Dear Lonely,

Yes, I have heard this many times before.  It took years upon years to develop the bonds and comfort you have with your family and friends from home.  It's difficult to replicate those connections in a few short weeks, especially with all the other stuff that is expected of you.

The excitement of the honeymoon is over and now it is time to get down to business, yet you haven't been around long enough to find your soulmates.  People do generally get more connected as time goes on.  As you sift through all the new people you come in contact with, you find those few bright shining stars who you really relate to, just as you did in high school.  It is heartening to hear that you have experience with good healthy relationships.  That is a sign that you will be able to find new people to connect with. 

This is only the first of many transitions that you will go through in life. Try to make the best of it by focusing on what you do have, following up with those people who seem to be on the same wavelength as you, and keeping in touch with your old buddies for support in the meantime.

Joining clubs is a first good step.  Paying attention to members who you "click" with is next.  Then ask them to get together to study, or for a meal, etc.  also, pay attention to those on your floor or classes who are also looking for someone to connect with.

If you think that it would help to talk to someone supportive, who can help you come up with possible solutions try EARS.  Free, confidential counseling service.  No appointment needed, just call 607=255-EARS or stop in their office on the second floor of Willard Straight Hall any day 3 - 11 PM.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Truth Seeker,

You’re not the first to wonder this, so let’s see what CIT FAQs says on the eternal question of “Can the RedRover Wi-Fi signal be blocked in my classroom?”

“The . . . effective method for sequestering communication access is by utilizing a software package on the client computer in the classroom. This is because other Wi-Fi services of both infrastructure and ad-hoc types exist, along with cellular carrier service providing both data and voice, which are controlled and operated by third parties that continue to operate and be accessible from the classrooms even if the RedRover service is off. This availability generally defeats the purpose of having RedRover turned off in the classroom . . .”

More confused than ever, Your Uncle turns to Shane Hutchinson, the Classroom AV Technologies Manager for CALS and Mann Library, who clears things up as follows:

“David L. Call Alumni Auditorium in Kennedy Hall does NOT currently have any dedicated wireless reception. There are dedicated Ethernet (wired) connections in the room for teaching, but not for audience members. Often, audience members are able to receive a weak Red Rover (CIT) wireless signal bleeding in from the neighboring Trillium dining facility, but this signal is not reliable and connections are often dropped.  This may be the source of confusion.”

So, when your class in Call Aud is over, head for the wi-fi hot-spotted Trillium.  Choose a healthful salad or a nutritious cup of soup.  Find a quiet table and check Dear Uncle Ezra (www.ezra.cornell.edu) for this answer.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Sincerely Excited,

The roster for Spring 2012 is available now at http://courses.cornell.edu/courses.cornell.edu. Look right in the center of the page under Courses, Classes and Exams > Time/Room Rosters.  In general the next semester's roster (in this case spring 2012) is usually posted about 2-3 weeks before the first pre-enrollment period begins.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Check-less,

Contact Julie Paige, JPL10, the new director of Cornell Off-Campus Housing Program.  She can give you information about how to communicate with your landlord and what legal rights you have.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Repentant,

How refreshing to hear that you remember your errant ways and want to make good, even if a long time has passed.  I don't see you as weird at all. 

Yes, by all means, write to your professors, remind them of what transpired and let them know that you are not only sorry for the way that you acted, but that it has been weighing heavy on your mind all of this time.  They may remember or not, but the important thing is that you will be addressing something that is bothering you.  It will also be a message to them that although some students may seem disrespectful or difficult at times, in time they grow up and become more self-aware and responsible for their actions.

Uncle Ezra   

Thanks for your input.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Jammer,

Great idea!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Following your Dreams,

I suggest checking in the Design and Environmental Analysis major in Human Ecology or in one of the Computing majors.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Culinary Artist,

Checking with Kathy L.S. Mix in the School of Hotel Administration’s Office of Student Affairs, the following is learned:

“The course you’re inquiring about—the one for non-hotel students—no longer exists. The only course now is HADM 2360, primarily for Hotel students, and you will need instructor permission.  Rupert Spies is the lead instructor for this class.  If he agrees, you will need to have him sign an add/drop form and return it to your registrar for them to enter you in the class.”

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Student,

Do your best at all times. Be kind to all that you come in contact with, as well as with yourself.  Appreciate what you have and what you can do.  Be thankful for the resources and people around you. Follow your dreams and passions.

Think outside the box and make your mark in a way that makes a positive difference in the world.  Too many students fall into the trap of spending their years in high school doing what others tell them to do and taking courses to get into a specific school that they deem "worthy."  Then they end up in college not knowing what is important to them, what they value or why they are there.

Use your summers to explore your dreams, find your mentors and follow your interests.  Cornell, or any college, is not a goal to achieve in itself, but a means to an end.  Set your sights on where you want to be after college and when you are ready to look for colleges you will find one that best meets your needs.

Uncle Ezra