Through Cornell’s School of Continuing Education, spouses and partners may take courses as non-degree students. Please note that tuition discounts are not available for spouses or partners, regardless of whether classes are taken for credit or audited. Courses taken for credit or audited will appear on an official Cornell transcript.

In addition, Community ESL at Cornell offers English classes for spouses and partners of international students and visiting scholars taught by local volunteers. Those interested in attending can register for a maximum of three classes per week. There are no registration fees. All language levels are welcome.

Spouses and registered domestic partners of full-time registered students are eligible for a Spouse/Partner ID card. For a one-time $40 fee, you can access the library after registering your card at Olin Library, pay the student bus rate after signing up and paying at Parking and Transportation, and use the fitness centers.

We recommend the following resources for spouses and partners on the job search:

• Tompkins Workforce New York provides a convenient, one-stop shopping approach to accessing employment-related services for businesses, workers, and job seekers in Tompkins County. The center, located in downtown Ithaca on the Commons, provides trained staff ready to assist job seekers. Our student partners frequently meet with the Tompkins Workforce staff to:
  • identify goals and objectives for work,
  • gain self-knowledge,
  • review cover letters and resumes,
  • practice interviewing,
  • learn about professional development opportunities,
  • take part in networking events, and
  • gain understanding about the local landscape of employment possibilities in Tompkins County and the surrounding area.
• Cornell University is one of the major employers in the area and many spouses and partners find employment here. Job postings for Cornell can be found on the Cornell HR careers page.
• Sign up for the Student Spouse/Partner Employment e-List. This e-list is designed for student spouse/partners seeking employment in the Ithaca area, sharing job announcements and any employment workshops/services open to student spouses and partners.
  • To join the list, send an email to DUAL_CAREER_POSTINGS-L-request@cornell.edu
  • Type “join” in the subject line, leaving the body of the email blank.
• If your spouse/partner is an international student, please visit the International Services Bring Spouse or Children page to find out more about eligibility for work authorization in the U.S.

As a student spouse or partner, you can participate in physical fitness across campus. Student spouses and partners can access the fitness centers and classes for a yearly fee. Swimming at Helen Newman Hall and Teagle is free with a spouse ID. 

The Einhorn Center for Community Engagement is committed to working with our students and community members to find meaningful volunteering opportunities. Contact Einhorn at 607-255-1148 or einhorncenter@cornell.edu.

Students who are enrolled in Cornell’s Student Health Program (SHP) may purchase coverage for their spouses and domestic partners. See SHP for dependents or contact the Office of Student Health Benefits to learn more. Even if you are not a participant in SHP, staff can help you get your questions answered.

Cornell’s Office of Student Health Benefits can help you explore options so you can select the best coverage to fit your family’s needs. Contact the office at 607-255-6363 or studentbenefits@cornell.edu.

Cornell Health provides a variety of services for Cornell students and their spouses and partners. If you are enrolled in Cornell’s Student Health Plan (SHP), Cornell Health is your primary care provider in Ithaca. If you are not enrolled in SHP, we encourage you to find a primary care provider in the community. Learn more about Cornell Health’s services for spouses and partners.

New York State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace provides a range of options for families. There are low-cost policies available, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. To speak with a health access navigator about the marketplace and options, contact the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County at 607-273-8686.

Family and Children’s Services supports, promotes, and strengthens the well-being of individuals and families by providing accessible mental health care and related social services. Counseling is available for students and their spouses and partners to provide assistance in meeting the challenges of life by encouraging healthy personal choices and balanced perspectives. This practice serves all patients regardless of ability to pay; a sliding fee scale is available for those who qualify based on household income.

The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County provides many resources.