April 18, 2022
By Sophia Song and David LaRocca
As most school-age children would agree, a field trip is an exciting way to learn about peers, discover things about yourself, and explore where you live. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cornell Bowers CIS has taken the initiative to do just that with a ski trip to nearby Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, New York, about twenty miles from the university’s Ithaca campus.
On March 12, the office held its first-ever ski expedition for Bowers CIS students, faculty, and staff. Over 50 students from a range of majors joined the outing. After a couple of pandemic years, when academic life had gone mostly virtual, students had a chance to tube with Office of DEI staff, ski with Bowers CIS faculty, and share lunch with their classmates.
“This is the best day of my life,” exclaimed Alison, a Bower CIS student. “It was great to meet so many amazing people at once and get to know each other more at lunch after enjoying the snow and nature.”
“Through events like this ski trip,” said LeeAnn Roberts, Director of the Office of DEI, “we aim to build community within the college by fostering stronger relationships between faculty and students as well as bonding among students.” All of this in turn, she says, “contributes to the university’s effort to care for students’ mental health and wellness.” Roberts shared how “the office wants to help students feel a greater sense of belonging in the Bowers CIS community.” Moreover, she noted that outings like this one “offer opportunities for students to meet new people and expand their social networks."
“It was great,” said Dexter Kozen, computer science professor and Joseph Newton Pew, Jr. Professor of Engineering.“It was a nice opportunity to hang with the students in a fun activity outside the classroom. I hope we get to do it again next year!”
For those who missed the ski trip, rest assured, the Office of DEI aims to organize future recreational events soon — possibly a visit to a water park during the spring semester and a rock-climbing site in the fall. To learn more about how you can get involved in upcoming activities please contact the office through dei-office@cis.cornell.edu, or visit in person in Rhodes Hall, room 524.