subsections
Student Life and Resources
Student Life
Student life at Cornell complements the academic program and contributes
to the sense of community at the College. Students participate actively
in the governance of the College, serving on governing boards or councils including
Student Senate, Council on Social and Service Groups, and the Performing Arts and Activities Council.
A student activity fee is assessed for all students and is administered by Student Senate. These funds are allocated to various student groups to facilitate their operations, activities, and events.
Cornell expects students to be capable of mature and responsible
behavior. Within any community, certain responsibilities protect the
safety and health of members of the community. ``Student Rights and
Responsibilities,'' found in The Compass, and the College's judicial procedures outline the
standards for the community and the rights and responsibilities of
Cornell students.
Cornell College expects students to comply with civil laws as well as with College regulations. Student conduct that violates these laws and regulations may result in College disciplinary action. Since Cornell does not function as a sanctuary from law enforcement agencies, the College will cooperate fully with these agencies when they are investigating alleged criminal activities.
Each summer the College updates the student handbook,
The Compass, which
contains information on college services, residence halls, student
finances, college policies, campus organizations, activities,
constitutions, academic guidelines, rights and responsibilities, and
student judicial procedures. The Compass is posted on-line, and all students, faculty, and staff are notified of its presence each fall by the Dean of Students.
Residence Life
Cornell is a residential college where students enjoy the values and
benefits of community living. Students are required to live on campus in
one of the traditional residence halls or in a campus apartment unless
they live with their parents in the Mount Vernon area; have completed eight semesters in residence; are married; have children; or are more than 24 years old. Permission for these exceptions must be
obtained through the Director of Residence Life.
The various College residence halls, houses, and apartments differ in
size, architecture, style, and atmosphere. Some are coed and some are
single-sex buildings. All are located within easy walking distance of the
classroom buildings, the Library, The Commons, and the Small Multi-Sports
Center. Although the oldest residence hall was built in 1885, all residence halls have been renovated. Each student room is wired for internet and cable television. A few single rooms are available and are assigned according to
seniority. First year students live together on first year floors.
Social and educational activities in each building are coordinated by House Councils, the Residence Hall Association, and the Resident Assistant (RA) staff. Student RAs live on each floor to help with building management and to offer assistance and direction to residents. The Director and three live-in Assistant Directors of Residence Life administer and provide leadership for the residence life program.
Food Service
Cornell Food Service is provided by the Sodexho Corporation.
Everyone is required to participate in a meal plan. Students have the option of contracting for either 20 or 14
meals per week (or for lunches only if they live off campus). Students
may eat as much as they wish at each meal. The Food Service offers a
wide variety of foods, including vegetarian and special dietary meals.
Choices include salad bar, ethnic theme dinners, and deli bar. Special
meals are prepared for holidays and special events. The Rathskeller is
open throughout the day and evening and offers full meals, pizza,
snacks, desserts, and beverages.
The Center for Teaching and Learning
Academic Media Studio
Located in Cole Library, the Academic Media Studio offers assistance to faculty and students who are creating web pages, digital video, presentations, or other multimedia products to meet academic requirements. A professional educational technologist and student employees staff the Studio and provide help by appointment. Software supported in the Studio includes Dreamweaver, PowerPoint, Photoshop Elements, and iMovie. Faculty and students can call or stop in to arrange an appointment.
The Writing Studio
The Writing Studio offers all students the opportunity to improve the quality of their written work. Students can bring in papers for consultation at any stage of the writing process, from inception to revision for a final draft. In addition to providing students with writing strategies, the Studio staff, by request, will match students with content tutors to help with coursework.
The Writing Studio staff includes two full-time consultants and a cadre of student writing consultants. The staff partner with instructors of first-year writing courses to provide intensive assistance for students enrolled in these courses. The consultants are available to facilitate writing workshops, in-class lessons on specific writing issues, and individual conferencing with students at all levels.
Students seeking assistance from the Studio staff and student consultants may call x4462 or stop in to make an appointment. Additional information can be found at the Studio web site: http://www.cornellcollege.edu/library/WRC/index.shtml
The Writing Studio is located on First Floor of Cole Library.
