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Dear Uncle Ezra,
Has it ever snowed on Slope Day?
Dear Student,
As far back as I can remember (and that is very far), it has never snowed on Slope Day. It has been cold on some occasions and it has rained, but it has not snowed. There is always a first time for everything, so who knows what may happen this year…
And thanks for the opportunity to share some information about Slope Day from your friends at Gannett Health Services, who all work many hours of overtime, with many too many very drunk and vomiting students who have ruined a perfectly good Slope Day by drinking so much all they have to remember it by is a huge headache and a huge bill from being transported to the ER.
So to ensure a happy slope Day follow these simple tips:
Health@Cornell: End of the Year Edition
You’re in the final stretch, and soon you’ll be measuring the arrival of summer break in terms of days instead of weeks. Sustaining momentum can be hard and we suspect you’re ready for an added boost so that you can finish the year strong.
At Your Service: Gannett is open late on Slope Day (8:30 am to 9 pm)
A giant concert on the lawn is a great way to mark the end of spring semester classes—it’s your chance to blow off steam, connect with friends, enjoy music, and (with luck) soak up some sunshine and fresh air. Slope Day has been a Cornell tradition since the 1970s. Experience tells us that taking a few precautionary steps will help you get most out of your experience:
Did You Know: Size matters
Whether they come in bottles, cans, or cups, counting the number of beers you ‘ve had is generally straightforward, which makes it easy to keep your BAC in check. Liquor (hard alcohol) is trickier, due to varying ideas of “serving sizes.” In fact, students are often shocked to learn that what they consider to be one drink is actually the equivalent of 4-5 (yes, that many drinks can fit into just one red Solo cup!). Just 1.5 ounces of liquor (a standard shot) counts as a drink. It’s no wonder most alcohol emergencies are linked to hard alcohol. Knowing what’s in your cup makes a big difference at parties and on Slope Day—the difference between “catching a buzz” and needing emergency transport. Don’t miss the music: if you drink alcohol, know what’s in your cup.
Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra,
My sister who attends in school in California had been dating someone for six months before they broke up due to the guy's verbal abuse. Then a couple weeks ago, my mother informed me that they're dating again. While I was annoyed, I thought the choice should be my sister's so I did not protest too much. But then today, my sister told me that she did not wish to talk to her boyfriend because he had made her upset and it seemed that they were no longer going out. So I told her to tell her boyfriend how she felt. A few minutes later, she texted me his reply which basically said that he is going to destroy the life she knew and that he was going to make her life into hell.
I got really scared reading this text and recommended that she call the police. My friend informed me that in NY there is such a thing as aggravated harassment and that this text fall under the category. However, it seems that California does not have such a harassment law and the police told my sister that while the detective may try to investigate this case, there's nothing they can really do.
I'm really afraid that he will harm my little sister, and since her boyfriend is a law student, I believe he can really use the law on his side. My mom I think is torn because he really likes him, but he has threatened my sister multiple times previously. Do you have any recommendations? I'm just scared that he might progressively become physically violent. :'(
Dear Concerned Sister,
It is great that you have reached out for some support for yourself and your sister, it sounds like you have good reason to be worried for her safety. I would highly recommend that you and/or your sister do a google search for the domestic violence agency in her particular area of CA. They will be able to answer questions about local laws and what her options are in that area. They do have family court domestic violence restraining orders available in CA so I would strongly encourage your sister to explore that option. Family courts have different options for issuing protective/restraining orders than criminal courts do, so she may be able to get a non-harassing family court order even if she doesn’t want to file criminal charges. Again, her local domestic violence agency would be able to answer all of her (or your) questions about this. They will likely have a hotline you can call for support as well, or you could call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. There is also a website affiliated with the hotline that can give you some helpful information, which you can visit at: http://www.thehotline.org/
It can be difficult for someone like your sister to separate from a partner that has been verbally abusive and threatening. There are a lot of emotions that can arise that can cloud a persons judgement, so please try and be patient and supportive of your sister and where she is at in her process. This can be difficult for family members who just want their loved one to move on quickly so they will be safer. Relationships are rarely that cut and dry, and when you add violent and harassing behavior to that it becomes even more confusing and scary.
