We all need help sometimes. Services and resources are available at Cornell and designed to bolster undergraduate, graduate, and professional student success for all aspects of their lives. There are times when you feel balanced and are managing your stress well, however, you might be curious about ways to enhance your health and well-being. Services and resources at Cornell are available to you when you need them, regardless of your level of distress.
Navigating Resources
This page includes resources, both on and off campus, available to support you on the Ithaca campus. Resources are organized by levels of distress and categories of support.
Please be aware that services may differ between undergraduate, graduate, and professional students; refer to the individual resource page to confirm if services are available and appropriate for you. For services and resources for postdoctoral scholars, please visit the Office of Postdoctoral Studies.
Do you want easy access to this page? Students shared that having this page accessible via Canvas will remind you to use it as you need. Self-enroll in the Support for Students: Ithaca Campus Canvas course.
Emergency
If you (or another student) are experiencing an emergency:
An emergency is defined as an immediate threat of harm to self or others. Get connected to emergency services by calling for help. When connecting with emergency services, please describe as clearly as possible the location and nature of the emergency.
If you are on campus: call 607-255-1111 to be connected to Cornell Public Safety Communications Center. Students calling 911 from campus will be routed to the CUPD based on location.
If you are off campus: call 911
Even if your phone is out of service, 911 operators can still be reached.
If you or another student is experiencing an elevated level of distress, meaning non-life threatening but an immediate need to be seen by a professional, please consider the following resources: Get Help 24/7 or Resources for Elevated Concerns.
Help is availableany time day or night by connecting with the following resources. You don't have to be in crisis to take advantage of these free opportunities to speak or chat with a trained professional or volunteer who can listen to your concerns, and offer insight and advice.
The Administrator on-Call (AOC) program is a function of the Office of Student Support and Advocacy Services. The Administrator on-Call offers support and guidance for health and safety emergencies that require immediate attention when University offices are closed. The Administrator on-Call is not a substitute for trained emergency personnel such as 911, 988, police, fire, or EMT professionals. Please call the Public Safety Communications Center (607-255-1111) to be connected to an Administrator on-Call.
If you live on-campus and need assistance, you can reach out to your community's RA or GRF-on-Call after 7PM. Every building will have a different number, and this will be provided to every resident and posted on the doors to the building.
Ithaca Crisisline (for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis): 607-272-1616
Advocacy Center (for sexual violence / relationship violence): 607-277-5000
On- and off-campus resources for students experiencing elevated, non-immediate physical and mental health concerns, that are not available 24/7.
Cornell Health has a 24/7 phone consultation service that you can call any time for consultation and support if you have a physical or mental health concern, they can help you determine what care is needed, and how, when, and where to get it.
Community Response Team (CRT): 607-255-1111. For in-person and health-centered response to non-violent 911 crisis calls.
RAVE Guardian App: A free app through Cornell Division of Public Safety to enhance your personal safety both on and off campus by turning your smartphone into a personal safety device.
Additional Resources to Support Your Health and Well-being
There may be times when you are experiencing some levels of distress and are seeking support, or you are curious about ways you can continue to elevate your health and well-being. The resources below support you in all aspects of your life and can be used throughout the academic year, regardless of your level of distress.
Cornell University and the Ithaca community offer several confidential resources for individuals who have experienced harm and are looking for support, an opportunity to consider next steps, who need care, or who may be unsure about whether to report incidents to the university or police. Students may seek these resources for concerns related to sexual violence or harassment, hazing, bias, discrimination or concerns related to work, life, or study at Cornell.
Conversations with the university’s “confidential resources” are kept strictly confidential and, except in rare circumstances, will not be shared (including to faculty, coaches, parents/families, etc.) without explicit permission. Individuals who are considering filing a complaint with the University, Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX, or law enforcement are encouraged to speak with an advocate first in order to make an informed decision about next steps.
Learn more about the process and your rights as a student involving reports of protected-status bias, discrimination, harassment, and sexual and related misconduct by visiting the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX.
