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See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Students at graduation

Student Success Navigator Program

Helping students explore and define their pathways to belonging at Cornell CALS.

Finding your path

The CALS Student Success Navigator Program at Cornell CALS is a new, individualized approach to fostering and supporting student wellness and success. The program aims to provide equitable resources to help students from historically excluded, under-resourced and nontraditional backgrounds transition to Cornell – defining and building a community of support to ensure their academic, personal and professional success.

A life-changing experience

At Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we work to solve the world’s most challenging problems, ask important questions and discover new answers. We are a dedicated community of global citizens, working together to safeguard our future. Serving the public good is our goal, and we aim to leave the world better than we found it.

From left, Tamana Ahmadi, Sepehera Azami, Diana Ayubi and Simah Sahnosh walk outside Uris Hall.
From left, Tamana Ahmadi, Sepehera Azami, Diana Ayubi and Simah Sahnosh walk outside Uris Hall. They are among nine Afghan undergraduates who will be arriving on campus through December. Photo by Jason Koski/Cornell University

CALS Class of 2026 highlights

23%

are first-generation college students

41

No. of states represented, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico

29

No. of countries represented outside the U.S.

How does the program work?

CALS student success navigators work one on one with students and their families, by:

Ag Quad with fall foliage

Get answers

Our team helps prospective students and parents answer their admissions and financial aid questions upon applying.

Make connections

We guide them through fall pre-enrollment details and connect them to campus resources and student organizations.

Create pathways

Our navigators help transition them to their campuswide advisors through fall new student orientation.

Build relationships

And we continue to be a resource for students into the fall semester and beyond. 

Student resources

Supporting academic, personal and professional wellness

Degree Progress & Staying on Track

  • Student Center can be used to help students plan their academic schedule, enroll in classes and track progress toward completing requirements. This is where students can add, drop and swap courses.  
  • Student Essentials, also known as Cornell’s student academic portal. Here, you can update personal information, manage your academics and finances, and connect with other Cornelians!
  • DUST can be used to track your CALS and college requirements. This is also where you can find an array of CALS petitions such as requesting a leave of absence, updating your expected degree date, etc. * Note: This portal does not track major and minor requirements! 
  • While you are assigned a faculty advisor who is most likely in your concentration interests, your Advising Coordinator(s) (per major) are a great point of contact for major related questions.
  • Cornell University 2022-2023 Academic Calendar
  • Key CALS Academic Dates and Deadlines 

Studying & Tutoring

Contact your CALS navigator

Callan Robinson CALS
Callan Robinson

Transfer Student Success Navigator

Office of Student Services

Callan Robinson
  • cr586 [at] cornell.edu
Elvin_Grajales_CALS_Student_Services
Elvin Grajales

Student Success Navigator

Office of Student Services

Elvin Grajales
  • ekg55 [at] cornell.edu