Jennifer Tavares and Zoe Nelson, representing Cornell University, briefed the Tompkins Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Aug. 6 about the university’s preparations for the coming academic year and local partnerships.
Tavares said Cornell is facing financial uncertainty and has communicated possible austerity measures that could include workforce reductions, but she said specific decisions remained pending as leadership completes planning. She announced that Kyle Kimball will begin as Cornell’s new vice president on Sept. 15 and said the university will try to introduce him to local leaders.
Tavares highlighted positive developments as well, including a large National Science Foundation award to support AI research and state renewal of the CAT program. She also thanked county staff for collaborating on a July 23 naturalization ceremony held in the county with 20 new citizens sworn in.
On enrollment, Tavares said undergraduate admission activity may increase offers or result in a larger freshman class, while the university expects total graduate enrollment to be down compared with last year. She said international enrollment remains uncertain because of visa appointment timing and because national rhetoric can affect students’ decisions to travel. Zoe Nelson said Cornell is monitoring arrivals and will update counts as students complete their visas and registrations.
Committee member Deborah Dawson asked about a Bloomberg report that Cornell was considering a $100 million payment to the federal government; Tavares declined to provide details and said Cornell would update the public when appropriate.
Nelson said the New York State Education Department recently approved a part‑time bachelor’s pathway intended for adult learners, mostly remote, which Cornell said is intended to expand access for nontraditional students. The university also noted continued partnerships with local workforce and regional officials; Harris Weiss, formerly the governor’s regional representative, has moved to the Department of Labor and will visit campus in his new role to discuss workforce programs.
No committee action was taken. Committee members thanked the Cornell representatives for the update and asked to be kept informed as enrollment and budget decisions evolve.