CAMPUS LIFE
The aim of this section is to become better acquainted with the unbelievable amount of resources and opportunities available at Cornell. Housing, organizations, sports, and the arts are all incredibly important features of many undergraduate women’s lives. Academics are, of course, the reason that we’re here, but most of us agree that the college experience is much, much more than just books and classes. It’s really a new life; we have many choices and many ways to divide our time. The trick is to experiment, try new things, and find our place at Cornell.
ORGANIZATIONS AND IDENTITIES AT CORNELL
I have not come into a lot of contact with the women’s community. In fact, most of my friends are male. This is not a reflection of how I would like it to be, but the women with whom I come into contact most are overly interested in image. I know this is not true for everyone, but I think if the women’s community was more widely brought together, this fanatical interest in image would crash (or at least lessen).
—Arts & Sciences ’97
Had I known about the different women’s organizations here earlier, I think my Cornell experience would have been better.
—Arts &Sciences ‘96
No matter what your race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or political cause, Cornell has a group for you. Everyone likes to have a smaller group with which they can identify within our huge school. Please check CUINFO under Student Life to find a club you’re interested in joining. That’s where you’ll find current organizations and student leaders. If you can’t do that, call the permanent faculty advisors. They’ll be happy to help you find your niche in this big school, which has an incredible number of options. Look under Asian American Coalition, College Republicans, Hillel, Impact Dance Troupe, Candid Courses, Arab Club. Whatever the category, you’ll find something.
Cornell Women’s Resource Center
207 Willard Straight Hall, Box #71
255-0015
e-mail: womensresctr-mailbox@cornell.edu
web site: www.arts.cornell.edu/wrc
The Cornell Women’s Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm throughout the academic year, and by appointment. We are located in room 207 of Willard Straight Hall, one floor below the Ivy Room. All programs, services, and events are open to the entire Cornell community. The Cornell Women’s Resource Center is a part of the Office of the Dean of Students and is programmatically funded by the Student Activity Fee.
If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place. -Margaret Mead
Mission
The mission of the CWRC is to foster a more vibrant campus community by supporting the full and active participation of women students in both their personal and educational pursuits at Cornell. The CWRC provides resources, information and referral; programs and events; and advocacy and support.
Our Story
The story of the CWRC is filled with dedication to education, awareness, activism, and change. At the center of it all has been a group of students, women and men, who have recognized the need for a space devoted to serving the needs of women students at Cornell.
The CWRC began in the early 1970s as a student organization. At a time when political awareness was at the center of the women’s movement, the CWRC was active in sponsoring discussions, presentations, and speak-outs. A lending library was established, as well as comprehensive directories of campus and community services.
There have been many recent changes at the CWRC. In the fall of 1998, the CWRC hired its first full-time director, made possible by the support and funding of the undergraduate Student Assembly and the Women’s Studies Program. We have moved to a new office, been able to expand our services, and work with more students than ever before. As of July 2002, the director position is funded through the Office of the Dean of Students; funding for all CWRC programs and events will continue to be provided by the Student Activity Fee. The CWRC is for your use, whether you need resources for a research paper, want help finding a service on campus or in the community, or want to volunteer to plan or participate in programs and events.
Programs and Services
Information and Referral
Interested in getting involved in a women’s or men’s group? Looking for information on upcoming gender-related events or an article on eating disorders? Do you need sources for a paper? Do you need to find out what campus and community resources are available to you? The CWRC provides a safe space to access resources or ask questions. The Center houses information on local and national resources, student organizations, personal issues, and campus-wide concerns.
CWRC Listserv
The CWRC maintains a listserv that posts upcoming events and information about gender-related activities in our area. To take advantage of this resource, send a message to: listproc@cornell.edu. In the body of the message, write: subscribe CWRC-L firstname lastname.
Lending Library
The CWRC Lending Library houses over 1000 books on a variety of topics ranging from women’s health to feminist theory and methodology to multiculturalism to violence against women. In addition, the Lending Library has magazines, topical files, and newspapers. Students, staff, faculty, and community members can check books out for a two-week period. We also appreciate any donations of new or used books.
Forword
Our literary magazine, Forword, provides an opportunity for members of the Cornell community to showcase poetry, short stories, essays, photography, and art. The magazine is published once a year.
Speaker Services
The CWRC staff is available to speak at workshops, trainings, and classes on a variety of issues. Please contact the office for further information.
