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Cornell’s Mission-see also Cornell University Mission page.
“I would found an institution
where any person can find
instruction in any study.”
Ezra Cornell, 1865
Cornell is a learning community that seeks to serve society by educating the leaders of tomorrow and extending the frontiers of knowledge.
In keeping with the founding vision of Ezra Cornell, our community fosters personal discovery and growth, nurtures scholarship and creativity across a broad range of common knowledge, and engages men and women from every segment of society in this quest. We pursue understanding beyond the limitations of existing knowledge, ideology, and disciplinary structure. We affirm the value to individuals and society of the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.
Our faculty, alumni, students, and staff strive toward these objectives in a context of freedom with responsibility. We foster initiative, integrity, and excellence, in an environment of collegiality, civility, and responsible stewardship. As the land-grant university for the State of New York, we apply the results of our endeavors in service to our alumni, the community, the state, the nation, and the world.
DISCLAIMER: The policies contained in this handbook are not conditions of employment, and are not intended to create a contract between the university and its employees. The university reserves the right to amend or revoke the policies in this handbook at any time without notice. The university reserves the right to change the content of this handbook at any time. Nothing contained in this handbook constitutes a promise or guarantee of continuing employment or benefits.