Quantitative Reasoning Center
A professional consultant and a cadre of peer tutors offers support to students taking courses across the curriculum that require mathematics or statistics. Students seeking assistance may stop at the center located in Room 124 of Cole Library.
Engagement Program
The Engagement Program offers Cornell College students extraordinary opportunities that complement learning in the classroom and provides meaningful ways to experience the world around them. Utilizing the liberal arts ethos of inquiry, action, reflection, and communication as a foundation for success, students:
• are immersed in unique hands-on projects,
• become connected with and are mentored by accomplished professionals in their fields of interest,
• form deeper relationships with their peers, and
• develop a strong affinity with the college.
Programs supported by the Engagement Program include:
Beta Omicron Distinguished Alumni Visitors Program
Cornell Fellows
Internships
Pre-Law
The Junior Jump
The Walking Taco
The main Engagement Program web site is http://www.cornellcollege.edu/engagement/. The Engagement Program office is located on the upper level of the Ebersole Center, adjacent to Career Services.
Career Services
Career development is a life-long process, and the Career Services staff at Cornell is prepared to assist students with acquiring the skills needed to choose and obtain personally rewarding careers. A broad range of programs has been designed to assist students during each of their years at Cornell. Among other things, career counselors will help students identify majors and related career options, assist with locating internships and summer jobs, research and prepare for graduate school, and perform an effective job search.
Staff members are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. Career Services is located in the northwest wing of Ebersole. Students can stop by to use the Career Resources Library, the computer lab, or talk to a career counselor.
Computing Facilities and Services
Campus computing facilities include microcomputers, central computers, and a direct connection to the Internet.
The central campus network is a high-speed switched Ethernet backbone extending from Law Hall to all campus buildings via a fiber optic network. The ATM network provides data services for all academic and administrative needs in all offices, classrooms (including laboratories and studios), residence hall rooms, and public areas across campus.
There are groups of microcomputers available to all students in a variety of settings around campus. Cole Library serves as the information center of the campus and is wired with network connections throughout the building, where a student with a notebook computer can connect to the College network. It is also equipped with wireless connectivity for Cornell campus use. Located on the library’s first floor are two technology classrooms/open access facilities: one with 17 and the other with 13 high-end Pentium PC computers. The Academic Media Studio on second floor has equipment for multimedia presentations and web page development. Law Hall is the technology center of the campus. Each classroom is equipped with a variety of multimedia equipment including projection units, data, voice and video connections, and a classroom computer. This facility houses an extended-hours computer lab which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a 25-station Math/Statistics Tech classroom, a 22-station Computer Science Tech classroom, and an eight-station Psychology research area. In addition to a new 25-PC computer foreign language/multimedia technology classroom, College Hall also has full wireless access and a new wireless cart housing 25 wireless notebook computers. Armstrong Hall has five multimedia classrooms and a 12-station music/theatre technology classroom. The West Science Center has recently been equipped with a wireless network cart housing 13 wireless notebook computers and LCD projector for classroom use. There are a number of specialized computer facilities used by academic departments in Norton Geology Center, two in West Science Center, Armstrong Hall music lab, Writing Studio, and the Career Services Center. In addition to two public kiosks used for Internet access, the Commons is also equipped with wireless connectivity.
Since 1991, Cornell has been connected to the Internet. Through this connection, students, faculty, and staff are able to access resources such as research libraries, data files, software, sounds, and images. We are also able to communicate with friends and professional colleagues world-wide. Internet resources can be accessed from any machine directly on the campus network. Since 1993, Cornell has maintained a campus site on the World Wide Web. The URL for this site is http://www.cornellcollege.edu/.
Information Technology, located on the third floor of Law Hall, is responsible for hardware and software support for the College network, administrative systems and instructional technology resources. The College employs approximately 35 student assistants to provide hardware and software support and to answer questions and solve problems in computer labs. Details on lab hours and facilities are easily accessible on Cornell’s World Wide Web site. Assistance is provided to students for class projects through the Academic Media Studio located in the Cole Library.