Cornell Health, medical and mental health providers: 607-255-5155
If you have concerns related to the health and well-being of an individual student, a group of students, or the overall community, there are avenues for reporting incidents to the University. The Report an Incident/Concern form contains many options for reporting, which are routed to the appropriate office based on the report type selected. Review the reporting forms below to determine which report type is appropriate for your concern.
If you would like to report a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or Community Living Standards, have it addressed immediately, and it is not a life-threatening concern, please reach out to your RA, GRF, or on-call support system.
The reporting form should be used for non-emergent incidents or concerns only. For emergencies, including safety concerns, call Cornell Public Safety 607-255-1111 or dial 911.
Bias and Discrimination Reports: There are several report types related to bias and discrimination on the Report an Incident or Concern form. Select the report type that feels most closely aligned to your concern. You can also send an email to equity@cornell.edu. Learn more about Cornell’s bias reporting system and specific information related to the Student Bias and Assessment Review Process.
Sexual and Related Misconduct: To report gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, or other forms of sexual misconduct. Learn more about reporting to Cornell.
Student of Concern Referral: Use this report type to report an incident or concern about yourself or a fellow student. Learn more Student Support and Advocacy Services.
Academic stressors can impact your health and well-being. If you are experiencing concerns related to your academic success at Cornell and/or are looking to connect with on-campus resources such as your academic advisor, below are resources related to academic support, diversity and inclusion academic programs, and career services.
For more information about Undergraduate Education at Cornell, including advising, academic planning, and enriching your education, visit this website.
College Academic Advising: The Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education has a website geared towards connecting students to the appropriate academic advising resource depending on their major. Select your current college or school to learn about their resources and schedule your advising appointment.
Health Professions Advising Center: Central pre-health advising office for undergraduate students on their pre-health journey and application to medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, physician assistant, pharmacy, nursing, occupational therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, speech language pathology, and other professional health programs.
Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI): A centralized hub that provides academic and professional development support and resources for undergraduate students who may be underserved in higher education.
Office of Undergraduate Biology: The Biological Sciences major is offered in both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts & Sciences. The major is administered by The Office of Undergraduate Biology.
Graduate students typically interface with their specific program for their advising and student service needs. For graduate (research masters and PhD students), please connect with your Director of Graduate Studies or Graduate Field Administrator. For professional students, please connect with your respective program’s student services offices.
Graduate School, Office of Academic Affairs: For issues related to academic policy and programs, academic integrity and misconduct, the grievance process, responsible conduct of research, petitions requesting exceptions to Graduate School policy, and student academic progress.
Office of Graduate Student Life: Connect with this office for resources for academic support, assistance in navigating the educational programs, referrals to campus services, support for personal development and other concerns that are impacting student ability to succeed.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS): The CALS Office of Professional Programs - Student Services is designed to meet the specific needs of current Master of Food Science (MFS), Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) students, with additional support to Master of Engineering students in CALS graduate fields.
College of Art, Architecture, & Planning (AAP): AAP's office of Student Services provides information, support, and programming to encourage student success from matriculation through graduation and to enrich the learning environment for all our students.
Johnson Graduate School of Management: Support Ithaca residential MBA and MPS students, faculty, and staff to create a community where students can thrive.
College of Engineering Graduate Student Support: Assist students as they look for research positions, offer a variety of academic support services, encourage students to approach learning and teaching in new and innovative ways, help students discover organizations that match their interests, and provide extensive academic advising services.
Cornell Law School: Provides services and resources to support law students and plan and organize many events throughout the year including, but not limited to, diversity programs and wellness events.
Cornell Academic Materials Program (CAMP): Provides undergraduate students with access to their required textbooks and course packs for a single flat-rate cost of $275 per semester.
Instant Access Program (IAP): Provides graduate and professional students with digital course materials that are directly to their Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) profile on or before the first day of class.
Language Resource Center: Hosts conversation hours, free tutoring, and a space for language learners of all levels to engage.
Learning Strategies Center: The main central academic support unit for undergraduates, where you can find study tips, free tutoring, and other advice for learning.
University Library: Supports research, writing, and other scholarly needs for the Cornell community.
