Empowering Students, Building Community

At a university as academically rigorous and socially dynamic as Cornell, having a support system can make all the difference. That’s where the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI) steps in. OADI empowers all students to thrive both in and out of the classroom, with a special focus on supporting the academic, professional, and community needs of students who are first-generation college goers and/or from lower-income backgrounds.

Whether you're a first-generation college student or a student navigating the intersection of multiple identities, OADI exists to help you succeed.

What is OADI?

OADI is a resource hub under the umbrella of the Office of the Vice Provost for Engagement and Land-Grant Affairs. It provides academic, professional, and personal development opportunities for all students in a welcoming setting. Their advisors are equipped to share resources with students from a range of communities, including first-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds.

Their motto? “Access + Opportunity = Success.” That’s not just a tagline—it’s a guiding principle.

What Does OADI Offer?

• Academic Support & Mentorship 
  OADI offers tailored academic advising, study groups, and peer mentoring to help students stay on track and feel supported. Programs like the honor society, Chi Alpha Epsilon (XAE), and OADI Research Scholars reward academic success and offer pathways to research opportunities.
• Funding & Scholarships 
  From research grants to emergency funding, OADI helps reduce financial barriers. The office also connects students to national fellowships and awards that align with their academic and career goals.
• Community & Events 
  OADI is more than just an office—it’s a community. The center hosts workshops, cultural events, and student panels that foster identity development and build a strong sense of belonging and agency.
• Career & Graduate School Preparation 
  With resume-building workshops, mock interviews, and graduate school panels, OADI helps students prepare for what comes after Cornell. These programs support both STEM and non-STEM students, reflecting the diversity of academic paths Cornellians take.

Why OADI Matters

College can be overwhelming, especially when you're navigating it without a roadmap. OADI provides that roadmap—and the encouragement to keep going. It’s a place where students are seen, heard, and supported. Where what makes us unique is not just welcomed but celebrated. Where success is defined not just by grades, but by growth. Where the promise of ‘any person, any study’ includes meaningful support for every path.