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Who Are You?

Information for New Graduate Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Graduate School at Cornell. We at Gannett Health Services extend to you a warm welcome. This is certain to be an exciting time in your life. We have designed this page to help you get a jump-start on satisfyng your requirements before coming to campus, so that you can focus on other things once you arrive.

Health requirements 

Every new student is required to satisfy a series of health requirements, including the provision of information about your personal and family health history and documentation of necessary immunizations.

All of this information is gathered via Cornell’s Health History Form, which must be completed online. The Health History Form is confidential. It provides Gannett with health information necessary to comply with state and federal laws, and to assure quality care for you while you are at Cornell.

Learn more about satisfying these requirements. If you have questions about the Health History Form, immunizations and related costs, TB screening, deadlines, or services available at Gannett, please e-mail or phone the Gannett's Requirements Office. Phone: 607.255.4364 or 607.255.6951

Health records

Plan to bring copies of your health records (and the health records of any family members who are accompanying you). Keep these records with other important papers so they will be available if health needs arise. All records should be in English. If necessary, please have them translated before you come to Cornell. 

Health insurance coverage

Due to the high cost of medical care, Cornell University policy requires every full-time registered student to have health insurance. It is essential that you have insurance that will provide adequate protection for you (and your dependents) in the event of illness or accident.

All graduate students will be enrolled automatically in Cornell’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). This plan has been developed especially for Cornell University students, and provides access to convenient, high-quality health care that complements services offered on campus.

  • Fully funded students: The Graduate School will pay the premium for all graduate students registered with the Graduate School who are receiving full tuition and a full stipend from or through Cornell.
  • Self-pay students: All students registered with the Graduate School who are not receiving full tuition and a full stipend will be automatically enrolled in the SHIP. The charge for the SHIP premium (annual fee) will appear on your July bursar bill. If you believe you have other insurance that meets all of Cornell’s criteria for adequate health insurance, you may apply to appeal the SHIP requirement.

Learn more about the SHIP, its benefits, and, if necessary, the appeal process, contact the Cornell University Office of Student Health Insurance.

Other important links for grads who are

 

 

Avoid penalties 

Pay attention to the postmark deadlines. If your form does not demonstrate full compliance with all requirements by the deadline, you will not be registered and you will be charged a $100 late fee.

Cover all the Bases

Be sure to bring a copy of your completed Health History Form with you when you come to Cornell. That way, if there has been a problem with the mail, you will be able to submit your copy with all the required signatures and fulfill your requirements before you register.