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wELCOME TO MY FIRST
column in Cornell Alumni
Magazine. I look forward to
sharing my thoughts and observations
about the University, and to getting your
feedback about the issues raised.
 One of the most difficult aspects of
the presidency in a large research university
is getting personally engaged
with the students and understanding
their experience within the broader university
context. For that reason,my wife,
Professor Robin Davisson, and I have
focused during our first few months on
getting to know students on their own
turf. In addition, we hoped to gain an
understanding of the role the living-learning communities on
North Campus and West Campus play in the undergraduate
experience. I am convinced that the living-learning concept is a
robust one and is important for the quality of the student experience--
and that we should continue to strengthen it.
Robin and I moved into Mary Donlon Hall on North Campus
for a week at the beginning of the fall semester to meet our
fellow first-year students, and we've experienced the living-learning
environment for sophomores and upper-level students as
house fellows at the Carl Becker House on West Campus. I've also
visited some of the program houses, where students explore a particular
intellectual, cultural, or creative interest.
Recognizing Cornell's long-standing tradition of including
students in university governance, I've asked Vice President Susan
Murphy to arrange periodic meetings with student leaders as well
as open sessions to which all students are invited.We had our first
open session recently, hosted by the Student Assembly, with excellent
give and take. Finally, the editors of the Daily Sun invited me
to write a monthly column, which I have used to explore what I
hope are thought-provoking topics.
From these undertakings, I have formed some early conclusions
about the student experience at Cornell. First, the bright,
highly motivated students here expect to receive not only a superb
pedagogical experience but also to participate in real research, creative
work, and public service directed by faculty mentors. Second,
first-year students greatly appreciate the opportunity to enter our
large community within smaller groupings. Third, Cornell students
are hungry to be involved in shared governance of the University
and have a clear expectation of meaningful interchange.
All these student appetites are fed by our living-learning communities.
The idea for faculty participation
in residential life began during
the administration of Frank
Rhodes. It grew and matured under
the leadership of Hunter Rawlings
and is now a thriving part of the Cornell
culture. Some 720 undergraduates
live in the residential houses on
West Campus; 1,800 will live there
when all five houses are completed.
Not only does our system permit students
to experience Cornell within
communities of manageable size and
scope, it also permits undergraduates
to become closer to graduate students,
faculty fellows, and faculty-inresidence.
The system encourages mentoring in curricular and
many other areas, a chance to meet role models, and an opportunity
to challenge and be challenged on the entire gamut of academic
and worldly issues. It also provides meaningful opportunities
to be involved in house governance.
Many of our fraternities and sororities are also engaging faculty
fellows as well as recent graduates and graduate students to
serve as mentors within the houses and work closely with chapter
and Greek council leaders. I hope the interest in faculty
involvement and in the integration of living and learning will
come more fully to characterize Greek life on campus.
Recently, as you may be aware, there has been quite a discussion
about housing for transfer students. Each year about 500 students
transfer to Cornell. I was a transfer student myself as an
undergraduate, beginning my studies at UCLA and finishing my
baccalaureate degree at Northwestern, so I am sympathetic to the
special interests and concerns of these students. About 200 students
currently live in the Transfer Center on West Campus, which
will be relocated temporarily to the Hasbrouck Apartments next
year because of West Campus construction. As we move forward
with the West Campus Residential Initiative, I will continue to listen
closely as staff and students work together to integrate transfers
into the West Campus houses while continuing to provide the
support and services the current Transfer Center provides.
I welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions about
the living-learning communities and other aspects of the student
experience at Cornell. Please contact me through CAM or by
sending a note or e-mail to me at 300 Day Hall.
-- David Skorton
david.skorton@cornell.edu |
