Cultivating inclusivity and creating community
Any person. Any study. That was Ezra Cornell’s vision in 1865. It still guides us today.
We prepare students of all backgrounds to join and lead organizations around the world. We empower our community — students, staff, faculty, alumni and partners — to broaden their awareness, embrace differences and develop the skills to thrive in an ever-changing society and business world.
Our commitment and core values
At the SC Johnson College, our core values of inclusion, engagement, impact and community contribute to creating a welcoming environment for all. We embrace diversity in all its forms and celebrate one another’s contributions. We foster unity through adaptability. We show compassion through acceptance and consideration.
Inclusion
We cultivate an inclusive and authentic environment of belonging in the classroom, across campus and beyond.
Engagement
We foster connections through student groups and college-wide events that celebrate diversity.
Impact
We equip students, faculty and staff with skills and knowledge to effectively work across differences.
Community
We empower a community that moves business and society forward through a range of programming.
A diverse and welcoming community
When you join the SC Johnson College, you become part of the larger Cornell community. Our institution is rich with diversity of all kinds — and has been since the beginning.
1890
first two Black students graduated from Cornell
Charles Chauveau Cook and Jane Eleanor Datcher
50%
of graduate students at Cornell are international
38%
of SC Johnson College students identify as Asian, Black, Hispanic or Indigenous.
Building education for a global future
A world-class business education means preparing students to lead with empathy, welcome diverse perspectives and collaborate with colleagues from all backgrounds.
Examples of this in practice at the college include:
Grand Challenges curriculum
A required part of the Dyson School’s undergraduate program, these immersive, project-based courses address global issues and inequities.
Industry treks
Undergraduate and graduate students across the college take part in on-location learning experiences exploring business practices and cultures around the world.
Global Fellows Program
Through a partnership with Cornell University College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Applied Economics and Management (AEM) students can take part in the CALS Global Fellows Program, which combines professional development coursework with an eight-week internship experience in the U.S. or abroad.
International experiences
College of business students have more than 200 opportunities to study abroad through Cornell’s Office of Global Learning, plus access to short-term, faculty-led study trips all over the world.
Inclusive leadership courses
Students who can’t commit to more structured programs can still build leadership skills through courses like Inclusive Leadership for Organizational Impact, Leading Across Differences, Women and Leadership and Courageous Communication.
Belonging across the college
All schools and programs across the college embrace our core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Dyson School
Guided by the motto “Our Business Is a Better World,” the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management prepares graduates to address society’s biggest challenges in today’s diverse and interconnected world through curricular, cocurricular and community impact initiatives.
Johnson School
As one of the first top-tier business schools to develop a dedicated office to support MBA students from diverse backgrounds, the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management has a long history of breaking barriers and empowering leaders to become agents of change.
Nolan School
Rooted in hospitality, the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration develops a network of boundary-pushing “Hotelies” — the popular nickname for students and alumni — who serve humanity, embrace diversity, foster community and adapt to an ever-changing industry.
Right where they belong
Every day, we challenge our students to question the status quo and the notion that “we’ve always done it this way.” We embolden our students to embrace diversity in all its forms and act as an ambassador of these ideals in their academic and professional pursuits.
Members of our college community share their experiences — and how Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) initiatives across the college have impacted them.
“Dyson’s ODI efforts go far beyond just career. There are frequent trips around Ithaca, New York City and D.C. that encourage both learning and leisure. There is a snack pantry designed to address food insecurity among first-generation, low-income students. Most importantly, you’ll always have a community to lean back on.”
Maream Adous ’26
Dyson School
“I know that whenever I walk in, I’m stepping into a space where I can be myself and my voice will be heard. The office has an open-door policy, and I’ve always felt welcome to stop by and share my thoughts on how to continue to foster an inclusive community for Black students and underrepresented minorities.”
Kayla Menes, MBA ’24
Johnson School
“The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is where I feel at home, surrounded by a community that values belonging, respect and understanding. It’s more than just an office — it’s where I connect with others, learn from different perspectives and find the support to grow both personally and academically.”
Omar Caraballo ’25
Nolan School
Making connections and getting involved
Students across our programs find many ways to connect with each other, alumni and industry professionals. Among student groups at the college, you’ll find many devoted to bringing communities together to celebrate diverse cultures, provide learning opportunities or simply make space for socializing and networking.
Invested in your success
From academic enrichment to professional development, our students, faculty and staff, have access to a wide range of supports and resources.
Accelerator Scholars
This program provides enhanced support, resources and opportunities to help first-generation undergraduate students thrive at the college.
Professional development
We offer several courses that focus on inclusive leadership. We also provide professional development opportunities for students, faculty and faculty to strengthen and apply skills that positively impact society.
University resources
Across Cornell University, you’ll find dozens of offices, centers, programs and initiatives geared toward diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. You’re never alone here.
Meet the SC Johnson College ODI team
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) staff work with students, staff, faculty, alumni and corporate partners to further the mission and vision of the office.
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Michelle M. Duguid
Associate Professor; Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging -
Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Johnson School
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Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Dyson School
Cornell Business News
Read news and stories related to belonging and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion from across the college.
Veteran Spotlight: Motoyuki Yoshihara
Dyson veteran and doctoral candidate Motoyuki Yoshihara studies economics through the lens of housing.
A champion for global education equity: Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, 20 for 20 honoree
The Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise celebrates the founder and CEO of 8B Education Investments.
Tolan honored with Forté Foundation Award for Women’s Business Leadership
SC Johnson College MBA Student Hannah Tolan will receive the leadership honor at Forté annual conference in June.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and honors all identities. From meeting AACSB’s rigorous community standards to recognizing Indigenous communities and providing resources for every individual, we aim to foster belonging, empowerment and respect for all members of our community.
Inclusion and AACSB Accreditation
The SC Johnson College is one of just 6% of schools globally to meet the rigorous Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation standards. Community and connectedness are key components of this accreditation. We’re proud to uphold these standards for all within our community.
The Cayuga Nation: Honoring Indigenous communities
We recognize and honor the land on which we live, work and learn. Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ (the Cayuga Nation). We encourage you to learn more about these lands and Cornell’s continual impact as it relates to Indigenous land dispossession.
An open door for all: Celebrating every identity
At the SC Johnson College Office of Diversity and Inclusion, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual is welcomed, valued and supported. Our events, activities and initiatives are designed to serve and uplift the entire college community, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel included and empowered.