The Office of the Bursar bills students monthly for tuition, fees, and other university-related expenses. In 2005-06, the university had 886 registered student organizations, ranging from kayaking to full-armor jousting, from varsity to club sports, and from a cappella groups to improv theatre. Other student-run groups include Fraternities and sororities, political clubs, and video game clubs. The Office of the Bursar also finances other campus activities, such as the Student Assembly, which is responsible for funding the campus movie theatre.
Unlike most universities, Cornell has its own unique set of rules, such as the admissions and advising processes, and each school confers its own degrees. A student earning a baccalaureate degree from Cornell must pass a swimming test and complete two physical education courses. In addition to the requirements for a baccalaureate degree, students are free to take courses in any college they wish, including the graduate school of their choice. There are also interschool academic departments, which offer courses at more than one college.
The University of Cornell is divided into seven schools. Graduate students enroll in the Graduate School and pursue their degrees in one of the university’s departments. Continuing education and summer sessions provide classes and programs for adult students. Cornell is located on East Hill in Ithaca, New York, on a land area that once comprised twenty-nine acres of Ezra Cornell’s farm. Today, the campus covers 745 acres (2.2 km2) and has several buildings, including a campus center and a library.
Grants are available for students at Cornell who need financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid and Employment administers these programs, which are funded by endowment funds, alumni donors, and general university funds. There is no minimum or maximum amount for these grants, so each student’s eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. While most Cornell scholarship programs require some work, the best option for obtaining financial aid is to apply for the programs that best suit your needs.
The athletics program at Cornell boasts over 1,100 varsity athletes, and an 8,000-square-foot Friedman Strength and Conditioning Center. The center is equipped with world-class athletic equipment and professional training staff. With a reputation for excellence, it is the perfect place to train your athletes. The Kroch Throwing Fields are located east of the track. They feature dual discus circles and hammer circles, and a shared protective cage for throwing events. There are also four long jump pits. The facility is named after Robert J. Kane, ’34, the Dean of Physical Education and Athletics.
While the university is relatively new, its accomplishments are extensive. Alumni include many prominent figures in the public, professional, and corporate world. For example, former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui, former Cuban President Mario Garcia Menocal, and Iranian Prime Minister Jamshid Amuzegar all attended Cornell. The school also helped create the first journalism course at a university. Some notable alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David Starr Jordan, who went on to become the founding president of Stanford University.
Other notable alumni include Christopher Reeve, Jr., whose novel Beloved won a Pulitzer Prize, and Frank Morgan, who wrote the musical “Melee Kalikimaka” for the 1951 film Cinderella. The University also produced many notable musicians, including the band Bad Religion, Peter, Paul and Mary, and composer Steve Reich. In the world of comedy, Cornellians have a great deal of influence. This is just a small sample of the many creative people who graduated from the university.
Admission to Cornell University is extremely competitive. This institution admits fewer than one percent of applicants to its undergraduate programs, and it is a good idea to be very selective if you’re considering applying. You need to be exceptionally strong in academics, have an impressive list of extracurriculars, and be passionate about the subject of study you’re applying to. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2024 is 24%, which is double the national average.
In the early 20th century, Cornell joined the Ivy League with seven traditional rivals. The Ivy League’s philosophy stressed the importance of athletics within a wholesome academic environment. Its presidents took full responsibility for athletic programs, and their meetings were held every two years. However, the Ivy League subsequently dissolved the organization after an allegation that intense physical beatings took place. However, the athletic department is still active, and many students participate in the International Rutabaga Curling Championship.
The Ithaca Campus is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and boasts a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Central Campus is bordered by two gorges that become popular swimming holes in the warmer months. The university also owns the sprawling 2,900-acre (11.7 km2) Cornell Plantations, which are home to numerous trees, ponds, and flowers. The campus offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and manicured trails throughout.