A variety of software can be ordered for personal purchase and is available at educational discounts through the Bookstore. Although owning a computer is not required, students are strongly urged to bring one with them to campus. Information Technology personnel are available to consult with interested buyers.
All rooms in student residence halls have been wired on a “port-per-pillow” basis with data connections so all students may access the College network through the campus residence hall network (ResNet). ResNet provides students with access to the campus network as well as other services, including technical help to connect their computer to the network from their residence hall room, a FAQ section on the Cornell Web Page, e-mail accounts, Internet access, and consultation computer repairs and purchases.
A package which consists of a network interface card, software for configuring your computer, and instructions is available for purchase at the Bookstore. Students sign up for their e-mail accounts and ResNet access during check-in in the fall.
All residence hall rooms have been wired for cable television with 51 channels of cable television service.
Counseling Services
Short-term individual, couples and group counseling, educational programming, and referrals for medication and long-term or specialized therapy are available to enrolled students through the Cornell Counseling Center. Other services include light therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder and a resource library of educational brochures, books, and videos. Services provided at the Center are confidential in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines, and Center records are kept separate from other student records. The Center is staffed by a full-time licensed psychologist, a part-time counselor who is a licensed independent social worker, and a part-time practicum counselor who is a graduate student in counseling. The Center is located in Ebersole. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Tuesday by appointment.
Student Health Service and Insurance
The Student Health Center is staffed by two licensed and experienced
registered nurses who work in collaboration with the College physicians
on a consultation and referral basis. The physicians are from Iowa Health Physicians, Mount Vernon. Student Health Center services include evaluation
and management of acute and chronic illnesses, injury care,
contraceptive counseling and pregnancy testing, maintenance allergy
shots, wellness care, and a number of diagnostic laboratory tests.
Students are required to have health insurance. The College carries an accident insurance policy on Cornell students and has available optional medical coverage. However, these policies are intended to be secondary and supplement any other coverage the student may have. Students who have personal insurance should have a copy of their insurance card and be familiar with the terms of their policy. Students not providing documentation of proof of coverage will be required to purchase the optional insurance through the College. All student-athletes participating in Cornell College athletics are required to show proof of a primary insurance policy during the competition season. This policy may be part of their parent’s/guardian’s primary insurance policy or may be in their own name. Student-athletes will not be allowed to participate in any practice or competition until proper insurance documentation is presented to the athletic training staff. Questions may be directed to the Business Office or the Health Center.
All medical records are maintained in strict confidence and are securely stored. No information is released without the student's written permission.
Intercultural Life
The Office of Intercultural Life, located in Stoner House, is dedicated to celebrating diversity through awareness, acceptance, and appreciation, and provides quality programs and services to all students at Cornell College. The staff is available to help students address academic, cultural, religious, or other concerns. Fourteen student organizations are supported by the staff and resources found in Intercultural Life. Stoner House is a great place for organizations to host events, prepare meals, or use as alternative meeting or study areas.
In addition to supporting the intercultural student groups, the office provides services and sponsors events for Cornell's international students, and is also the information center for study abroad materials.
International Student Services
International education at Cornell has its roots in a long-standing tradition of foreign student enrollment. The first international student matriculated in 1887; today Cornell alumni represent nearly 50 countries outside the United States.
Recent international student enrollment at Cornell represents as many as 15 different
countries.
New international students enrolling in Term One of the academic year
are provided a short homestay in the local community and a special
orientation preceding the regular orientation for all new students. In
addition, each international student is assigned an academic
advisor who has a special interest and experience in working with
international students. Incoming international students whose
native language is not English may study English as a Second Language
for up to two terms of full academic credit before beginning their
regular academic coursework (see English as a Second Language).
Almost all Cornell students, including international students, live in
the Cornell residence halls (see Contemporary Campus and Student
Life). The Director of Residence
Life attempts to pair international students with
U.S. students who have an interest in having an international roommate.
Residence hall staff participate in special training programs aimed at
increasing cross-cultural sensitivity. International students may also
apply for hall staff positions. Intercultural Life staff members are available to assist international students with personal and academic matters.
