When Native students arrive on the Cornell campus, as undergraduates or graduate students, they can rely on AIP for academic and financial aid planning, as well as personal assistance. AIP connections throughout the university community help facilitate students' transitions to the rigorous academic programs and help them achieve that delicate balance between academic success and a full extracurricular life.
AIP offers students numerous supportive options during their years at Cornell. They can live in Akwe:kon, the AIP’s residential program house, which provides students from many cultural backgrounds a safe and supportive environment where Native cultures and worldviews are valued. Students are always welcome to stop by our offices to say “hello” and share their news.
We encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities and participate in organizations such as American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and Native American Students at Cornell (NASAC). These student organizations have a home on the fourth floor of Caldwell Hall, complete with new computers, a study and research area, and room for students to work on group projects.
Experiences in the classroom, personal growth, practical career opportunities, and the chance to be an active member of the Cornell community all contribute to the Full Circle approach to learning. The circle is complete when students graduate from their academic programs at Cornell with expertise, skill, and a commitment to return service to Native American people in some capacity.
All Cornell students are welcome to participate in AIP’s academic and socio-cultural events, and to benefit from its dedicated and accessible staff and faculty members, rigorous and multidisciplinary curriculum, and intercultural residential program house.