Advising

The E&S Advising staff are dedicated to empowering students as they navigate their academic journeys. We provide personalized, student-centered guidance on major requirements, course planning, and interdisciplinary exploration while connecting students with faculty and resources. As a hub for student success, we foster an inclusive, supportive community that nurtures intellectual curiosity and helps students translate their passion for the environment into action, both within the E&S community and beyond.

Schedule an appointment with an E&S advisor

Scheduling a meeting with an E&S advisor is a valuable opportunity to explore your academic and career goals, receive personalized guidance, and make the most of your experience in the E&S program.

Our advisors are here to support you with:

Navigating degree requirements and course selection
Discussing academic challenges or concerns
Connecting you with campus resources

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Weekly In-Person Drop-Ins (virtual by request)

Mondays: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Tuesdays: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Wednesdays: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Thursdays: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Fridays: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

117 Kennedy Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Email: environment [at] cornell.edu (environment[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Declaring the E&S Major:

For students declaring the E&S major they must have completed 3 courses from the core curriculum (see Core Curriculum page). It is recommended that students meet with an E&S advisor to review their plan to complete major requirements.

Forms

Important forms and links for E&S students.

Policies & Guidelines

Grade policy:

If you started at Cornell before Fall 2025, or if you are expected to graduate before May 2029*, letter grade (D- or better) or S/U grade options will meet major requirements.

If you started at Cornell in Fall 2025 or later, and you are expected to graduate in May 2029 or later*, these guidelines apply to you:

Once matriculated, one class in the Core Curriculum may be taken S/U. All other requirements must be taken for a letter grade unless the course is offered S/U only.
A grade of C- or higher must be earned to meet major requirements.

* The expected graduation date stems from each student's matriculation date. Some students may graduate before or after this date. You may not petition to change grading requirements if your actual date of graduation differs from the expected date at matriculation to Cornell.

Substitution policy:

The E&S curriculum has lots of course choice flexibility built into it. If you have circumstances motivating a petition to substitute an unlisted course for a requirement, a petition form must get approval from your E&S advisor and the faculty DUS for your concentration.

Up to one course in the Core Curriculum and two in your concentration can be substituted for students who matriculate as freshman.
Sophomore and junior matriculants to the major may substitute no more than two (2) courses.
Courses completed prior to declaring the E&S major are not subject to these limits and are reviewed on a case by case basis at the time you apply to join the major (internal or external transfers).
This policy applies to fall 2025 and later matriculants.

E&S Peer Mentors welcome and support new students. Peer Mentors play a critical role in helping new students navigate their first year at Cornell. Mentoring is an opportunity to pay it forward and share your wisdom and experience.

The E&S major in CALS and A&S is supported by faculty who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. These educators provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological, physical-chemical, social sciences, and humanities to help students analyze and address complex environmental challenges.

E&S students are supported by dedicated professional advisors—Jayla, Suzanne, and Keeley—who provide guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and navigating the program.