If you would like some support locally for yourself to help you best support your sister you can call the Advocacy Center here in Ithaca. They have a 24/7/365 hotline which can be reached at 607-277-5000 and you can call anonymously if you prefer. Their website is
www.theadvocacycenter.org Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DUE,
In response to question 2 on Nov 3rd regarding grocery stores near campus, there is actually a proposal to put a grocery store in collegetown. If you think you would use such a grocery store you should fill out this survey by the city. If enough people suggest they will use it perhaps a grocery store in collegetown may become a reality. Please email or call Ithaca city council members to express your opinions!
Dear Student,
According to their website, “DesignConnect is a multidisciplinary, student‐run, community design organization based at Cornell University.” One of their current projects is researching, gathering/analyzing data, and making decisions regarding a grocery store a Collegetown.
According to the site below, the survey took place at the end of March. The team in charge of this project is currently analyzing the survey data and hopes to make a final proposal at the end of the semester. Stay tuned to their website for the final proposal.
http://www.designconnectcornell.com/?cat=22 Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra,
There was a class last semester which, instead of a final, had a four-person-group project. However, the professor made my friend do this final project alone. My friend was unable to complete the work of four people in the same amount of time, failed the project, and failed the class as a result. Unfortunately, this caused him to be sent on a mandatory leave of absence this semester (which he might not return from due to extenuating circumstances). My question is this: Generally speaking, how much freedom do professors have in terms of assigning different students different quantities of work? Is it at all regulated, or can professors pretty much do whatever they want in their own classes?
Thanks!
Dear Good Friend,
It is so nice to hear your concern for your friend. Generally speaking, professors have a huge amount of freedom in setting their curriculum, assignments and requirements. But there are also sound educational standards that are outlined in the faculty handbook and encouraged by department heads and deans of the colleges. The Cornell Center for Excellence in Teaching also holds numerous workshops to help faculty access their practices and content.
It is really too bad that your friend didn't go to the department head or ombudsman with this concern right after it happened. Due to confidentiality, there really isn't much you can do now.
I urge students to first contact the professor to discuss issues that they consider unfair. If that doesn't help, please contact the department head or the ombudsman. Here you can read a great article published this month in the Cornell Daily Sun, relating the services of the Cornell Ombudsman's Office, http://cornellsun.com/node/51377.
"Walcott said he sees about 300 staff, faculty and students each year who bring a wide range of issues — including grading, administration concerns, disagreements between people and personnel complaints — to his office."
Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DUE, I was in Mann Library last week and was horrified to watch as one of the custodians emptied several blue recycling bins right into the trash. Is this the standard practice at Cornell? What is the point of even having the recycling bins if things aren't being recycled? Has all my careful sorting of trash and recyclable goods been in vain?
Dear Student,
Please do not feel that your and the Cornell community’s recycling efforts are in vain. Cornell has a number of sustainability efforts currently in place, so don’t feel as if nothing is being done.
A member of the Facility Services team stated, “Here at R5 Operations we strive to recycle everything possible, be it through “Single Stream” (paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, and more) all in one bin, or keeping scrap metal, clean wood, tires, electronics, lamps and more out of the landfill by sending them to vendors in order to be recycled responsibly. Unfortunately we can’t capture it all. I feel we have a very good track record, but there is always room for improvement. Educating the people being the most important.
As far as the Mann Library incident, possibly a new custodian, or the bins were contaminated by trash. Again, education.
Please let the student know that their recycling efforts are not in vain.”
Continue to recycle, and tell your friends to do the same. For more information about Cornell’s effort to recycle and create a sustainable environment, please visit this website: http://r5.fs.cornell.edu/. Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra, I'm an international freshman who will be going home over the Summer and have a lot of stuff that I can't possibly take back with me but also wish to keep for the next academic year. Also, I will be volunteering for the PREPARE program so I need to be back to retrieve my things before August 13th.
I have heard rumors of a storage place on campus available to students for a fee. Do you happen to know where it is and whether or not I will be able to retrieve my things from the storage in early August before the semester begins?
Yours sincerely, Overseas freshman
Dear Overseas Freshman,
Big Red Shipping and Storage, is a business run by undergraduate students for the past 15 years. They would be your best regarding storing your belongings over the summer. Once they have your belongings, you can access them at any time. You can even schedule an appointment and they will deliver them to you.