Programs and Events
The CWRC sponsors and co-sponsors a variety of programs and events throughout the year. These activities are designed to educate and raise awareness about gender-related issues and to promote community among women and men interested in such issues. Recent programs include:
- Women’s Self-Defense and Empowerment Workshops
- Trip to Seneca Falls to learn about the history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement
- Brown-bag lunch series to explore current women’s issues
- International Women’s Day Celebration
- Production of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, The
Vagina Monologues
The programs and events of the CWRC are designed to meet the needs and desires of the Cornell population.
Volunteer Opportunities
The CWRC relies on students to develop programs, provide services, and staff the office. Individual projects are available for those with special interests. Students are also encouraged to apply for a position on the CWRC Advisory Board.
Community Service
The CWRC works to support many local organizations through community service efforts. Please contact the office to find out how to get more involved.
STARTING YOUR OWN ORGANIZATION
It is so satisfying to know that you took your very own idea and made it work. The most wonderful thing of all is to look around a room and see a group of your peers as passionate about your idea as you are.
--- Tiffany Bangs ’95, Founder, Student Wishmakers
If your interests are not satisfied by the already existing Cornell University student organizations, create your own organization. This can be a thoroughly rewarding experience that allows students to meet other people with similar interests, to learn more about a topic outside of a formal academic setting, to introduce the larger Cornell community to an issue which they are concerned about, and, of course, to have fun. With the ever-increasing number of women’s organizations on campus, the women’s community is becoming stronger. A new group is a positive addition to an already diverse and exciting campus.
There is a reasonably short process to complete in order to register a new organization with the university. This process is important because it opens the door for a group to receive funding, to use university property for meetings, special events, and fund raisers, and to grow in members. First, a constitution and bylaws must be created. These set forth the basic purpose, structure, and functioning of the group. There must be a faculty or staff advisor to oversee the organization and at least three student members whose Cornell I.D. numbers must be submitted with the constitution and bylaws. Once these three requirements have been met, the organization needs to submit a Registration of Campus Organizations form to the Student Activities Office in Willard Straight Hall for approval. The new organization will then be added to the Student Organizations web site on CUINFO.
If you are thinking of creating an organization, the Student Activities Office on the fifth floor of Willard Straight Hall (Room 521) has helpful information on how to create a successful group and create a constitution and bylaws. Registration forms are available online at: www.sao.cornell.edu.
Cornell is a big place with a variety of living possibilities. With so many choices, picking the ideal living situation can be a hassle, but hopefully this information will make the decision easier.
On-Campus Housing
For more information about on-campus housing, you can contact Cornell Housing at (607) 255-5368 or housing@cornell.edu.
I loved my dorm freshman year and found it to be an ideal living situation for a first year student. We had just the right number of people on our floor - not too many so that I knew everyone but not too little so that we didn’t have to see each other all of the time. Living on a coed floor was quite an experience, as was the coed bathroom on the floor. Most of my closest friends at Cornell were people I lived with freshman year - I think the things we were experiencing together at the time helped to make us a cohesive group. I lived on campus again sophomore year, this time in the smallest single imaginable. It was a much different experience. I never regretted my decision to move off campus junior year, and I enjoyed the freedom of living away from residence halls.
---Arts & Sciences ‘02
There are three main areas for residence halls: North Campus, West Campus, and Collegetown. All freshmen live in residence halls on North Campus. Upperclass students can live in program houses on North Campus, in traditional residence halls on West Campus, or in Collegetown.
Traditional residence halls have a number of advantages. You are constantly surrounded by people and social opportunities. Resident Advisors (RAs) live on every floor and are paid to help with problems. Every room has an ethernet jack, allowing access to the Cornell Campus Network and the global internet.
North Campus
Living in Balch is wonderful because the women’s community here is strong.
— Arts & Sciences ’97
Robert Purcell Community Center is at the heart of North campus, featuring a dining hall, meeting rooms, game room, and other conveniences. In addition, Appel Commons, a meeting and gathering space, Helen Newman Hall, a large exercise facility, and Fitness North located in Clara Dickson Hall, are all found on North campus. Fuertes Observatory is another great aspect of North Campus, which is great for star gazing on Friday nights. Also, the International Living Center, Ecology House, Ujamaa, Akwe:kon, the Latino Living Center, and the Language House (information on these later in this section) make North Campus a diverse place indeed, with more upperclassmen than West Campus.
