Pre-Orientation Service Trips (POST)
Exploring and engaging the local community through service projects while transitioning to college
Exploring and engaging the local community through service projects while transitioning to college
This Opportunity At a Glance
Incoming/transfer students
Program Details
Program Details
POST offers a unique opportunity for incoming students to explore and engage with the Ithaca and Tompkins County communities while transitioning to college life at Cornell University. The program includes daily community-service projects, learning about pressing community issues and participation in fun group evening events.
POST is led by student leaders who play a pivotal role in your transition to Cornell University while creating a fun and memorable experience. Previous service projects have included: painting and light demolition work, trail maintenance, visiting with residents at area nursing homes, working in local community gardens and local schools.
The 2023 POST program will run from the afternoon on Friday, August 11 to the morning of Tuesday, August 15.
Program Details
POST offers a unique opportunity for incoming students to explore and engage with the Ithaca and Tompkins County communities while transitioning to college life at Cornell University. The program includes daily community-service projects, learning about pressing community issues and participation in fun group evening events.
POST is led by student leaders who play a pivotal role in your transition to Cornell University while creating a fun and memorable experience. Previous service projects have included: painting and light demolition work, trail maintenance, visiting with residents at area nursing homes, working in local community gardens and local schools.
The 2023 POST program will run from the afternoon on Friday, August 11 to the morning of Tuesday, August 15.
Students who arrive on campus without having met their New Student Health Requirements will have a temporary hold placed on their registration status (students will be able to access campus housing and enroll in / attend classes, but will not be able to access some other campus facilities). In order to have your registration hold lifted – and to avoid penalties and late fees – you must contact Cornell Health’s Requirements staff as soon as you arrive on campus (call 607-255-4364) and/or attend a Requirements Clinic at Cornell Health. Refer to Cornell Health’s website for details.
Vaccination
Students who arrive on campus without having met their New Student Health Requirements will have a temporary hold placed on their registration status (students will be able to access campus housing and enroll in / attend classes, but will not be able to access some other campus facilities). In order to have your registration hold lifted – and to avoid penalties and late fees – you must contact Cornell Health’s Requirements staff as soon as you arrive on campus (call 607-255-4364) and/or attend a Requirements Clinic at Cornell Health. Refer to Cornell Health’s website for details.
The cost to participate in POST is $390 per person (billed to your Cornell University bursar account). This fee covers meals, transportation, project and safety supplies, housing, and evening activities. Financial scholarships are available.
POST enables Cornell Tradition and Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar (MFCNS) with the opportunity to earn service hours. The POST program fee will come directly out of your student service or leadership support account.
Cost
The cost to participate in POST is $390 per person (billed to your Cornell University bursar account). This fee covers meals, transportation, project and safety supplies, housing, and evening activities. Financial scholarships are available.
POST enables Cornell Tradition and Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar (MFCNS) with the opportunity to earn service hours. The POST program fee will come directly out of your student service or leadership support account.
POST has a long-standing relationship with the local school district allowing students to be housed at a local middle school.
Housing
POST has a long-standing relationship with the local school district allowing students to be housed at a local middle school.
Program Details
Dates
The 2023 POST program will run from the afternoon on Friday, August 11 to the morning of Tuesday, August 15.
Meals
Please include any specific dietary needs or restrictions on your registration form so that we can plan in advance for these with caterers and other vendors.
POST provides all meals once the program begins with the exception of one dinner out. We suggest that folks to bring $15-20 with them to cover this meal.
- Our first meal together will be dinner on the first day of the program – we encourage you to eat lunch before arriving for check-in.
- Since you will be in the community for this week, you may wish to bring additional cash for spending money.
Housing & Shipping
POST participants will be housed at a local middle school. Participants are limited in the amount that they can bring to POST and are encouraged to pack just what you need for a few days of work and fun. There will be an opportunity for you to store your things during POST or there is always the option to ship things ahead and pick them up after the program
For more information about shipping items to campus, visit Cornell Housing.
