Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cornell University

One of the core values of Cornell University is valuing diversity and inclusion. Co-creating a caring, safe, and equitable community where students, staff, and faculty from varied backgrounds and experiences, thrive in the fertile terrain of respect and responsibility. Cornell’s framework on belonging follows a data-centric and metrics-oriented approach. The accountability structure tracks five metrics: Sense of belonging, Sense of fairness, and Willingness to recommend Cornell, along with two compositional metrics, Diverse candidate pools, and Turnover rates for faculty and staff. Cornell upholds these principles through programs and initiatives.

The host of progressive student initiatives advocates for a campus celebrating diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. Our History | Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (cornell.edu)

Office of Academic Diversity Initiative (OADI):

Cornell University acts as a central hub, offering academic and professional development support and resources to undergraduate students who are traditionally underrepresented and underserved in higher education. The advisors meet students and support their academic as well as personal well-being. By understanding the unique needs of the students, the advisors utilize best practices in the field of advising by drawing from theories and approaches such as Appreciative Advising, Strengths-Based Advising, and Proactive Advising.

OADI has designed various programs to support the engagement, development, and success of undergraduate students to build and enhance their efficacy.

Signature Programs

Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honors Society recognizes the academic achievements of college students in opportunity and access programs. Its purposes are to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication among its members, and honor academic excellence achieved by its students.

Membership Eligibility for Chi Alpha Epsilon (XAE):

Active participation in EOP/HEOP, McNair, Posse, or Pre-Professional Programs (P3).
Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for two consecutive semesters with full-time enrollment.

Has good standing with their college.
Nomination by the director of the affiliated opportunity and access program.
Have at least one semester of attendance remaining before induction in XAE.

All nominated students go through a selection process. They are invited to an information session to receive a presentation, review application materials, and meet current members.

EOP & HEOP (Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Higher Education Opportunity Programs (HEOP) These programs are funded in part by grants from the State University of New York and the New York State Department of Education respectively. If you become a member of these programs, you will provide advising and professional development support for students.

OADI Peer Mentor Program

Launched in the fall of 2021, the peer mentor program appoints 15 students from OADI signature programs (EOP/HEOP, Pre-Professional Programs (P3), OADI Research Scholars (ORSP), and McNair Scholars) as mentors to 15 first-year or transfer student mentees. This program focuses on connecting those seeking access to opportunities and resources through identity-informed community building. The program enables peers to serve as role models, teach and reinforce success skills through individual and group-based programming, and cultivate leadership skills for both mentors and mentees.

If you wish to be a mentee, you must be enrolled in the first year or as a transfer student. You have to be passionate about taking full advantage of the OADI community to empower yourself. Respect the community and effectively engage with your mentee to make it a successful partnership.

Cornell’s McNair Program is for first-generation college students with high financial needs or members of a traditionally underrepresented group in graduate education. This is an excellent program that supports students to become competitive applicants to graduate school.

OADI Research Scholars Program (ORSP) ORSP provides first-year students in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP) the opportunity to dive into the research process in a supportive environment. Students receive financial assistance, support, guidance, mentorship, and training. ORSP positions students as highly competitive applicants for enriching summer research projects with Cornell faculty members, though opportunities are not guaranteed.

OADI programs especially support low-income students, those who are the first in their families to achieve a college degree, under-represented students of color, and non-traditional students.

Signature Programs | Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (cornell.edu)

Knowing about Cornell’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through the various programs will strengthen your understanding of the values of the college. These insights are important for every applicant to be aware of how colleges and universities are finding different ways to expand diversity and inclusion resources.

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