The North Campus halls are: Balch, Risley,
Court, Mews, Anna Comstock, Clara Dickson, Mary Donlon, the Townhouses, the
Low-Rises, and the High-Rises. Balch Hall
is an all-women’s first year community,
with a Womyn’s Center and an active Hall Council that often explores issues of
concern to women. It also has a strong faculty program that interacts with the
all women’s team in Balch to produce interactive Women’s Programs.
West Campus
Noyes Community Center is the student center on West Campus, with most of the same amenities that are available at Robert Purcell. West Campus also has a somewhat smaller exercise facility, Fitness West, in Class of ‘28 Hall. Additionally, the Transfer Center is also located on West Campus, in the Class of 1917 Hall.
The Baker and Mennen / Lyon / McFaddin Complex, also known as The Gothics, is the group of Gothic looking buildings on West Campus. Each building is rather small, with men and women separated by floor or section. The University Halls are more modern looking, with approximately 200 undergraduates in mostly double rooms which are coed by adjacent room.
Collegetown
I can roll out of my bed and right in the door of a bagel shop, record store, or clothing boutique. I can hang out at a bar and wander home quickly and safely when I get sick of it. I can even just sit on a street curb for an evening of people-watching and have a great time!
—Engineering ‘96
The two Collegetown residence halls are composed primarily of sophomores and juniors. Cascadilla is the larger residence hall and is coed by adjacent room. Sheldon Court is somewhat smaller, with men and women living on separate corridors.
Special and Residential Program Houses
Cornell is a big place and it may be difficult to find your niche. Don’t forget to try out the Program houses while you’re looking to become a part of a smaller, more comfortable community. Program houses offer a variety of activities and can ease your adjustment into life at Cornell.
---Human Ecology, ‘04
Residential Program Houses let you explore an interest in depth. You live with others who share your interests, developing programs and events with your house. The houses are generally smaller than traditional residence halls, affording a sense of community while giving an opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen area. The following is an overview to give some idea of the character of each house. You should probably visit the program house(s) you find most intriguing for more information.
Akwe:kon, the Native American house, provides a community for any student interested in Native American issues.
The Ecology House focuses on environmental awareness and action.
The Holland International Living Center attracts both undergraduates and graduates from all over the world.
Just About Music (JAM) gives music enthusiasts a place to meet and play.
The Latino Living Center draws together Cornell students interested in Latino cultures.
The Multicultural Living Learning Unit (McLLU) supports and promotes understanding and awareness of ethnic and cultural diversity.
Risley Residential College is the dorm for the creative and performing arts, where students come together in a variety of artistic pursuits.
Ujamaa Residential College focuses on issues facing those of African descent, where residents live by the ideals of collective responsibility and participate in leadership-development programs.
The Language House is in Boldt Hall on West Campus, and gives upperclass students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in one of seven languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Members live in double and single rooms in their target-language sections. Native speaker students also live in the sections, and serve as advisors and activity organizers. Full-members and native speakers must eat dinner together five nights a week. You can also be an associate-member, so that you do not have to attend all dinners and events. Students desiring membership to the program must fill out an application, which is generally due in late February. Some additional openings may become available in the spring semester. For more information, please contact the Language House Program Office at 136 Goldwin Smith Hall, (607) 255-6543.
Cooperative Housing
The Co-op is my home away from home. I really feel like the people there are my family.
—Human Ecology ‘96
Co-ops are somewhat of a medium between dorms and off-campus housing. Residents enjoy meeting new people while living in a very homey, family environment. While most Co-ops are university owned, they are essentially run by students. Each co-op has its own special character, determined both by tradition and by the members of the house in a particular year. Some are all female, some are coed, some have meal plan, some are large, and some are small. The Co-ops inspire a community atmosphere with their communal kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and house chores. The best way to find out about the houses is to visit during the open houses held each spring. You can also contact a Co-op directly for more information. Membership selection is handled by random lottery in each house. You must attend one house tour and one social event to be placed in a lottery. The following provides a quick overview of Cornell owned and Independent Cooperatives.
