Please be sure to visit the Accepted Students page for more information and, if you don’t find answers to your questions below or there, please contact us!

General | Payments and withdrawals | Academics | On-campus supports | Cornell systems | Residential life

General

Q: What is Cornell's relationship with Summer Discovery?
Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education has contracted with a third-party organization, Summer Discovery, to support components of our our Residential Precollege Studies Program. This includes the provision of residential staff and implementation of a robust social menu to build community and buffer academic stressors. Their staff will live in the residence halls, oversee community events, provide one-on-one support to students, supervise non-academic activities, and hold judicial meetings with students.
Cornell University retains full control over all academic elements of the Precollege Studies Program, including academic curriculum, instructor selection, and course content.

Q: What is the class attendance policy?
You must attend all courses in which you are enrolled unless you are under medical care. See class attendance.

Q: I need an accommodation. How do I get this?
Please contact Cornell Student Disability Services as early as possible. See Student Disability Services.

Q: How do I order my transcript?
You can request your official Cornell transcript through the University Registrar, after you have completed the program. See ordering your transcript.

Payments and withdrawals

Q: I received a notice that funds are due. Who do I contact?
If you’ve received an email notifying you that your payment has not been received, please visit the How to Pay page and follow the instructions provided.
Still need help? Please contact the Precollege Studies office precollege@cornell.edu or call 607.255.4987.

Q: I’ve changed my mind. I want to leave the program. How do I withdraw and will I get a refund?
To withdraw from your program, please see course changes and withdrawals for information on how to withdraw. Your eligibility for a refund will depend on when you withdraw. For more information, visit Refunds and Withdrawals

Q: Can I change my course before the program starts?
To change your course, visit your Accepted Student Portal and submit your change by the deadline outlined on the Precollege Summer Academic Calendar.

Q: Can I change my course after the program has begun?
In rare cases, students may obtain approval from the Precollege office to change courses the first day of class. We cannot make changes after the first day. If you have a compelling reason to switch courses, please contact us as soon as possible.

Academics

Q: Where can I find my class schedule?
To find your class schedule, search for your class on the university course roster. The class dates, days/times, and more are listed here. Final exam schedules will be shared on your syllabus.

Q: How do I access Canvas?
You’ll gain access to Canvas after you’ve activated your NetID. Visit the Canvas login page and select “Cornell NetID.” If you have trouble accessing Canvas, please review the Canvas troubleshooting guide.

Q: When will I be able to view my course in Canvas?
Your course's Canvas site will open on the first day of class (or, sometimes, a few days before that). Be sure to check your Cornell email address for notifications from Cornell. Note: Not all in-person courses use Canvas.

Q: Where can I find my class syllabus?
Your syllabus will be posted on Canvas once your course is live (if your class uses Canvas), sent to you via your Cornell email address, and/or handed out during your first class. The syllabus will outline assignments, grading, and expectations.

Q: How do I contact my professor?
You can message your professor through Canvas or email them using your Cornell email. Contact details are usually shared on the first day of class. For details, see how to contact your instructor.

Q: Who do I contact for academic support?
When seeking academic support, the best place to start is with your instructor, or TA. We encourage you to contact them and take advantage of their office hours. For additional help, please see our academic resources page.

Q: How do I find out if I need textbooks for class?
To find out if your courses require textbooks or other materials, please check the course syllabus on your course’s Canvas site when it opens. Learn more about how to purchase course materials.

On-campus supports

Q: How do I access wi-fi at Cornell?
Once you have your NetID and are on campus, you can connect to wi-fi via “eduroam.” To learn more, visit wi-fi at IT@Cornell.

Q: How do I get my Cornell student ID card?
Please be sure you’ve submitted your photo correctly using the Photo Submission Form found on the Accepted Students page. You’ll receive your Cornell ID card at orientation or move-in day.

Cornell Systems

Q: I’m having problems with my NetID. Who do I contact?
You must activate your NetID to access your class materials, student center, and other services. If you need help activating your NetID, enabling two-factor authentication, or resetting your password, please contact Cornell IT Support at itservicedesk@cornell.edu or call 607.255.5500.

Q: How do I check my Cornell email?
To check your email, use your NetID to log into the Cornell Google Workspace for Students.

Residential Life

Q: Will I have a roommate and, if so, when will I know who it is? Yes, most students have roommates, who are assigned by gender identity. You’ll receive your roommate assignment when you arrive on campus.

Q: What happens if I don’t get along with my roommate?
We’re happy to say that this rarely happens. If you have any issues, your residential counselor (RC) is on hand to help you address roommate concerns.

Q: Are the dorms air-conditioned?
In 2026 students will reside in air-controlled dorms and have access to additional air-controlled spaces during their time on campus.

Q: Where can I do my laundry?
Laundry facilities are available in the residence halls. Learn more about laundry services.

Q: Is there a curfew?
Students will be expected to adhere to curfews assigned by the Summer Discovery staff while they are enrolled in the residential program.

Q: What kind of activities do you offer?
Planned activities include trips to Cornell’s Botanic Gardens, Dairy Bar, and Lab of Ornithology; sunset watching on Libe Slope; visits to area parks, shops, and Farmers Market; meditation and wellness sessions; arts and crafts; sports or games clubs; hiking; outdoor concerts, and much more. See activities.

Q: What should I bring to campus?
For a detailed packing list, see what to bring.

Q: Where will I eat on campus?
You’ll eat in Cornell’s top-ranked dining halls, which offer a wide variety of meals, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal options. Please visit the dining page for more information.

Q: What if I get sick during the program?
Summer Discovery runs an office dedicated to helping Cornell Precollege residential students access health and wellbeing services. The university’s Cornell Health center provides additional medical services as do local urgent care centers. Read about health services.

Q: Can I leave the program to meet with family or friends? Can I have a friend stay over?
As outlined in the Precollege Code of Conduct, you are expected to remain on campus for the duration of the program. Once you’ve formally checked in on opening day, you may not leave campus or “check out” of the program to have meals with visitors, attend family events, or participate in other activities nor may you host visitors.
Parents/guardians are asked not to visit their student during the program or enter the residence halls. If a student has medical circumstances that must be considered, parents/guardians are asked to contact Daniel Kratochvil, SCE's Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Precollege Studies acting director, at precollege@cornell.edu or 607.255.4987.

Q: Can I stay an extra day after the program ends?
Sorry. You must check out by the scheduled time. See move-out dates and times.

Q: Who do I contact if I need help with residential life matters?
Talk to your residential counselor (RC) or contact the residential life staff.