Dear Terry,

There has never been an outdoor swimming pool at Cornell, but the question of having one has been a popular topic these days. Although it seems an extremely unlikely possibility, there is talk of buses to beautiful and popular swimming spots in Ithaca like Treman State Park, only a few miles away.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Student,

With elections quickly approaching, a course like this would definitely be of use and quite interesting.

Professor Richard Bensel of the Government department would recommend two courses: Government 3082- American Political Campaigns or Government 6461- Public Opinion.  Note, that 6461 is a graduate level course, so you will need to contact the professor and ask for approval to enroll in this course if you are an undergrad.

The course descriptions for these two courses are listed below.

American Political Campaigns: This course focuses on political campaigns, a central feature of American democracy. We will examine how they work and the conditions under which they affect citizens’ decisions. The course looks at campaign strategies and attributes of candidates, as well as how and whether they affect key outcomes such as the decision to turn out, who to vote for, and whether to spend money and volunteer time helping favored candidates win.

Public Opinion: This course provides an introduction to the vast literature devoted to public opinion. We will survey the major theoretical approaches and empirical research in the field of political behavior, although we will touch on participation and voting only in passing.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Reader,

All of the points you make are correct and justified.  It does seem a bit counter-intuitive to ask students to select and schedule courses before official course descriptions are available to students. However, there doesn’t seem to be much that can be changed with this process.

After speaking with a member of the university registrar again, their answer is still the same.  According to them, “It is a process, and the 2012-2013 course catalog will be available around June 20^th.” Additionally, they stated that students should do their best when scheduling courses, knowing that they can always add/drop courses in the beginning of the semester.

Try to do the best with the information that’s available to you.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Frozen in Time,

The Ice Carnival tradition began in 1905 and remained a staple of Junior Week festivities for decades. It often included choreographed skating, ice sculpture contests, music, games, and side shows, and more. Unfortunately, it was at the whims of Ithaca weather, which often meant postponement or cancellation. The tradition ceased during World War II, along with many campus activities, although it appears to have made a brief comeback in 1946. However, the 1947 ice carnival was canceled due to ice conditions and the tradition faded away.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Niece,

The value of adding a minor to your coursework can be a valuable way to gain exposure to a new field of study.  You are able to explore different disciplines without creating a burden of coursework.

Colleges try to create minors that will do just that.  Colleges are always evaluating their minors, and they are adding new ones all the time to meet the needs and demands of students.  The Cornell Daily Sun published an article that discusses the six new minors A&S added this year.  http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/ 2012/01/26/arts-college-adds-six-minors-meet-demand

In fact, just last month Cornell announced the creation of a business minor, which will be available to students in the Class of 2015.  http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/201 2/02/29/university-plans-offer-business-minor

If you feel a new minor should be offered, make it known.  Who knows, the administration may make it happen.  Students have a very strong voice at Cornell.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Reader,

It seems as if your university official confidant was correct. J. Ellen Gainor was the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs for the Graduate School; however, she is no longer in that position. 

For the complete organization chart for the Graduate School, please use the link provided. http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/about-us/org-chart

Lastly, I don't really know what the "J" stands for. 

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Concerned Student,

I can hear how worried you are and am glad to hear that you have not only found a major more suitable to your skills and talents, but have taken the time to focus on learning study skills to improve your ability to be successful.

The advising office in your college will be involved in making the decision about whether you can return to Cornell, so take the opportunity to go to them, before they contact you, http://cals.cornell.edu/current/advising/index.cfm.  You can't hide from them since they see every student's academic record. Being put on academic probation is a possibility, but it gives you the warning that you might need to put in the extra effort and the opportunity to do well next semester and be released from probation.

So take the offensive and make an appointment to see an advisor in the CALS Advising Office to let them know the steps you are taking to straighten things out.  They will see that you are changing things on your own and that will help.  You might also consider taking a course or two this summer, here or at a college near home, so that you can have an easier load next semester/year and focus on really doing well.

As for your athletics team...give some serious thought to whether your participation on the team has hindered your ability to do well or does the exercise and companionship enable you to excel. Also look at your general lifestyle decisions around sleep, nutrition, study habits, alcohol and other substances, etc. to plan a lifestyle that supports success.

Good luck and let me know how things turn out.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Aspiring MD,

According to the Cornell Career Services website, “The Health Careers Evaluation Committee (HCEC) serves Cornellians who apply to the health professional schools that request a university letter of evaluation. It is a comprehensive, written review of the student’s candidacy for the health career of his or her choice.”

Both Cornell faculty and staff serve on the HCEC; however, their names are not released to the public.  This is to ensure that the evaluation is a blind process, similar to those evaluations and interviews that students will encounter during their interviews for health professional schools. Cornell Career Services and the HCEC want to ensure students receive unbiased evaluations and feedback, so students will not be able to select which HCEC member they are matched with.

Good luck on your applications and evaluation!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Guy,

According to the University Counsel, students must receive a professor’s permission to record them before doing so. Similarly, the student must receive the professor’s permission to sell these recordings to TakeNote or any other organization/person.  Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear First Year Student,

There are always challenges on the path to success.  You will not get kicked out of the Engineering School for failing one, one credit course, but you should check in with the advising office to find out what you should do about your situation.  They are very wonderful people who can help with all kinds of challenges. 

Please email one of the advisors, letting them know of your concerns, and they will help you figure out what your next step should be, http://www.engineering.cornell.edu/resources/advising/contact.cfm.

Uncle Ezra