Arrival/Travel
All participants will receive detailed check-in instructions prior to the start of POST.
Transportation Options:
Taxi Services
Ride Hailing Apps
By Bus:
Ithaca bound from out town:
OurBus
Greyhound
Shortline/Coach USA
These companies operate buses into Ithaca from a variety of cities, including daily service to/from NYC. Buses pick up and drop off in front of Urban Outfitters at 131 E. Green Street in downtown Ithaca. The bus depot on W. State St. is no longer in service.
More questions?
Refer to the FAQs page.
What to Pack
POST provides food and lodging only and will NOT provide the items listed below.
Pack these items separately from any belongings you are bringing for the academic year.
Do not pack more for POST than you can comfortably carry by yourself.
*NOTE: Ithaca weather can be unpredictable, and outdoor projects will occur rain or shine. Pack for all weather conditions (i.e. rain gear, sunscreen, etc.)
Required Items
- Photo ID
- Sleeping bag and/or sheet/blanket
- Pillow
- Water bottle—you will use this daily
- Towel/washcloth
- Health and beauty items (i.e. soap, shampoo, deodorant, razor, shaving cream,toothbrush, toothpaste, blow dryer)
- Nightclothes
- Flip flops for shower facility
- Work clothes/outfits that will get dirtied (to last for 4 days)
- Comfortable sneakers or work boots (these too will get dirty)
- Casual clothes for evening activities—pants and shorts (in addition to work clothes)
- Casual shoes (apart from sneakers & work boots)
- Any medications you normally take (i.e. allergy) and any emergency medications
- Rain gear/poncho/rain coat/umbrella
- Spending money (for eating out on free night, etc. – we recommend a minimum of $20)
- Sunblock (you will most likely be outside most days)
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Dressier clothes for College Dinner with faculty, senior administration and other guests
Optional Items
- Sleeping pad (if desired – remember you will be sleeping on the floor during POST)
- Hat
- Mini alarm clock
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Participants may wish to bring a bathing suit for shower/locker room facilities
Registration
The POST 2023 registration will open on Friday, April 14.
If you are interested in receiving updates to the program and communication about upcoming deadlines, you are encouraged to fill out this Interest form and follow us on Instagram!
POST FAQs
What are the goals of POST?
What are the goals of POST?
POST provides you with the opportunity to get to know upperclassmen and to become familiar with the Ithaca community you will soon call home.
What are the goals of POST?
POST provides you with the opportunity to get to know upperclassmen and to become familiar with the Ithaca community you will soon call home.
Who runs POST?
Who runs POST?
The program is hosted by the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement.
Who runs POST?
The program is hosted by the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement.
Who should I contact for more information?
Who should I contact for more information?
All inquiries should be directed to post@cornell.edu. If we cannot resolve questions via email we will make arrangements to call you.
What is Cornell’s Vaccination policy for students?
What is Cornell’s Vaccination policy for students?
All program participants are required to meet Cornell’s vaccination policy. No exceptions will be made due to the nature of the program and its interactions with community members. For questions specific to vaccines visit the vaccination section of the Cornell Covid website.
What will we be doing for the week?
What will we be doing for the week?
POST participants and their leaders complete community service projects in the local community. Projects typically include painting and light demolition work, trail maintenance, visiting with local seniors at area nursing homes, gardening, preparing local schools for fall opening and other projects. Projects vary from year to year, depending on the needs of our community. Each evening, the entire group comes together to have dinner and participate in evening activities that allow you to get to know other team members and leaders, as well as the greater Ithaca area.
What will we be doing for the week?
POST participants and their leaders complete community service projects in the local community. Projects typically include painting and light demolition work, trail maintenance, visiting with local seniors at area nursing homes, gardening, preparing local schools for fall opening and other projects. Projects vary from year to year, depending on the needs of our community. Each evening, the entire group comes together to have dinner and participate in evening activities that allow you to get to know other team members and leaders, as well as the greater Ithaca area.