The link to their website is below.
https://www.bigredboxes.com/ Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hello, I am current a freshman engineer at the risk of receiving C- in a math course. I'm already not in good standing with the university from first semester (below 2.0 GPA and less than 12 credits). Should I drop the course with a "Withdraw" on my record? If I drop, I will also not be in good standing with the university.
Dea Engineer,
Please see an advisor in the Engineering College right away. They will work with you to figure out how to deal with this difficult decision as well as help you get back on track for the future. Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 8 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra,
Do you know who makes the playlists for the Teagle weight room. I was there the other day and the music was amazing, it was mostly classic rock like The Who and Supertramp. I would really like to get my hands on the other track listings too as I happen to be looking for some music while studying for finals.
Thanks, music junkie
Dear Music Junkie,
Cornell Fitness Center contract with Muzak, who provided all of the music you hear in each of the gyms. They send cds in every month, which can only be played on a proprietary player. They expire after a month, meaning the cd will no longer work.
You can visit their website, and scroll to the bottom of the page. Click on “What’s Playing Now,” and you should be able to see a list of the music they are currently putting out. Some of the tunes should help you focus for finals week.
http://www.muzak.com/ Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 9 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Uncle Ezra,
I'm a rising junior who has a housing assignment in North Campus for next year, which I'm not too happy with. I'm planning on submitting a room change request form once I arrive back on campus. How often are these requests granted? I really wouldn't like to be walking a mile and a half, again, to my classes for a whole year.
Dear Student,
I really don't know how often room changes are granted or under what circumstances. I know that the time it takes to walk to class is time that you are not studying or being with friends, but it is very important to remember the value of a good long walk. Walking is built-in exercise and therefore something that you can't skip or forget to do.
Walking outside and breathing fresh air is extremely important for good health and vitality as well as emotional and mental health regulation. One of the best remedies for emerging depression is regular exercise. Sometimes changing your perception is the best fix for something that isn't otherwise changeable. With every walk to and from central campus remember how much healthier you are and how much better your brain with work after you exercise your body and increase the levels of endorphins in your brain. Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 10 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra,
After years of poor dietary habits, I've decided to work towards a healthier lifestyle. I've recently discovered the oh-so-tasty Garden Burger at Nasties. Any clue about the nutritional information and ingredients of the patty?
-Happy and Healthy
Dear Happy and Healthy,
We love the Garden Burger, too, but we really prefer the name Bear Necessities! You can find the nutritional information on the garden burger patty product at the following link: http://www.drpraegers.com/California-Veggie-Burgers-P127.aspx# Happy eating. Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 11 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra,
I took wines last semester and failed the course (pass/fail). Now I am taking a German class pass fail and I am wondering whether failing this course would not allow me to graduate. I do not need these credits to count towards graduation credits.
Dear Student,
Based on the information you have provided, you would still be able to graduate. As long as you have enough course credits and have met all of the other graduation requirements set by your college.
I should mention, if you fail a course, you will not be able to graduate with distinction.
As always, if you have any other questions about graduating, I strongly urge you to speak with your academic advisor. Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 12 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Whats the policy on retaking class (in arts and sciences?)
From what I understand, I can retake any class I want - but I would receive no credit for it and it wouldn't count towards my semester credits. The new grade would be averaged into my gpa however, and it would show that I mastered the material.
The reason I ask is that I received low grades in my intro biology classes. However now that I'm older (and have other taken upper level bio classes) the information I didn't know at the time seems extremely easy, and would not take up much of my time.
Do you think it's worth retaking some classes if this is the case? They would simply be refresher courses for me at this point - and I wouldn't mind having both grades (old, and new) on my transcript...
Dear Student,
You have stated the policy on retaking courses correctly. You do not receive credit for these courses and they would not apply toward your semester credits. However, the grade would be applied to your overall GPA.
One thing to note, you must petition your dean for approval to retake any courses. I would suggest speaking with your academic advisor to see if this is the best idea for you, and if so, how to begin the petitioning process. Uncle Ezra - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Question 13 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Uncle Ezra,
Where is Taverna Banfi?
Dear Student,
Taverna Banfi is located on the second floor of the Statler Hotel. If you would like to dine at this fine establishment one night, you can use the link below to make a reservation.
http://www.tavernabanfi.com/index.cfm Uncle Ezra |
