The ornithology programs available to undergraduates at Cornell University are already excellent. We have opportunities to take classes about the biology of birds and certain field research techniques. There are even several field ornithology classes that can help us get experience in the field.
However, nearly all of the field ornithology classes at Cornell take place during the summer or winter breaks, which limits which students are able to take these classes. Those who are busy with work or other conflicts during breaks may never have the opportunity to take them.
With such a strong undergraduate cohort of students interested in ornithology, we have enough potentially interested students to suggest an advanced field ornithology class which would take place during the spring semesters. This type of class could help us go beyond the level of the other classes already offered at Cornell and not only teach field skills, but also how to take an idea for a research question and turn it into something that can feasibly be done in the field. This class could take place as a series of seminars during the spring semester and could involve a trip over Spring Break to allow students to get into the field, perhaps in an exotic and unfamiliar place where field research would be extremely challenging and extremely rewarding.
Reaching this level of support confirms that many of us feel the current limitations on our field training are worth addressing. Seeing this shared interest suggests a genuine desire to elevate our academic experience beyond the standard calendar. Your engagement has turned a quiet hope into a conversation that the department can no longer overlook.
3 Comments
M
Mark Salazar
13 years ago
Featured
cornell has the best program in the country but this is a huge gap. spring semester makes so much sense for the seniors.
J
Jessica Young
13 years ago
Featured
I really hope they listen to this. doing field work during spring break would be an amazing opportunity for all of us.
S
Sarah Doyle
13 years ago
Featured
Yes! It is super hard to get research experience when you have to work every summer. Need more options during the semester.
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The ornithology programs available to undergraduates at Cornell University are already excellent. We have opportunities to take classes about the biology of birds and certain field research techniques. There are even several field ornithology classes that can help us get experience in the field.
However, nearly all of the field ornithology classes at Cornell take place during the summer or winter breaks, which limits which students are able to take these classes. Those who are busy with work or other conflicts during breaks may never have the opportunity to take them.
With such a strong undergraduate cohort of students interested in ornithology, we have enough potentially interested students to suggest an advanced field ornithology class which would take place during the spring semesters. This type of class could help us go beyond the level of the other classes already offered at Cornell and not only teach field skills, but also how to take an idea for a research question and turn it into something that can feasibly be done in the field. This class could take place as a series of seminars during the spring semester and could involve a trip over Spring Break to allow students to get into the field, perhaps in an exotic and unfamiliar place where field research would be extremely challenging and extremely rewarding.
Reaching this level of support confirms that many of us feel the current limitations on our field training are worth addressing. Seeing this shared interest suggests a genuine desire to elevate our academic experience beyond the standard calendar. Your engagement has turned a quiet hope into a conversation that the department can no longer overlook.
3 Comments
M
Mark Salazar
13 years ago
Featured
cornell has the best program in the country but this is a huge gap. spring semester makes so much sense for the seniors.
J
Jessica Young
13 years ago
Featured
I really hope they listen to this. doing field work during spring break would be an amazing opportunity for all of us.
S
Sarah Doyle
13 years ago
Featured
Yes! It is super hard to get research experience when you have to work every summer. Need more options during the semester.
cornell has the best program in the country but this is a huge gap. spring semester makes so much sense for the seniors.