Dear Mr. Warm,
Most of the letters I've received about Sage indicate that it's an imperfect but popular dining hall!  I appreciate your comments, and passed your letter on to Leslie Selover in Cornell Dining, who in turn said she'd share it with the Sage manager.  Cornell Dining does recognize Sage's temperature and traffic problems, and is looking for ways to improve.  Leslie told me the idea of a revolving door has already been looked into, but rejected due to
structural problems. As you suggest, the problems at Sage do seem to be deeply rooted. This may all become a moot point in the future, since it looks like Sage may be closed if a new dining facility opens on campus.
        Although it may be too late, it's an interesting idea for a student to do a research thesis (or project) on Sage, but I'll turn that one over to my readers.  Anyone interested?

Uncle Ezra   

Dear '88,
Once you've spent four years above Cayuga's waters, you'll always carry a piece of it with you.  Cornellians are ubiquitous in this country, including Massachusetts -- so you needn't feel too lonely!
        However, making a new start can be difficult.  The academic world is very different from the "Real World".  At Cornell, there are many people all sharing a common experience, building a common background.  Meeting people was easier because you not only worked and studied with others, you also lived, ate, and entertained with other students.  The work world, however, does not as easily provide these social opportunities, particularly since one doesn't typically live with one's colleagues.  Of course, colleagues are still a great source of new contacts, so try to get to know them better.  Also, get involved in activities in your new location -- join a health center, take classes, get involved in a club or political group, volunteer somewhere;  these are all ways to establish new contacts with others who share something in common.  Remember, you had what it takes to make friends at Cornell, and you've still got it!
        And by the way, Cornell misses you too...come visit, alumnus!

P.S  I'm glad you like this column. Lots of thought, time, and effort go into it.  Thanks for the encouragement.

Uncle Ezra   

Hey Jude,
That rumor is now a fact.  Harry MacPherson, Director of Construction Management tells me the gorge path next to the Performing Arts Center has been completely rebuilt.  It is 8 feet wide, all asphalt, and has a new railing.  No green girders and granite steps.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear PCWPC?
I appreciate your speaking up and asking questions about a situation you're uncomfortable with. I shared your letter with Lee Snyder, Director of Human Resources, 130 Day Hall, to get his comments. You'll be glad to know there IS something you can do. Here's what he said:


        "The decision was made many years ago by Cornell University to be a participating employer in the community United Way campaign.  In addition, the University also agreed that they would not participate or allow solicitation on campus for any other charity except the United Way.
        "This assured that employees would not be badgered by a proliferation of charities, and if they so chose they could make a contribution to United Way which covers a variety of charitable organizations.  Also, the convenience of payroll deduction make giving less painful than a direct donation.
        "Therefore, in order to establish payroll deductions, certain information must be contained on the card such as social security number and office address in order for the information to be processed by Payroll. The cards are generated by the University and individuals at the United Way office do not see the card unless the individual employee fills out the information and turns the card in to their appropriate United Way worker from Cornell.  Therefore, if an individual does not want the United Way to receive any information, they simply could destroy the card."
          I also talked staff at the United Way, who wanted to assure the Cornell community that no permanent record is kept by Cornell regarding the amount of donations or the names of people who choose to participate. They said any concerns could be taken up with Keith Kennedy, Campaign Chair for Cornell, at 3104 Snee Hall, or with Melissa Siegel at The United Way Office of Tompkins County, 313 N. Aurora St., 272-6286.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Ernest,
Congratulations in advance on your possible employment at Cornell. I hope it all works out for you. You're wise to check out and take advantage of all the benefits available to you.
        First let me tell you about a publication that will give you more details about this and other employment-type questions: the Personnel Manual.  It has all sorts of helpful information, complete with names and numbers to call. Every office at Cornell has one.




        The word about taking classes is that regular, nonacademic employees are eligible to take 4 credits per semester for free.  Now for some of the fine print:


        1.  It's on a space-available basis, with permission of your supervisor, department head, and instructor.
        2.  The 4 credits include audits as well as real credit.
        3.  Employee participation is limited to courses offered through the Extramural Office (B-12 Ives, 255-4987). The courses need not directly relate to your job.
        4.  A new employee (like you) must have started work before the beginning of the academic term.
        You also might check out the Employee Degree Program. This is described in detail in the Personnel Manual, and Judy Atcheson, Manager of Training and Development (107 Day Hall, 255-6326) is available to answer questions and assist you. In this program, Cornell foots the entire tuition for undergraduate degrees and a good chunk of it for graduate programs. To become involved you must go through Cornell's regular admission process etc.) and become accepted into a degree program, meeting all its entry requirements. You must have one year of regular full-time employment at Cornell under your belt. In this program your course of study must relate to your job/career. One roadblock here is working out your schedule and release time from work, so permission of your supervisor is required.
        Don't be put off by all the legwork and red tape these two programs involve. It will take some time and energy, but I think you'll find the rewards to be more than worth it!  Good luck.

Uncle Ezra