Office of the Assemblies

Dear Juliana,<br /> <br />Thank you for sharing SA Resolution 19: Transfer Option and First Year Spring Admits Newsletter.

Dear Juliana,<br /> <br />Thank you for sharing SA Resolution 19: Transfer Option and First Year Spring Admits Newsletter. I appreciate the Student Assembly’s interest in duly welcoming newly admitted freshmen and transfer students and working closely with prospective students who have been encouraged to reapply to Cornell under the terms of the Transfer Option (TO) program.<br /> <br />The Undergraduate Admissions Office, Cornell’s undergraduate colleges and schools, and the many offices represented on the New Students website work collaboratively to communicate with newly admitted freshmen and transfer students, reflecting Resolution 19’s request for materials to be sent to these students as soon as possible at the discretion of the colleges. These offices already frequently communicate with these different populations of students in different ways with targeted messages for their particular interests and needs.<br /> <br />For admitted students, the university has a robust communication stream in place that provides students with a wide-range of information about the university, academic programs, student life, and the numerous ways to engage in the community as a Cornell student. The vast majority of communication with admitted students occurs online (quite often, via a mobile device). In particular, the admitted student website, CUontheHill network, and New Students website provide valuable information for both admitted and enrolling students. Student-to-student engagement on the CUontheHill private social network has proven to be a particularly popular way for admitted students to connect with other Cornell students and future classmates. <br /> <br />Because requirements for the Transfer Option vary by program for the students who have been encouraged to reapply, Cornell’s undergraduate colleges and schools work directly with students to communicate deadlines, clarify requirements, and facilitate the reapplication process. The communication method varies by college with some students experiencing individualized advising while others participate in social networking platforms like Chatter. The focus of the communication is on assisting students in meeting the requirements of the Transfer Option. The colleges/schools are careful to tailor their communications since some TO candidates will not end up enrolling at Cornell. It is a delicate balance of encouraging students to complete the reapplication process while acknowledging that the terms of the agreement must be met in order to successfully enroll at Cornell.<br /> <br />I know that the admissions offices on campus are always looking for student ambassadors to work with prospective and admitted students. I hope you will consider joining the efforts in your home college and perhaps offering to help enhance communication with admitted students. <br /> <br />Jason Locke, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment, and Sarah Jones, from New Students Programs office, will contact student assembly leaders in the new year to set up a meeting to discuss further. Please let Jason know who is the best person to contact to arrange this meeting; he is copied on this email.<br /> <br />Again, thank you for your concern for admitted students and students hoping to successfully enroll through the TO program. Our efforts would not be successful without the support of current Cornell students.<br /> <br />Sincerely,<br /> <br />Elizabeth Garrett