Requirements for all students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Additional requirements for undergraduate students
The University has two requirements for graduation that must be fulfilled by all undergraduate students: the swim requirement, and physical education courses. For additional information about fulfilling University Graduation Requirements, see the Physical Education website.
Physical Education
All incoming first-year students are required to take two credits (two courses) of Physical Education prior to graduation. It is recommended they complete the two courses during their first year. Accommodations may be made for medical reasons or special circumstances. Credit in Physical Education may be earned by participating in courses offered by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education , by being a registered participant on a varsity athletic team, or performing in the marching band.
Students with medical concerns should contact the Office of Student Disability Services.
Swim Requirement
The Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education has established a basic swimming and water safety competency requirement for all entering first-year undergraduates. Normally, the requirement is taken during the Fall orientation process at Helen Newman Hall or Teagle Hall pools. The requirement consists of the following: feet-first entry into the deep end of the pool, one-minute tread or float, turn around in a full circle, swim 25 yards using any stroke(s) of choice and exit from the water. Any student who cannot meet this requirement must register for PE 1100 - Beginning Swimming as their physical education course before electives can be chosen. Students who do not complete the swim requirement during their first year or during orientation subsequent years will have to pay a $100 fee.
A swim requirement hold will be placed on the student’s record until they have passed or fulfilled the requirement by satisfactorily completing two beginning swim classes (based on attendance requirements) and having the recommendation of the instructor. Students unable to meet the swim requirement because of medical reasons should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. When a waiver is granted by the Faculty Committee on Physical Education, an alternate requirement is imposed. The alternate requirement substitute is set by the Director of Physical Education.
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