Self-Care & Support
It is especially important during stressful and uncertain times to find ways to take care of yourself and others and to seek support when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
I feel stressed or overwhelmed. Who can I talk to?
Cornell community members are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, and may be experiencing a myriad of emotions including anxiety, grief, loneliness and worry for the future.
Those who could benefit from support are encouraged to connect with the resources below.
- Students enrolled on the Ithaca campus may access resources provided by Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Cornell Health (limitations apply for students studying outside of New York state). Students can also call Cornell Health 24/7 at 607-255-5155 to speak with a licensed therapist from their on-call service.
- Students at Cornell Tech may contact Student Services for support.
- Faculty and staff in Ithaca and New York City may contact the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). Additional health plan benefits, including telehealth services are also available to benefits-eligible employees.
- Chaplains and spiritual advisors in Cornell United Religious Work (CURW) are available to speak with students seeking spiritual support and care, online and/or by phone.
- Confidential care and support for individuals affected by bias is also available, and any member of the community can report a bias incident or related concerns.
What resources are available remotely for students?
Students who are enrolled on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, but who are engaged in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, are eligible for Cornell Health services, depending on their location.
Students in New York state can access Cornell Health's full range of telehealth services. There is no charge for telehealth services for students enrolled in a Cornell Student Health Plan (SHP or SHP+) or who pay the student health fee.
Students outside of New York state, in the United States or in an international location, are eligible for phone consultation for medical and mental health concerns, along with non-clinical CAPS services, available with no charge.
Learn more about Cornell Health services for students studying remotely.
Additionally, Cornell's cultural centers and student empowerment area staff members are available to support and connect with students virtually.
Will religious services still be provided?
During the fall 2020 semester, OSMM staff and CURW chaplains remain available to talk with students on an individual basis and support them in their spiritual and religious needs. Some religious services are still happening online, and many affiliated religious organization are hosting online virtual study groups, spiritual practice sessions, and social gatherings. Please check the websites of each chaplain to learn more. Anabel Taylor Hall and Sage Chapel will be closed to in-person religious programming through the end of the fall 2020 semester.
What community resources are available to help employees?
Human Resources has developed a collection of Cornell and community resources to support the physical, emotional and mental well-being of employees and share information on caregiving, food and delivery services, how to help others in the community, and more.
What child care options are available?
Information about Cornell and community-based child care resources is available on the Human Resources COVID-19 Workplace Guidance website.
Can I use campus fitness services? Are online fitness classes available?
Following interim guidance ;issued in August by New York state, we are actively working to safely reopen fitness centers on campus. We will update the campus community when Cornell Fitness Centers reopen. In the interim, Cornell Recreational Services Fitness Centers are offering live, reoccurring CFC to Go virtual fitness classes that are open to everyone. For additional information, refer to the Cornell Fitness Center FAQs.
Multiple studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety and increase one’s sense of overall well-being. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors while practicing physical distancing. Cornell Outdoor Education has provided a guide for outdoor activities to help get you started. The grounds of the Cornell Botanic Gardens are also open every day, dawn to dusk, but please remember to stay six feet away from others, wear a face-covering when it is not feasible to maintain physical distancing measures, don’t gather in groups of any size, and refrain from interacting with staff.