New Incoming CALS Students
Welcome to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
This page is your starting point for preparing for enrollment, advising, and your first semester at Cornell. Whether you are an incoming first-year student or an incoming transfer student from outside Cornell, CALS Student Services and your major department are here to help you get started.
Use the links below to find the information that applies to you and return to this page throughout the summer for updates and reminders.
Information on this page will be most helpful for students who have already confirmed their acceptance to Cornell CALS! Newly accepted students should continue to refer to their admission portal for updated information.
Start Here
We are excited to welcome you to the Ag Quad next fall! Over the summer, there are three key things you can focus on to ensure a smooth start to your fall semester.
Complete your New Student To Do List
Your New Student To Do List will help you stay on track as you prepare for your first semester. Review it carefully and complete each required step by the listed deadlines.
Check your Cornell Email Regularly
Important updates, deadlines, and instructions will be sent to your Cornell email throughout the summer. Be sure to check it often so you do not miss required steps or time-sensitive information.
Kickstart your Orientation with CALS Go!
Starting in June, you will be invited to access CALS GO! in Canvas. This information hub is where we will share important details to help you prepare for the fall semester. You will also be able to interact with other incoming students and the CALS Student Services team!
CALS GO ! includes major-specific modules with recommended first-semester courses, information about Zoom sessions, and key contacts in your department. Stay active on CALS Go! And continue to monitor your Cornell email.
Preparing for Advising and Enrollment
With the Fall semester approaching, you may be wondering about course enrollment.
As a new CALS student, you will receive support from both CALS Student Services and your major advising coordinator. Together, these resources will help you understand your next steps, prepare for enrollment, and begin planning for your first semester.
Your major department will provide information about course selection, academic expectations, and recommendations for your first semester.
CALS Student Services can help answer broader questions about academic policies, enrollment preparation, and college requirements. Information about course enrollment will be communicated through your Cornell email and shared on CALS GO! prior to your enrollment period. Additionally, you will be invited to attend a webinar reviewing the process for course enrollment.
Incoming CALS students can begin to schedule advising appointments starting July 27th. Instructions will be available in CALS Go!
Changing Your Major as a New Student
New First-Year Students
- Because CALS students apply to a particular major and applications are reviewed in the context of fit and academic preparation for that major, most students start in the major they were admitted into. The first thing to consider if you are interested in a possible change of major is whether you would have met the first-year requirements for that major (which are listed under each CALS Degree Program). Prior to arriving on campus, for all change of major questions (if you have met the requirements), please contact CALS Admissions. If you have not met the requirements, you need to start in the major that you were admitted into and once on campus, explore changing your major as a current student. Note that major changes to the Information Science and Global and Public Health Sciences majors are not possible.
New Transfer Students
- You need to start in the major that you were admitted into and once on campus, explore changing your major as a current student.
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