Campus Activities and Cultural Events
The weekly Cornell Campus Newsletter, the online master calendar, and
the daily "Today@Cornell'' e-mail broadcast list a variety of lectures, readings,
recitals, concerts, athletic events, theatrical performances, art shows,
and films. Special events include the Music Mondays concert series,
addresses by distinguished scholars from outside the community, concerts
by well-known professional musicians and groups, exhibitions by guest
and campus artists, guest troupes, theatre performances, the annual
Student Symposium, and symposia on important issues in particular
fields. These activities, many sponsored and arranged by LACE (Lecture,
Artists, and Cultural Events), complement numerous athletic events, club
and departmental meetings, social events, residence hall programs, the
activities of more than 60 campus organizations, and events in Cedar
Rapids and Iowa City.
Religious Life and Activities
The Chaplain of the College provides unconditional support and compassionate listening and helps students, faculty, and staff explore and deepen their spiritual identities. Other programming includes interfaith understanding and bridge building, spirituality retreats, ceremonial college functions, ecumenical chapel services, pre-seminary advising, adjunct faculty for the Religion Department (Jewish-Christian Studies), and sustaining Cornell's historic relationship with the United Methodist Church. For more information about spiritual growth opportunities, religious tolerance/dialogue and more, go to http://www.cornellcollege.edu/religious_life.
Student Activities
The Performing Arts and Activities Council (PAAC) is a student organization that plans movies, entertainment, comedy
shows, lectures, special weekend programs, concerts, and various other
recreational activities. Other campus groups also offer
programs and activities designed to meet students' interests and needs.
The Student Activities Office coordinates other campus events including
the clubs and organizations fair, poster sales, Family Weekend, and tickets at discounted
prices to plays, concerts, and games. See our website at http://www.cornellcollege.edu/student_activities.
Media
Opportunities are available for working on the newspaper, the yearbook,
and the radio station. The Cornellian, the student newspaper,
is published three times monthly during the academic year. The
Royal Purple, Cornell's yearbook since 1902, is issued each fall; and Open
Field, a literary magazine, is published each spring. Radio station
KRNL-FM (89.7) broadcasts on-air and online throughout the school year.
National Honor Societies
Alpha Psi Omega, organized in 1925, recognizes excellence in theatre production. Membership in the Alpha Alpha Gamma cast (established in 1988) is open to all students, regardless of major, in recognition of outstanding qualitative and quantitative contributions to Cornell theatre.
Beta Beta Beta, founded in 1922, recognizes excellence in biological sciences. Membership in the Epsilon Iota of Iowa Chapter (established in 1937) is limited to students of superior attainment in biology.
Delta Phi Alpha, founded in 1929, recognizes excellence in the study of German. Membership in the Zeta Tau Chapter (established in 1968) is by invitation to students, both majors and non-majors, who have demonstrated superior ability in advanced-level German courses and who meet the national requirements.
Mortar Board, founded in 1918, is the national senior honor society. Membership in the Torch Chapter (established in 1943) is based on service, scholarship, and leadership. The election of a limited number of juniors most representative of these qualities is held in the second semester of each year.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International was founded in 1902. It promotes "Service to the Student, the School, the Profession and the Community." It is the world's largest law fraternity and was the first admit women. The Cornell College Pre-Law Chapter was established in 2005. Students interested in legal professions are eligible for election.
Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest of the national honorary scholastic societies in the United States, having been founded in 1776. The Delta of Iowa Chapter (chartered at Cornell in 1923) annually elects to membership a small number of juniors and seniors whose academic excellence is attested by a high grade point average and whose choice of courses, especially electives, demonstrates a broad exposure to the liberal arts--the fine arts, the humanities, languages, the natural sciences and mathematics, and the social sciences--as well as substantive work in areas outside the major.
Phi Sigma Tau , a national honor society in philosophy, was founded in 1930;
Cornell's chapter was established in 2004. It aims to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in their work in philosophy and to provide opportunities for philosophical enrichment.
Pi Kappa Lambda, founded in 1918, is dedicated to the furtherance of music education and the encouragement of eminent achievement in performance and composition. Election to the Alpha Gamma Chapter (established in 1948) recognizes excellence in scholarship and musicianship among students of music.
