Program Details

Cornell University

How many tenure-track or tenured faculty -- male/female?

40 total, 36 male, 4 female

How many graduate students-- male/female?

197 total, 164 male, 33 female

How many post doctoral associates - male/female?

Information Unavailable

Is there a family leave policy for graduate students? If so, describe.

The policy allows for two options for childbirth, adoption, foster parenting, or acute child health care issues: 1) a one-year stop the clock unpaid accommodation period during which students continue to have registered student status and access to all services except course enrollment 2) a six-week paid leave for fully-funded students. The policy applies to mothers and fathers regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.

Is there family health insurance for graduate students? If so, is it included in the stipend?

Family health insurance is available but not included in the stipend.

Please describe why someone applying to graduate school who is interested in a female-friendly department should choose your department.

Cornell's physics program is flexible, the faculty and curriculum are broad, and the department is congenial. The women in the department value all of these, but many find that the congenial spirit makes it particularly welcoming. Grad students get together for coffee and grad-to-grad seminars each week, as well as play intramural sports together, organize picnics, and form musical ensembles. The department sponsors a weekly department-wide lunch and pre-colloquium tea that also build connections between faculty, post-docs and students. The breadth and flexibility of the program give students a wide choice in finding an advisor who does exciting research and fosters a comfortable work environment. Several campus projects support women in science. The ADVANCE program, one of 19 such NSF programs nationwide, fosters the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in science and engineering (http://advance.cornell.edu). The Women's Resource Center (http://wrc.dos.cornell.edu) provides general support and has adopted women in science and engineering as a focus.

Has the institution had a Climate for Women in Physics Site Visit or Gender Equity Conversation?

Yes

Updated: June 01, 2011

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