Office of Diversity & Inclusion (AAP): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the College of Art, Architecture, and Planning.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CALS): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Diversity and Inclusion (SC Johnson College of Business): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the SC Johnson College of Business.
Bowers CIS DEI: Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through Bowers College of Computing and Information Science.
Office of Inclusive Excellence (College of Engineering): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the College of Engineering.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Human Ecology): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the College of Human Ecology.
Diversity and Inclusion (Cornell Law): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the Law School.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (CVM): Information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI): A centralized hub that provides academic and professional development support and resources for undergraduate students who may be underserved in higher education.
Cornell Career Services: Available to answer questions and support students with all their career needs, including resume reviews, feedback on cover letters, and tips on landing your next internship or professional experience.
Resources related to providing a campus community that is accessible, usable, and welcoming for all students. Services and resources span from support for students with disabilities to those looking for gender-inclusive resources. For more information about Cornell’s commitment to accessibility, visit Accessibility at Cornell, a central clearinghouse on accessibility-related information for the Cornell community.
Report a Physical Barrier: If you encounter a physical barrier to accessibility, report to the University.
Request an Emergency Evacuation Plan: Request support from the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department in planning for an emergency evacuation.
We all strive to find a sense of belonging. There are resources available to support you in exploring your identities, learn about others who are different than you, or are seeking opportunities to create meaningful and engaging interactions. Learn more about Cornell’s vision and goals for diversity and inclusion.
Cornell Military Community: Resources and support for Cornell’s military community including undergraduate, graduate, and professional student veterans, and undergraduate and graduate officers in training in our ROTC corps.
Cornell Veterans: Information about academic and community support for Veterans.
Office of Global Learning: Coordinates international study and research experiences for Cornell students and supports international students and researchers at Cornell.
Program Houses: Themed residence halls offering close-knit communities with regular events, programming, and outreach opportunities with in-house and out-house membership opportunities.
Center for Dialogue & Pluralism: An academic initiative grounded in theory and practice that creates community across difference through critical dialogue.
Concerns related to finances and overall financial well-being can be distressing. Cornell and the Ithaca community offer services and resources related to financial aid, emergency funds, and obtaining a job while you’re in school.
Access Fund: Financial support for students with low-income status. The access fund is not an emergency fund; requests must meet the application guidelines.
Emergency Funds: Three emergency fund opportunities offered by Financial Aid and Student Employment.
Funding Resource Guide: A guide to funding opportunities, primarily available to undergraduate students, across Cornell’s campus.
Challenges related to securing food has negative impacts on our health and well-being. There are several resources both on and off campus geared towards improving students’ access to food.
Anabel's Grocery: A student-run grocery store offers fresh, nutritious, and affordable food for all Cornell students; accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Located in Annabel Taylor Hall.
Cornell Food Pantry: A free, permanent option for students facing food insecurity. Located at 109 McGraw Place. Enroll to participate in the food pantry.
Swipe Out Hunger: Students without a meal plan can request emergency meal swipes. Students who are on a meal plan can donate bonus meals to be distributed to students in need.
211 Tompkins Cortland: 211 connects people in need, incl. Rent assistance, car repair, finding employment, etc. Those that inquire about services will be connected with local resources that can assist.
Cooking and Nutrition Classes offered through the Cornell Cooperative Extension. These free workshops are held at different places throughout Tompkins County and materials that you will use are provided, including the food that you will cook and eat during the class.
Cornell Health provides services to support your physical health, and are available to all students enrolled on the Ithaca campus, no matter what type of insurance you have.
Medical Care: Primary care medical services for students who are sick, injured, have an ongoing health concern, need medication management, or would like a checkup or other preventive care.
Pharmacy: Prescription medication, self-care items, safer-sex supplies, and more, with a 24/7 self-care vending machine available inside Cornell Health’s Ho Plaza entrance.
Nutrition Services: Nutrition counseling for students seeking information and guidance about their dietary needs and practices, and students who need (or want) to adhere to a special diet.
Sexual Health Care: Preventive exams and health screenings, contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, pregnancy options referrals, and more.