With whom will we be working with in the community?
With whom will we be working with in the community?
Each year, POST works with approximately 15 different non-profit organizations as well as local school districts.
What is a typical day?
What is a typical day?
7:45 – 9:15 – Breakfast/shower/travel to the service site (walk, bus or van)
9:30 – Arrive at designated work sites
9:30 – 12:30 – Community service work
12:30 – 1:15 – Lunch Break
1:15 – 3:00 – Continue community service project
3:00 – 5:00 – Return to housing site/free time
6:00 – 7:00 – Dinner
7:30 – 9:30 – Evening Activity (scavenger hunt, bowling, Bar-B-Q, etc.)
9:45 – Return to housing site. Relax and rest up for the next day
What is a typical day?
7:45 – 9:15 – Breakfast/shower/travel to the service site (walk, bus or van)
9:30 – Arrive at designated work sites
9:30 – 12:30 – Community service work
12:30 – 1:15 – Lunch Break
1:15 – 3:00 – Continue community service project
3:00 – 5:00 – Return to housing site/free time
6:00 – 7:00 – Dinner
7:30 – 9:30 – Evening Activity (scavenger hunt, bowling, Bar-B-Q, etc.)
9:45 – Return to housing site. Relax and rest up for the next day
How many applicants are accepted?
How many applicants are accepted?
A maximum of 45 applicants will be accepted before we begin a wait list. In the event that an accepted applicant drops out, we will offer a space to someone on the waiting list. Each applicant is assigned to a team for the week of POST that is led by 2 upperclass team leaders. Each team has 8-9 POST participants. This year there will be a total of five teams.
How many applicants are accepted?
A maximum of 45 applicants will be accepted before we begin a wait list. In the event that an accepted applicant drops out, we will offer a space to someone on the waiting list. Each applicant is assigned to a team for the week of POST that is led by 2 upperclass team leaders. Each team has 8-9 POST participants. This year there will be a total of five teams.
Who comes to POST?
Who comes to POST?
Participants come from all over the country, typically representing 20-25 states. Mainly incoming first-year students attend but we always have a handful of transfer students as well. And participants represent all 9 colleges.
Who comes to POST?
Participants come from all over the country, typically representing 20-25 states. Mainly incoming first-year students attend but we always have a handful of transfer students as well. And participants represent all 9 colleges.
I wasn’t involved in community service in high school. Should I apply?
I wasn’t involved in community service in high school. Should I apply?
Yes! Absolutely no experience is required. We encourage everyone interested in meeting new classmates and participating in community service to apply.
When does registration open?
When does registration open?
The POST 2023 registration form will open Friday, April 14.
When will I know if I am admitted?
When will I know if I am admitted?
Once we have received your Registration Form, you will receive an email within 3-5 business days from POST regarding your status (admitted or waitlisted). POST communicates with you via your Cornell NetID (e.g. ABC123@cornell.edu). Be certain to check your Cornell email account for POST communications. Contact us if you have registered but have not received a confirmation email.
When will I know if I am admitted?
Once we have received your Registration Form, you will receive an email within 3-5 business days from POST regarding your status (admitted or waitlisted). POST communicates with you via your Cornell NetID (e.g. ABC123@cornell.edu). Be certain to check your Cornell email account for POST communications. Contact us if you have registered but have not received a confirmation email.
Can I participate in more than one pre-orientation program?
Can I participate in more than one pre-orientation program?
No, it is NOT possible to participate in more than one program.
What does the cost of POST cover?
What does the cost of POST cover?
The cost of participation in POST is $390 per person (includes the $50 non-refundable deposit). This fee covers the costs of food for the week, transportation, project and safety supplies, housing, planned evening activities, and staffing costs. Cancellations received after Thursday, July 27th will be billed the full cost of POST ($390) as we are already locked into catering, transportation and other monetary agreements based on your attendance.
What does the cost of POST cover?