Cornell Owned Cooperatives
- Prospect of Whitby, 228 Wait Avenue, 257-6651: coed, 20 members in 7 doubles and 6 singles
- 660 Stewart, 660 Stewart Avenue, 272-9635: coed, 27 members, no meal plan
- Triphammer Cooperative, 150 Triphammer Rd, 257-7693: coed, 19 undergraduates and graduates, mandatory meal plan
- Von Cramm Hall, 623 University Avenue, 272-6131: coed, 35 undergraduates and graduates
- Wait Avenue Cooperative, 302 Wait Avenue, 253-0778 or 253-8330: female, non-smoking, 15 members in 7 singles and 4 doubles
- Wait Terrace, 308 Wait Avenue, 253-8408: coed, 13 members
- Wari Cooperative, 208 Dearborn Place, 257-3259: 10 undergraduate women of color in 8 singles and 1 double
- Watermargin, 103 McGraw Place, 272-9441 or 272-3691: coed, 23 single rooms, encourages diversity and a focus on inter-group relations
Independent Cooperatives
- Algonquin Lodge, 528 Stewart Avenue, 277-1910: 23 members, coed
- Cayuga Lodge, 630 Stewart Avenue, 277-2789: 25 members, coed
- Center for Jewish Living, 106 West Avenue, 272-5810: 30 members, coed
- Gamma Alpha, 116 Oak Avenue, 272-9885: 12 members, coed
- Schulyer House, 108 Schulyer Place, 273-2459: 7 members, coed
- The Shire, 113 Oak Avenue, 272-2885: 17 members, coed, non-smoking
- Stewart Little Cooperative, 211 Stewart Avenue, 273-1983: 14 members, coed
- Telluride House, 217 West Avenue, 272-1880: 20 members, coed
Off Campus Housing
While life in the dorms was comfortable and made me feel a part of a community, living off-campus has been a welcome change. I don’t have to share bathrooms and kitchens with 30 people or get woken up at odd hours of the night when those 30 people wander about. I also feel that living in a house has been part of my learning experience at college. I know I’ve become better prepared for life after Cornell (Is there such a thing?).
—Human Ecology ‘96
Off-campus living affords a number of advantages: a sense of independence, your own kitchen and bathroom, and it’s often less expensive than on-campus housing (especially after computing in meal plan). Most students prefer to live near Cornell and find apartments in Collegetown, West Campus, North Campus, and downtown. Of course, apartments get cheaper (and sometimes nicer) the further you live from campus, so this is a choice you have to make. There are a few key resources to consult in your search for the perfect apartment.
The Cornell Daily Sun has a classified section and is a good resource for looking for an apartment close to Cornell. Alternatively, the Ithaca Times and Ithaca Journal also print a classified section, which can be useful in finding housing in the greater Ithaca area. The Off-Campus Housing Office in 201 Robert Purcell Community Center (255-5368) also has information available. Last, but not least, Housing Solutions (103 Dryden Rd, 272-6091, www.housingsolutions.com) is every apartment-seeker’s best friend, for a small fee.
The way that women are treated in the social scene has really shocked me. At parties and bars women are constantly approached...guys here only seem interested in sex. Most women are treated like pieces of meat at fraternity parties. Be careful about drinking and meeting and bars; don’t get taken advantage of.
—Arts & Sciences ’97
Although approximately 35% of the women on campus are involved with the Greek system (see below), there are plenty of other options for unaffiliated women. There are parties everywhere if you know who to ask; movies at Cornell Cinema, Pyramid Mall and downtown; and plays at a variety of venues (see art and culture, this section). There are frequent concerts on campus, ranging from Indigo Girls to Live, B.B. King to student a cappella, dance, and comedy shows. There are also activities focused around alternatives to substance use. Many student groups promote non-alcoholic alternatives for late-night entertainment; students help to develop and run activities like dances, ice skating, and bowling.
Sorority Life
Sororities are a source of empowerment, confidence, and support.
—Arts & Sciences ’95
I think Cornell women are too involved with sororities and catering to men’s needs. Sororities, which are the major female social network, are exclusive and downright fake.
—Ag & Life Sciences ‘96
The Greek system at Cornell includes 13 sororities united by the Panhellenic Council (255-2310, www.greeks.cornell.edu) and 8 sororities that are a part of the Multicultural Greek Letter Council. Joining a sorority is not, however, something a woman needs to think about her first semester at Cornell. Formal Recruitment for the Panhellenic Association and Membership intake for the Multicultural Greek Letter Council does not take place until January, so first-year women have time to make friends and establish themselves at the university outside the Greek system. This reasoning is indicative of the general attitude among sorority women at Cornell: every woman is an individual with interests and an identity outside of her sorority.
Participating in Formal Membership Recruitment is a good way to meet people. Everyone should try it, even if they don’t plan to join a sorority—you might be surprised.
