Cornell Precollege Residential Students FAQs
Please be sure to visit the Accepted Students page for Summer Residential Program. And, if you don’t find answers to your questions there or below, please contact us!
Payments and Withdrawals
Q: Help! 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 for submitting your payment via Cashnet or Flywire. If you’ve already successfully submitted your payment or still need help, please contact the Precollege Studies office right away at precollege@cornell.edu or call 607.255.4987. You must pay your remaining balance as soon as possible to keep your spot in the program.
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 the residential summer program before your session start date: Visit your Accepted Student Portal and submit your withdrawal
- To withdraw from a residential summer course on or after your session start date: Write to Daniel Kratochvil, Precollege Studies acting director, at djk296@cornell.edu with "Withdrawal from Program" as your subject line.
- Refund eligibility depends on when you withdraw. For more information, visit Refunds and Withdrawals.
Academics
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 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 check my Cornell email?
To check your email, use your NetID to log into the Cornell Google Workspace for Students.
Q: Where can I find my class schedule?
To find your class schedule, search for your class on the course roster. The class dates, days/times, final exam date, and more are listed in the class table.
Q: How do I access Canvas?
You’ll gain access to Canvas after you’ve activated your NetID. With that in place, 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 emails from Cornell frequently for updates. 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: 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 on 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.
Q: What is the class attendance policy?
You must attend all courses in which you are enrolled unless you are under medical care. The content of Cornell's three- and six-week summer courses is equivalent to that of courses offered during the university’s fifteen-week fall or spring semesters, thus missing any class time during the summer can put you in serious academic jeopardy. See class attendance.
Q: How do I get my Cornell student ID card?
Please be sure you’ve submitted your photo correctly and before you arrive on campus (see step 4 on the required forms page). If that’s done, you’ll receive your Cornell ID card during check-in on Opening Day. This card gives you access to buildings, dining halls, and other campus services.
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 Communicating with your instructor.
Q: Who do I contact for academic support?
When seeking academic support, the best place to start is with your instructor. We encourage you to contact them and take advantage of their office hours. For additional help, please see our academic support page.
Q: How do I find out if I need textbooks for class?
Some courses require textbooks or other materials, others do not. To find out, check the course syllabus on your course’s Canvas site when it opens. Read on for information about how to purchase course materials.
Q: I need an accommodation. How do I get this?
Please contact Cornell Student Disability Services at sds_cu@cornell.edu as early as possible. They’ll work with you to arrange accommodations for academics, housing, or dining. See Student Disability Services.
Q: How do I order my transcript?
After the program, you can request your official Cornell transcript through the University Registrar. See ordering your transcript.
Residential Life
Q: What does a typical day look like?
Your day includes classes, meals, study time, and fun activities like sports clubs, arts and crafts, movie nights, or field trips. Read more about a typical day in the residential program.
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: Can I walk around campus by myself?
To help ensure your safety and meet Cornell policies for minors, you must be accompanied by a residential counselor (RC) at all times. This includes to and from class and meals, unless you are in the homebase area on North Campus, where you can move about in groups of three or more. See housing and supervision.
Q: Is there a curfew?
Yes, curfews are enforced to ensure student safety. You must be in your residence hall by 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Q: What kind of activities do you offer?
All sorts! 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; Dungeons & Dragons; hiking; outdoor concerts; a silent disco, and much more. (Note that although precollege students are not allowed in university gyms, there are many opportunities to take part in fitness activities including running, swimming, volleyball, etc.). There’s also time for homework, library visits, and admissions workshops. See activities.
Q: Are the dorms air-conditioned?
Our North Campus dorms are not air-conditioned. However, each room comes with a fan per student and you'll have access to shared air-conditioned/air-controlled spaces. You can rent an extra fan or a microfridge in advance or on Opening Day. See item 4, Pack and prep for your summer, on the accepted students page for rental information.
Q: Where can I do my laundry?
Laundry facilities are available in the residence halls. Bring your own detergent or buy it on campus. Learn more about how to pay for laundry services.
Q: What should I bring to campus?
We suggest packing casual clothing, a computer, towels, and toiletries at a minimum. 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. If you have any special dietary requirements, please visit the dining page to complete the meal-request form.
Q: Can I get a gym membership?
No, precollege students are not allowed in university gyms. We do, however, offer a sports club as well as lots of opportunities to take part in fitness activities including running, swimming, hiking, soccer, volleyball, etc.
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. To reach the Precollege Nurse's Office call 607.793.9877 or email HealthCenterCornellPre@summerdiscovery.com. 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.
In turn, 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.
This policy exists to ensure that residential life staff can focus their primary duty—ensuring student safety—and not be overwhelmed by managing visitors. In addition, staff are working hard to build a strong, cohesive student community during a short, intensive period. We want all students, not just those with parents living nearby, to enjoy the richest possible experience during their time with us. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: Can I stay an extra day after the program ends?
Sorry. You must check out by the scheduled time. See check-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:
- Precollege Residential Office (Summer Discovery): JAM House (North Campus)
- Phone: 607.793.9877
- Email: CornellPrecollege@summerdiscovery.com
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 Summer 2025 Residential Precollege Studies Program, including the provision of residential staff, student activities, and health and safety management. Cornell University retains full control over all academic elements of the Summer 2025 Precollege Studies Program, including academic curriculum, instructor selection, and course content.
Please contact Summer Discovery if you have any questions related to residential life:
- Precollege Residential Office (Summer Discovery): JAM House (North Campus)
- Phone: 607.793.9877
- Email: CornellPrecollege@summerdiscovery.com