Pi Sigma Alpha, founded in 1920, has as its purpose "to stimulate productive scholarship and intelligent interest in the subject of government.'' Election to the Sigma Psi Chapter (established in 1992) recognizes scholarly attainment in the field of political science.
Psi Chi was founded in 1929 "for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology.'' Election to the Cornell Chapter (established in 1993) recognizes academic excellence in the field of psychology.
Sigma Delta Pi, founded in 1919, recognizes
excellence in the study of Spanish. Election to the Tau Omicron Chapter (established in 1994) is open to both majors and non-majors who have demonstrated superior ability in advanced-level Spanish courses.
Campus Recreation
Mountaineering, hiking, fencing, weightlifting, dancing, and badminton are included in the vibrant array of recreational activities at Cornell. Competitive club sport experiences are offered in coed ice hockey, ultimate Frisbee, and men’s and women’s lacrosse. Also, the Office of Campus Recreation coordinates a steady schedule of fun and semi-competitive intramural events, fitness and wellness activities, and spirit support. Recreational facilities at Cornell include the Roe Howard Fitness Center in The Commons; the Meyer Strength Training Facility and various fitness machines, an arena with several multi-purpose courts, and four racquetball courts in the Small Multi-Sport Center; and several open play fields, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court outdoors.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Cornell College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) and as such, students may not receive athletically-related financial assistance. Cornell offers nine women’s sports: Fall (cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball); Winter (basketball, indoor track); Spring (outdoor track, softball). The 10 men’s sports include: Fall (cross country, football, soccer); Winter (basketball, indoor track, wrestling); Spring (baseball, golf, outdoor track, tennis). Members of the IIAC include Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
Athletic Philosophy
Intercollegiate athletics provide a unique and valuable learning experience in the context of Cornell’s educational program. These programs contribute significantly to the development of the individual student and the enrichment of the college community overall. They provide excellent opportunities for growth, self-realization, and fulfillment of personal potential. At Cornell, the athletics program exists for the educational benefit of students and not for the sake of individual or institutional publicity, prestige, or profit.
Specifically, Cornell's athletics programs are designed to:
- support student-athletes in their efforts to reach high levels academic and athletic performance;
- affirm the highest standards of teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play, and ethical conduct;
- provide equitable athletic opportunities for males and females and give equal emphasis to men’s and women’s sports;
- promote an environment that values diversity and gender equity among student athletes and athletics staff
Athletic Eligibility
Eligibility for students participating in intercollegiate athletics is determined by regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, as well as by the academic regulations of Cornell College. Participation includes practicing and traveling with the team, and competing in intercollegiate events.
To be eligible to represent Cornell College in intercollegiate athletics, a student must:
- be enrolled as a full-time student at Cornell College and be making satisfactory progress toward a degree, as defined by the College.
- Cornell requires that a full-time student be enrolled for a minimum of eight terms in each academic year. Seniors may be less than full-time in their final semester only, but must be enrolled for at least the number of terms needed to complete their graduation requirements.
Full-time enrollment is further defined as enrolled for a minimum of three course credits (12 semester hours) during the fall semester (Terms One through Four) in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics during any or all of those terms, or enrolled for a minimum of four term credits (16 semester hours) during the spring semester (Terms Five through Nine) in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics during any or all of those terms. Senior athletes who complete her or his final course during the Fall semester, and participate in a winter sport, may need to apply for an NCAA waiver to complete the winter sports competition season. These seniors should meet with the Director of Athletics for more NCAA compliance information.
Questions concerning eligibility should be addressed to the Director of Athletics and, if they involve registration or satisfactory progress, to
the Registrar.
Athletic Eligibility Appeal Process
Students who have been ruled ineligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics may appeal such a ruling to the Academic Standing Committee. Similarly, exceptions to Cornell College's athletic regulations may be granted by the Academic Standing Committee for compelling reasons. Students should petition as early as possible on forms available from the Registrar's Office. All such petitions must be signed by the Director of Athletics, the student's coach, and the student's academic advisor.
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