---Industrial & Labor Relations ’02
Formal recruitment (for Panhellenic sororities) takes place in January the week before classes begin, but students must register before they leave for winter break. Recruitment introduces interested women (freshmen and upperclass women) to Cornell’s 13 Panhellenic sororities. There is also informal recruitment for sophomores and juniors each fall. Joining a sorority as an upperclass woman can be a positive addition to life at Cornell.
Each Panhellenic sorority has between 80 and 120 members. Further, all have houses in which the majority of the newest members live. Living in a house strengthens the bonds sisters feel to one another. Beyond the social aspects of Greek life, sisters participate in community service, intramural athletics, campus events, and more.
Membership intake for Multicultural Greek Letter Council (MGLC) sororities may take place in the fall or the spring, but first semester freshmen are not permitted to participate. The MGLC sororities of the Cornell campus have carried out a tradition of excellence through programs of service to the Cornell community including walk-a-thons and conferences, along with programs and events that promote diversity and cultural awareness. To find out more information about the membership intake process for a particular sorority, contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at 541 Willard Straight Hall or at 255-2310.
Being in a sorority by no means limits the experience of the Cornell woman; it only opens more doors and opportunity for involvement in a number of other organizations. A vital aspect of female empowerment on our campus rests upon the shoulders of both older and younger women sharing their opinions, thoughts, and experiences with one another in a more intimate atmosphere conducive to productive discussion.
—Anne Crum ‘95, 1994 Panhellenic President
Greek life was never for me, and I don’t regret my decision not to rush. Greek presence at Cornell is such that it doesn’t really matter if you join a house or not. You’ll have friends who are in the Greek system and those who aren’t, and no one cares whether or not you’re in a house.
---Arts & Sciences, ‘02
Perhaps the most positive aspect of joining a sorority is that it provides a social network of supportive women with whom one may become quite close. One woman says, “the sorority system may not be as ‘typical’ as you think - it is a place where people can find support from other women.” Through meeting so many women one is exposed to a broad range of campus activities. “I am always amazed at how much Cornell women do for their community when I talk with my sisters. It is great to get to know people involved in such diverse activities because it encourages me to get involved too,” notes one Greek woman. In this way, sororities offer a starting point for many women from which they are able to grow and discover a great number of other opportunities.
Opportunities for women in the arts abound at Cornell. Extensive academic programs and a host of student organizations offer students the chance to get involved in almost any aspect of the arts - studio art, theatre, music, dance, film...you name it!
Classes
The college of Art, Architecture, & Planning offers, among others, classes in the history of architecture, architectural design, urban and regional studies dedicated to various issues such as the environment, historic preservation, and economic factors, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and lithography. Students involved with this school have the opportunity to work hands-on and often become involved in campus exhibitions, both group and private. AAP also has a special program for study in Rome. There, students receive instruction in art, architecture, and art history, as well as Italian culture and language.
Contacts:
Architecture, 143 E. Sibley Hall, 255-5236
History of Architecture, 140 E. Sibley Hall, 255-5236
Fine Arts, 224 Olive Tjaden Hall, 255-3558
City Planning/Urban & Regional Studies, 106A W. Sibley Hall, 255-4331 or 255-4025
Rome Studies Program, 149 E. Sibley Hall, 255-6807
Within the college of Arts and Sciences, there are majors and classes in Theatre, Music, and the History of Art. Theatre offerings include everything from costume and stage design to acting and playwriting. Through the Music department you can study history and theory or receive vocal or instrumental lessons. The History of Art department deals with a rich depth and breadth of issues. Course offerings exist which focus on both feminist interpretation and women artists. Also, the English department offers courses in Creative Writing.
Contacts:
Theatre, Film & Dance, 430 College Ave, theater@cornell.edu , 254-2700, box office: 254-ARTS
Music, 101 Lincoln Hall, 255-4097
History of Art, G35 Goldwin Smith, 255-4905
English, 250 Goldwin Smith, 255-6800
Through the College of Human Ecology, you can study textiles, apparel design, and interior design. Each year, the Cornell Design League organizes runway shows in which students exhibit original work.
Contacts:
Textiles and Apparel, MVR, 255-3196
Organizations
There are many student organizations related to the arts at Cornell. Of particular interest may be a number of all-women musical groups (phone numbers may have changed; check CUINFO for more information or call the Information and Referral Service in Day Hall). All of the performance groups hold publicized auditions, usually at the beginning of each semester.
