Cultivating Inclusivity. Creating Community.
Any person. Any study. That was Ezra Cornell’s vision in 1865. It still guides us today.
At the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, 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 and mindset 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, staff, and faculty with skills and knowledge to effectively work across differences.
Community
We empower a community that drives positive change in business with a range of programming.
Preparing Business Students from Everywhere to Lead Anywhere
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 SC Johnson College include:
- Grand Challenges Curriculum—immersive, project-based courses for applied economics and management (AEM) students that address global issues and inequities
- Industry Treks—unique, on-location learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students in various programs
- Global Fellows Program—a renowned program available to AEM majors in partnership with the Cornell University College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
- International Experiences—more than 200 opportunities to study abroad through Cornell’s Office of Global Learning, plus short-term, faculty-led study trips all over the world
- Inclusive Leadership Courses—classes like Inclusive Leadership for Organizational Impact, Leading Across Differences, Courageous Communication, and Women and Leadership
Learn more about how diversity and global awareness permeate the academic experience at each school.
Belonging Across the College
The SC Johnson College is home to three distinct schools and programs across the college, all of which embrace the college’s core values and strategic priorities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Support and Resources: Invested in Your Success
From academic enrichment to professional development, our students, staff, and faculty 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 Nolan and Dyson.
Professional Development
We offer several courses that focus on inclusive leadership. We also provide professional development opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to strengthen and apply skills that contribute to positive societal impact.
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.
The Student Experience: Making Connections, 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.
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.
“Unlike other schools, 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. Thank you, ODI!”
—Omar Caraballo ’25, Nolan School
News, Updates, and Stories
Learn more about initiatives from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and read related news and stories from across the college.
15th WIN Conference: Fostering Community
Ekta Kumar, MBA ’25 recounts her experience meeting women leaders in the investing profession and connecting with students from across the country at the 15th annual MBA Women in Investing Conference.
Risa Mish Honored with the 2024 Earl Hill Jr. Faculty Achievement and Diversity Leadership Award
Risa Mish, professor of practice at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, received the award from The Consortium for her outstanding contributions in diversity leadership.
Persistent questioning of knowledge takes a toll
Dyson Assistant Professor Laura Niemi's research shows regular exposure to even subtle prejudice and discrimination degrades physical and mental health.
A Diverse and Welcoming University 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
The first two Black students graduated from Cornell: Charles Chauveau Cook and Jane Eleanor Datcher.
50%
International students make up half of the graduate student body at Cornell University. (Source: 2025 University Factbook)
25+
There are more than 25 diversity-related student groups at SC Johnson College.
38%
More than a third of SC Johnson College students identify as Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous. (Source: 2025 University Factbook)
Our Foundation In and 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 percent 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.