The cost of participation in POST is $390 per person (includes the $50 non-refundable deposit). This fee covers the costs of food for the week, transportation, project and safety supplies, housing, planned evening activities, and staffing costs. Cancellations received after Thursday, July 27th will be billed the full cost of POST ($390) as we are already locked into catering, transportation and other monetary agreements based on your attendance.
Is financial assistance available?
Is financial assistance available?
We are committed to having a diverse group of entering Cornellians participate in POST and we hope that the cost of the registration will not prevent anyone from joining us. For that reason, financial assistance is available to eligible applicants on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on financial assistance, please check the box indicating this on the Registration Form. If we have questions, we will contact you!
POST enables Cornell Tradition, Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars (MFCNS) and Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars (RCPRS) students to attend and have the POST program fee of $390 paid directly out of your program support account. In addition, Cornell Tradition and Meinig Scholars students will have an opportunity to earn service or leadership hours as a participant in the program.
Is financial assistance available?
We are committed to having a diverse group of entering Cornellians participate in POST and we hope that the cost of the registration will not prevent anyone from joining us. For that reason, financial assistance is available to eligible applicants on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on financial assistance, please check the box indicating this on the Registration Form. If we have questions, we will contact you!
POST enables Cornell Tradition, Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars (MFCNS) and Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars (RCPRS) students to attend and have the POST program fee of $390 paid directly out of your program support account. In addition, Cornell Tradition and Meinig Scholars students will have an opportunity to earn service or leadership hours as a participant in the program.
How does POST financial assistance work?
How does POST financial assistance work?
Financial support for participants comes from the POST program itself.
- A specific amount of money is allotted for financial support and is then distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- You must meet the qualifications to receive support. If you wish to inquire about this please email post@cornell.edu.
How does POST financial assistance work?
Financial support for participants comes from the POST program itself.
- A specific amount of money is allotted for financial support and is then distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- You must meet the qualifications to receive support. If you wish to inquire about this please email post@cornell.edu.
Will there be any additional costs while I am participating in POST?
Will there be any additional costs while I am participating in POST?
Teams will have one evening dinner in the community and participants are expected to cover this cost. We recommend that you bring a minimum of $20.
Do I send the money now?
Do I send the money now?
All trip fees, including the non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 will be billed to your university bursar account. Do not send any money.
Do I send the money now?
All trip fees, including the non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 will be billed to your university bursar account. Do not send any money.
When will I receive more information (what to bring, itinerary, when /where to arrive, move in day information, etc.)?
When will I receive more information (what to bring, itinerary, when /where to arrive, move in day information, etc.)?
We appreciate your patience as POST staff work to finalize program details. Check back frequently for continued updates.
See the “What To Pack” (at the bottom of the Program details page) for a detailed list of items needed for POST and the Program Details section for more information.
How do I get to Cornell?
How do I get to Cornell?
For directions/maps to Cornell, click here. Here you will find directions, airport and shuttle information, maps, local accommodations, and more.
Please review the arrival/travel information on the POST Program Details page.
How do I get to Cornell?
For directions/maps to Cornell, click here. Here you will find directions, airport and shuttle information, maps, local accommodations, and more.
Please review the arrival/travel information on the POST Program Details page.
What if I am bringing a car to campus this fall and need to park it during POST?
What if I am bringing a car to campus this fall and need to park it during POST?
What if my family needs to contact me during the week?
What if my family needs to contact me during the week?
Should an urgent issue or emergency arise during POST, families should call the Einhorn Center at (607) 255-0144. During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), they will be able to speak directly to a staff member; after hours, audix will give instructions on how to reach POST staff directly. In addition, contact and emergency information will be available on the POST website and distributed at the POST Check-In on Friday, August 11.
What if my family needs to contact me during the week?
Should an urgent issue or emergency arise during POST, families should call the Einhorn Center at (607) 255-0144. During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), they will be able to speak directly to a staff member; after hours, audix will give instructions on how to reach POST staff directly. In addition, contact and emergency information will be available on the POST website and distributed at the POST Check-In on Friday, August 11.