Gender-Affirming Care: Hormone therapy, referrals for gender-affirming surgery, free binding and tucking supplies, and support.
Collaborative Health & Eating Program (CHEP): A coordinated, multidisciplinary team of Cornell Health providers who work together to support students struggling with disordered eating and related concerns.
24/7 Phone Consultation: Consult with a medical or mental health provider, any time, day or night (607-255-5155).
There are times when we are experiencing a hard time, and it is perfectly normal to ask for help and seek out services that support our mental health and emotional well-being. There are several services and resources offered at Cornell and in the Ithaca community to support you in this aspect of your life.
Individual Counseling: Short-term individual therapy focused on treating common mental health conditions.
Group Counseling: Therapy groups focused on a variety of clinical issues and/or identity-specific experiences.
Community Liaisons: Community Liaisons are CAPS staff members who serve as bridge builders with student communities on campus that face additional barriers and stigma about accessing mental health care. Liaisons assist in bringing information about mental health and related services to the community, and listen to the needs of the community.
Workshops: Free drop-in workshops focused on helping students develop skills to thrive.
Well-being Coaching: Individual coaching to help students find and maximize their strengths, navigate barriers, and connect with additional resources and support.
Medication Management: Psychiatric medication prescribing and management, provided through Cornell Health’s primary care medical team and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Collaborative Health & Eating Program (CHEP): A coordinated, multidisciplinary team of Cornell Health providers who work together to support students struggling with disordered eating and related concerns.
SHARE Office Victim Advocacy: Assistance and support for members of the Cornell community who have experienced harmful, threatening, or violent incidents, including sexual assault, violent relationships, stalking, harassment, physical or emotional/mental assault, bias-related incidents, hazing, and related types of victimization.
Community Groups: Spaces to support your spiritual well-being; for spiritual connection and exploration.
Let’s Meditate: Free, guided mindfulness meditation series where a trained facilitator leads participants through meditation exercises designed to focus on the breath and quiet the mind.
Restorative Spaces: Spaces offered across campus to nourish your spirit and replenish your energy.
ThrivingCampus Directory: Cornell Health partners with ThrivingCampus to make it easier for students to connect with off-campus mental health care, in person or online. You can contact and book appointments directly with off-campus providers through the ThrivingCampus website. View Tips for finding an off-campus mental health provider (pdf) for more guidance.
Living conditions impact all aspects of our health and well-being. Cornell students live both on campus (in residence halls or University-owned housing) and within the Ithaca community. There are services and resources to support your housing needs.
On-Campus Housing Information: Learn more about on-campus, residential hall housing opportunities and information at Cornell.
First-Year Undergraduates: Information about on-campus housing options and selection process for first-year, undergraduate students.
New Transfer Undergraduates: Information about on-campus housing options and selection process for new transfer, undergraduate students.
Upper-Level Undergraduates: Information about on-campus housing options and selection process for upper-level, undergraduate students.
Program Houses: Information regarding themed residence halls that offer students the chance to develop and immerse themselves in interests within an engaging community of residents and out-of-house members.
Summer Housing: Information regarding on-campus housing options for students who wish to live on campus during the summer.
Winter Break Housing: Information for students wishing to remain on campus for the Winter Break. There are several buildings that offer these accommodations, each with its own unique circumstances.
Cooperative Housing: On-campus housing open to transfer and upper-level undergraduate students (some houses are also open to graduate & professional students).
Sorority & Fraternity Life: Values-based social organizations and residential living experiences, providing members with a community of peers, and personal growth opportunities through leadership development and service projects.
Gender Inclusive Housing: Housing for students who express their gender identity in a manner that may not be associated with a typical gender binary.
Off-Campus Living: Provides housing assistance, education, and referral services to students, staff, faculty, and others associated with Cornell who live off campus.
Tenants Legal Hotline: Free legal assistance to residential tenants in upstate New York.
You don’t have to have a fitness membership to be healthy and well on Cornell’s campus. Learn more about services and resources related to your fitness, sports, and outdoor opportunities on campus and within the Ithaca community.
