Graduate students, professional students, and postdocs are facing many challenges: cuts to research funding, loss of access to research data, a shrinking job market. Multilingual international post-graduates and those who were born outside of the U.S. face even more challenges: shifting visa policies, escalating racial tensions, and fears related to increased ICE activity. These students and postdocs need a break! Even one afternoon free of work and worry, an afternoon among friends and supportive community members, can make a real difference.
The English Language Support Office (ELSO), Cornell’s writing and speaking support program for post-graduates, wants to provide this break. With your support, we will offer multilingual post-graduates an afternoon of good food, good company, and good fun. We are planning a social event in the graduate student lounge (Big Red Barn), with:
- Pizza, snacks, and desserts
- Games that encourage socializing
- Raffled prizes
This event, “Take a Break with ELSO,” would happen right before spring break, a time when post-graduates feel freer to take some time off. The event would be planned for 100 postgraduates and hosted by ELSO faculty and graduate tutors. Funds will be used to rent the space, pay tutors, and purchase food, raffle items, and other materials.
Cornell has a long history of being a place where “any student” from “any place” can study. This value of inclusion is more important now than ever. Support this event so that we can show our international and multilingual resident postgraduates how much they are valued at Cornell. Click here to donate!