Cornell Chorus, the women’s equivalent of the Glee Club, www.chorus.cornell.edu, 255-2324
After Eight, women’s a cappella, www.rso.cornell.edu/After8/
Touchtones, women’s a cappella
Nothing But Treble, women’s a cappella
Class Notes and Key Elements are two co-ed a cappella groups
Grace Notes, Atonements, and Pamoja-Ni are Christian singing organizations. For other religious groups, contact Cornell United Religious Work at 255-4214
Exxit Only, the all gyrl comedy group, may appeal to those interested in the theatre. The group performs sketch and improvisational comedy.
Other arts related organizations include:
Impact Dance Troupe
Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble
Baraka Kwa Wimbo A Capella Gospel Ensemble
Big Red Marching Band, bigredband@cornell.edu
Brand X Musical Theatre, BrandX@cornell.edu, www.rso.cornell.edu/BrandX/
Skits-O-Phrenics, original sketch comedy group, www.rso.cornell.edu/skits/
Gateway Theatre, www.rso.cornell.edu/Gateway/
Uhuru Kuumba, African dance troupe
Whistling Shrimp, an improvisational comedy group. www.whistlingshrimp.com
For instruction in dance, including ballroom, jazz, modern, ballet, and tap, contact the Physical Education Department at 255-1318.
Facilities
Cornell has a variety of excellent facilities directed towards the arts. Here are just a few:
Risley Hall, a residential college dedicated to the creative and performing arts offers various facilities, including a darkroom and music practice rooms. To learn more about Risley, see the section of the handbook concerning campus housing.
Willard Straight Hall is home to a number of arts-related facilities. These include:
Art Gallery 255-4311, 526 WSH
Cornell Cinema 255-3522, 104 WSH
Cornell Concert Commission 255-7231, 518 WSH
Darkroom 255-7272, 102 WSH
Music Room apply for membership at Straight Desk
Ceramics Studio 255-5170, 215 WSH
Coffee House: 255-4311, WSH Memorial Room
Free entertainment every Thursday from 8-10 pm.
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art (255-6464) offers various public programs and houses special exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection, featuring art from a wide range of eras and places. The museum accepts applications for student volunteers and each year offers internships to juniors and seniors who are majoring in the History of Art.
Sibley Fine Arts Library (255-3710)
Visual Resources Facility (255-3300)
For information regarding galleries on campus, contact the Fine Arts Department (255-3558).
The Cornell Council for the Arts supports artistic endeavors of all kinds on the Cornell Campus. The Council helps to publicize events, offers grants to departments and individuals, and sponsors special programs, such as arts festivals, dance performances, and poetry and fiction readings. For more information, contact Cornell Council for the Arts, Caldwell Hall, 255-7274.
Facilities in Ithaca
There is more to life at Cornell than just the Hill. I don’t think enough Cornell students realize this. Ithaca is a diverse community with a lot to offer, but also a lot of need. There are plays and concerts as well as many amazing state parks like Treman and Taughannock Falls. There are also many volunteer opportunities. Once I realized this, my experience at Cornell has become much more rewarding. I am meeting families and kids and I feel like I am making a small difference in their lives. Don’t be afraid to go down the Hill; it’s a whole other world down there.
— Arts & Sciences ‘98
The Community School of Music and Arts: 272-1474
web site: www.ithaca.ny.us/Education/CSMA/
Classes and private instruction in visual art, dance, music and theatre.
Dewitt Historical Society: 273-8284, 401 E. State Street
Hinckley Foundation Museum: 273-7053, 410 E. Seneca Street
Hangar Theatre: 273-7890, Cass Park
The Kitchen Theatre: 272-0403, 120 N. Cayuga
Emma’s Writing Center for Women: Irene Zahara, 273-4675
Offers small group workshops for women at any level of writing.
Feminist Women’s Writing Workshop
Takes place annually in Ithaca (Box 6583, Ithaca, NY 14851).
Opportunities in the arts are everywhere on campus and off. Keep your eyes and ears open and remember to check out resources like CUINFO, the Cornell Daily Sun, the Bookpress and Ithaca Times, the Willard Straight Desk, and the Information and Referral Service in Day Hall. Contacting individual departments is also an excellent way to get information concerning arts events, organizations, and facilities on campus.
Volunteering
A crucial part of college life is getting involved with the community at large. Political organizations and volunteer opportunities abound! CUINFO has listing for political organizations such as the College Republicans, Cornell Democrats, Cornell Greens, and United Progressives.