Fitness Centers: Learn more about the fitness centers and their hours of operations.
Group Fitness Classes: Information about group fitness classes on campus, and when they are available.
Fitness Resources: Ongoing programs and services that are designed to help you improve your health and fitness plan. Information on Personal Training.
Student Memberships & Day Passes: Information on how to obtain a student membership to utilize the fitness centers, including ways to support the cost, including through the Access Fund.
NatureRx: Learn more about the benefits of spending time in nature and areas to explore nature near our campus.
Botanic Gardens: Gardens and natural space that are open free of charge, year-round from dawn to dusk on campus.
Gorge Safety: Learn more about staying safe around Cornell’s gorges. Two gorges that run through the Cornell campus – Cascadilla and Fall Creek – represent more than 10,000 years of beauty.
Bowling: Cornell’s on-campus bowling alley located in Helen Newman.
Lindseth Climbing Center: Offers 8,000 square feet of Bouldering, Top Rope, and Sport Lead rock climbing opportunities, catering to beginners and experts alike.
Intramural Sports: Information regarding intramural sport opportunities.
Cornell Athletics: Learn more about Cornell Athletics, review the schedule, and buy tickets to upcoming athletic games.
PE Requirement: all incoming undergraduate students are required to take two credits (two courses) of Physical Education. There are courses offered through both the PE Department and through Cornell Outdoor Education.
Swim Requirement: A basic swimming and water competency requirement for all undergraduate students. The requirement is normally taken as part of the Fall orientation process and is required to be completed in the student's first year.
Bike Walk Tompkins: A community that supports bicycling throughout Ithaca and additional resources to make biking safer.
Ithaca Trails: Local trails for wildlife watching, gorges and waterfalls, lake views, or easy accessibility via bus.
Go Ithaca!: A membership-based program that provides sustainable and affordable transportation solutions to improve your commute and complete errands while supporting a healthy lifestyle, reducing vehicle pollution, and decreasing traffic congestion in our community.
Finding social connections can be hard when there is so much to do on campus. There are several ways to find opportunities to develop a sense of belonging through social connections, such as through attending student events, joining student organizations, and being connected through the Ithaca community.
Student Clubs and Organizations: Explore the 1,000+ registered student organizations on campus. Attend ClubFest each semester to learn more about clubs and organizations and their recruitment process.
Student Leadership Opportunities: Learn more about student opportunities within Student and Campus Life, to support your growth as a leader where you live, where you volunteer or work, or where you find connections with others.
Student-Run Campus Traditions: Learn more about large, campus-traditions like ClubFest, Slope Day, and Movies on the Arts Quad.
Big Red Barn: Located in the heart of campus and surrounded by lawns and gardens, the Barn is a central place for eating, relaxing, and connecting for Graduate and Professional students.
Engineering Project Teams: Led and run by undergraduates, project teams collaboratively solve complex problems while gaining real-world engineering experience. Learn more about how to join.
Leadership Workshop Series: In-person and virtual trainings for students and advisors on various topics geared towards helping student leaders and their organizations maximize their potential.
Event Planning: Resources to support the planning of events hosted by student organizations.
Hazing Prevention Resources: Resources available across campus to support healthy cultures within student organizations and prevent hazing.
The Services and Resources Committee, a part of the Health Promoting Campus Community of Practice, is an ongoing group tasked with reviewing and updating this webpage. These reviews will happen on a semester basis to ensure accuracy within an institution that introduces new services and resources regularly.
If there are services and resources that are missing or inaccuracies, please reach out to Taylor Bouraad (tb533@cornell.edu), Assistant Director, Community Engagement, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, and Stephen D’Angelo (sd536@cornell.edu), Communications Lead, Student and Campus Life, for more immediate adjustments.
Levels of Distress
Recognize and respond to signs of distress that can indicate you or another student may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, or contemplating harm to self or others.
Immediate threat of harm to self or others.
Expressions of hopelessness or desperation; talk of suicide; being out-of-touch with reality.
Visible distress, sadness, anxiety; decline in academic work or performance; social withdrawal; significant change in mood or behavior.
