Our advising network

Students should learn to work with the college advisors or faculty who can best serve their needs.

College advisors from the Office of Advising and Student Development engage with students in an intentional and developmental process in which students and advisors work together to assist students in clarifying and realizing their educational and personal goals. Academic Advisors provide a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss students’ concerns and interests or seek connections to campus support.  

Our office meets students where they are and works to support them in that space allowing for their intellectual curiosity to grow. We focus on building connections and helping students take ownership in their curricular and co-curricular journey.  

Who we are

  • Andrea Poag, Assistant Dean
  • Amanda Gonzalez
  • Verdene Lee
  • Deanne Maxwell

What we do

  • discuss course scheduling, balancing, and enrollment
  • explain overall degree requirements including major requirements
  • support students with academic concerns and difficulties
  • provide connections to resources throughout campus and within Human Ecology
  • explore international and domestic academic opportunities  
  • discuss long-range academic planning
  • meet students exploring potential internal transfer to Human Ecology  

Faculty associated with each major help students understand their major coursework, identify research opportunities and network in their academic field. They're often the first faculty that students meet on a personal basis. Students should cultivate these relationships early in their academic career. Not all majors in Human Ecology utilize Faculty advisors.   

You can make an appointment with your faculty advisor by going to their office hours or emailing them directly. Check the Human Ecology faculty directory for a faculty listing in each department.

If you need to change faculty advisors, you can request a new assignment from your department's director of undergraduate studies.

The directors of undergraduate study (DUS) oversee the advising activities in their associated department. They can answer questions about the advising system and the undergraduate majors.

Human Centered Design

Jack Elliot (Design + Environmental Analysis major) 
Fatma Baytar (Fiber Sciences, Fashion Design, and Fashion Design Management majors)

Nutritional Sciences

Marla Lujan (all majors)

Psychology

Lauren Korfine (Human Development major)

Undeclared majors

Contact humec_students [at] cornell.edu.

Meet with a college advisor

Any Human Ecology student, or student seeking to internally transfer to Human Ecology can schedule an appointment with the Office of Advising and Student Development to discuss any plans or questions you have related to your academic and non-academic goals. Please note that when making an appointment, students must include their full name and email, or the appointment will be cancelled. All meetings are in person in (MVR 1210) by default as we value in person connections with our students, however, all Friday Advising and Student Development meetings are via Zoom. 

You can also reach our office by e-mailing humec_students [at] cornell.edu or by calling 607-255-2532.

For questions regarding financial aid, please make an appointment with the Cornell Financial Aid office. Please follow the instructions within the scheduling website.   

Additional advising support 

Students in the Divisional of Nutritional Sciences majors may also meet with the advisors from DNS Student Services.  

Students who are pre-med should also plan to work with the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) to discuss MCAT prep, core competencies for health professions school admissions, clinical experiences, and gaps years.

Academic support resources

If you find yourself struggling in a course, there are people available to help. Start by speaking with the professor of the course or the Teaching or Course assistant (TA/CA). A college advisor in the Office of Advising and Student Development may also be able to help connect you to resources and provide advice.Other resources include:

Learning Strategies Center

The Learning Strategies Center provides free academic support services for all undergraduates at Cornell, including:

  • supplemental courses in biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics and physics
  • drop-in group tutoring
  • Neurodiversity @ Cornell resources and support
  • online resources and workshops throughout the semester
  • private consultations

Writing Workshop

Through the Writing Workshop, the John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines offers tutorial-based writing classes and tutoring services for writers at all levels, disciplines, and stages of the writing process.

Help with financial emergencies

Currently enrolled Human Ecology students who encounter financial difficulty or anticipate running short of funds may discuss their needs with an advisor in the Student and Career Development Office.

Complete information is available in Cornell’s Financial Aid Office.

Cornell Commitment Programs recognize, encourage, and reward select students who exemplify Cornell’s commitment to academic excellence, work and service, research and discovery, and leadership.

The Human Ecology Alumni Association provides small emergency grants to students in the college who have unexpected financial problems. Some funds are also available for special grants. Contact the Human Ecology Alumni Office.

Health Leave of Absence

A college advisor in the Office of Advising and Student Development can contact student to the Health Leaves Coordinator on campus to explore a health leave of absence and understand the process.