There are many ways to be active concerning important issues that face women in society. Volunteer opportunities are consolidated into an easily accessible menu at the Cornell University Public Service Center (PSC). The PSC has a full staff to help you choose a volunteer experience that will suit your individual interests. The Center periodically holds orientation meetings and interviews in order for students to become acquainted with service opportunities and help you decide what you’d like to give back to the community.
Volunteer opportunities are endless; here are a few to spark your interest:
Big Brother Big Sister Program, Southside Community Center, Literacy Volunteers, Loaves and Fishes (soup kitchen), tutoring, the Advocacy Center, Ithaca Senior Center, or peer counseling at Gannett.
Getting involved in volunteer activities at college reminds you that there is more to life than prelims and problem sets. In college you have to be somewhat self-centered, but just remember that a lot of people gave a lot for you to get here. By volunteering a few hours a week you can start to give back.
— Arts & Sciences ’97
Volunteering is fun. It’s a nice break from the pressures of Cornell’s academic life. If you do something you enjoy, it can really take your mind off stress.
— Ag & Life Sciences ’99
I have thoroughly enjoyed participating on a women’s sports team. It has taught me so much about commitment, support, and friendships.
—’96
As a female athlete, I have been made to feel inferior to my male counterparts. They receive better gear, higher status, and get all other sorts of quirks that we don’t.
—Human Ecology ‘97
Athletics is an important part of many Cornell women’s daily lives. Whether it is intramurals, club teams, or varsity sports, females at Cornell take great pride in their athletic achievements. It is difficult to imagine how Cornell women can find the time to be both students and athletes, but obviously many do. The life of an athlete at Cornell differs greatly from that of a general student. You must be a great time manager in order to fit in studying and sleeping appropriate amounts in order to do well both on the playing field and in the classroom. However, the sacrifices are worth it when you consider the pride and joy you experience by being part of a Cornell team. Cornell offers the following sports for women at the varsity level: basketball, cross country, field hockey, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball, tennis, and track. Several of these teams also offer play at the junior varsity level.
The Title IX law states that schools must provide proportionately equal sports teams for each sex. Therefore, in recent years, many changes have occurred in the varsity sport realm at Cornell in order to better equalize the sports opportunities for women. In 1993, gymnastics and softball club teams regained varsity status in order to better comply with the Title IX requirements. At the same time, men’s varsity sports like fencing and water polo were relegated to club status. Presently, there are 18 women’s varsity sports teams as well as 18 men’s varsity sports teams. Many universities are struggling to provide equal playing time for men and women but find that task difficult since women’s sports are low revenue creators.
Club sports are also available for many activities. Some of these clubs include aikido, badminton, cycling, equestrian, skiing, sailing, and rugby. Intramurals are a great way for women to meet new people and take a study break while reaping the benefits of exercise! Both individual and team activities (with participation fees) are offered throughout the year. The Helen Newman gymnasium, on North Campus, houses the office for intramurals in room 301, so check for sign-up dates and entry information. The number for the intramural office is 255-2315 (also see the Exercise Section of the Health chapter).
From the extremely competitive to the novice player, there is a level of play for every female at Cornell. So get involved, put down your books, and play hard!
Women at Cornell kick butt at sports.
—Arts & Sciences ‘95
ON CAMPUS LIFE IN GENERAL
Have faith in yourself. Getting used to college is hard in the beginning, but it gets better!
— ’95
In a college population of 17,000, it’s all too easy to feel like a number. Don’t let that happen. Get involved.
—Human Ecology ’96
The dating scene at Cornell is what you make of it. If your intention is to have brief physical encounters, then there are plenty of places to go. Bars, fraternity parties especially. If you want a long-term relationship, then it is a bit more difficult. Where do you look? I would say just the places you normally go. After all, the chances of you meeting someone you are compatible with at a place you don’t normally frequent are less than if you stick to places you normally go.
--- Engineering (male) ‘97
Cornell’s size basically means two things for social life. The first is that we need a niche somewhere so that we feel connected, whether it be with an organization, a sports team, a sorority, or a network. The second implication of Cornell’s vastness is that there is someone similar to each of us somewhere. We shouldn’t be quick to put Cornell down when we’re used to high school friends whom we’ve known for years. We’re women now, and we need to go out and make new friends for ourselves.
So, what are you waiting for?