Organizational Structures in the Social Sciences at Cornell

March 2018

The report of the Committee on Organizational Structures in the Social Sciences (PDF) has been received and is now available for viewing by the Cornell community.  The faculty committee was formed following internal and external reviews to address the university level organization of the social sciences, including academic units, graduate fields, and centers/institutes.

The report presents a series of ideas for possible changes in organizational structure of the social sciences at Cornell. In developing these ideas, the committee took the perspective of identifying opportunities to position Cornell’s social sciences for outstanding achievement in 10-15 years.

The next steps in the process involve broad engagement in a discussion of the report.  Feedback is invited in the following venues and forms:

  1. Faculty forums in the colleges, hosted by the co-chairs of the committee and the Provost.
  2. A meeting of the chairs of social science and social science related departments, hosted by the co-chairs of the committee and the Provost.
  3. A meeting of the directors of social science centers and institutes, hosted by the co-chairs of the committee and the Provost.
  4. A presentation to the Faculty Senate and invitation to consider the faculty report.
  5. Discussions with the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly, Student Assembly, and Employee Assembly.
  6. A secure online discussion platform for faculty feedback.
  7. A dedicated email (ssreview@cornell.edu) to which students, staff, and alumni may submit feedback.

The Provost and President will then consider the feedback, determine actions to be taken, and initiate implementation process(es).

For more information, see the Social Sciences Review FAQ. Questions or feedback may also be submitted to ssreview@cornell.edu.