A Dean's Certification (or disciplinary clearance) is a verification of your student conduct record. To request a Dean's Certification, you must first complete a Release of Academic Information Form, authorizing the Cornell Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and the Academic Integrity Board to disclose any disciplinary information.
What is a Dean's Certification?
The Dean's Certification is an official statement from your undergraduate college identifying your academic and disciplinary standing at the time of graduation. The Dean’s Certification can be required from professional schools or programs, admitting associations, or potential employers.
What do I have to do to request completion of a Dean's Certification?
Read the request carefully to understand what is being asked and what you need to respond to. Dean’s Certifications do not have a standard set of questions, as each requestor has its own requirements.
After you read the document, follow directions to complete your portion
Email your request to your Cornell University college or school. See links below
The completed form will be emailed by Cornell University to the requestor directly.
Who can request a Dean's Certification?
Only a student or alumnus who authorizes the completion of a Dean's certification can ask for it.
Who provides the Dean's Certification form?
Usually, the organization provides the form to the student/alumnus, who then contacts their home college (see links below) to request that it be completed. Cornell does not supply the form or a standard letter.
What is asked on a Dean's Certification form?
The requestor’s form might ask for a report on the student’s academic probation record or disciplinary record.
There is not a standard set of questions asked.
What are the answers to the Dean's Certification form based on?
The response to the request is based on existing University records such as your academic progress and any finding of a violation of the Code of Conduct, the Code of Academic Integrity, or the Title IX policies.
What does it mean when the requestor asks if the student is in good standing?
If the applicant is a current student, then the good standing request will be based on the current status of the student. Contact your college or school to understand what exactly will be disclosed on this question. (links below)
If the applicant has graduated, then they are presumed to be in good standing and no further information will be provided.
What happens when an affirmative answer is given to a past academic or disciplinary record?
The explanation will contain information on the final resolution of the case(s) and sanctions, an explanation of Cornell policies, and instructions to contact the student if the institution requires any further information about the record.
Who completes the form?
The form is completed by staff in the Dean’s office and the Office of General Counsel.
What does it cost?
There is no cost for providing a Dean’s Certification.
How long will it take to complete?
Allow at least two weeks to process the request for a Dean’s Certification.
We urge you to submit your request at least one month before each requestor’s deadline to ensure completion if there are any unanticipated delays.
Who gets copies of the Dean's Certification?
The student signs a release form permitting copies to be sent to specific requestors. This form may ask the student to waive the right to review the letter. Please read the requestor's document carefully.
Who can give me advice about how to complete my portion of the Dean's Certification?
You can contact Career Services in your Cornell University college or school.
Who can I contact to discuss known infractions or violations and how to discuss them in my application?
Contact your Career Services office or college (link below) to discuss what records exist and what needs to be disclosed on the specific request.
What is not included on a Dean's Certification?
We do not provide information that is available on the transcript. Specifically, we do not respond to requests for GPA, class rank, or leaves of absence.
Does Cornell keep a copy of the Dean's Certification for me to use again?
No, we do not keep copies of past Dean’s Certification.
Does Cornell have a standard consent and waiver form for me to complete?
No, this should come from the requestor. We do not provide a standard consent or waiver form for this purpose.
