FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Participants must have been employed full time in the hospitality industry, or a related field, for a minimum of two continuous years prior to enrolling in the program.
• While many cultures enrich the Cornell experience, English is the language of instruction for this program. We do not require a TOEFL score; however, participants must have well-developed English-language communication and reading comprehension skills to participate in and benefit from the courses. If a participant’s English-language skills preclude active and full involvement in the classroom sessions, they may be removed from the program.

There is no deadline to enroll in a certificate.

Course materials are not for sale. They are available only to those who attend the specific classes.

By enrolling, you agree to pay the program fee. You have several payment options, including payment in full at time of registration via credit card. You may also request an invoice for payment via check or wire transfer. If you require the option of payment by check or wire transfer, please contact your Enrollment Counselor for details. Payment in full is required prior to the start of the program.

• You may cancel your participation at least 45 days before the first day of the program and receive full reimbursement. You will forfeit US$750 if your notification of cancellation takes place less than 45 days prior to the start date.
• You will receive no reimbursement if notification of cancellation takes place within seven days of the start of the program. Alternatively, the balance less a transfer fee of US$500 can be applied to another eligible participant or to the next offering of the program.
• If participation is not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, you will have the option to transfer to a future session or receive a refund for your enrollment.

Pre-program assignments for your program will be posted online via Canvas, our learning management system. You will receive a username and password to access your Canvas account no later than 10 days prior to the start date of the program.

No. Each certificate consists of four days of interactive classroom learning specific to your certificate topic. You may earn more than one certificate if you return to Cornell for a subsequent program.

• 8:30 – 12:30: Class
• 12:30 – 13:30: Buffet networking lunch
• 13:30 – 17:00: Class
• 17:00 – 18:30: Reception (only on the first day of class)
• Evening: Individual or group assignment (not on the final day of class)
• You are expected to attend all sessions. Certificates are presented only upon completion of all sessions and you must be present to receive your advanced certificate. We reserve the right to withhold certificates from participants who do not attend all sessions.

• Prior to your arrival at Cornell, we will provide you with information regarding your stay and getting the most out of your experience.
• Registration and continental breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. on the first day of class in the atrium at Statler Hall. There you will receive your welcome bag containing information. Classes will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

• Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. (08.30 hr) and end at 5:00 p.m. (17.00 hr). You should also plan to be available in the evenings for homework or group work. Because of the intensive nature of these courses, those who arrive late or leave early will not earn a certificate.

• We have negotiated special PDP rates with a number of hotels.
• Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements for accommodations and paying for them at their own expense.

• Ithaca and Cornell University are served by the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. The university campus is about a ten-minute drive from the airport, serviced by various major airlines.
• See maps of the Cornell University campus and our brochure for more details.

• Yes. See our brochure for more details.

• There are several ways for you to get to your hotel once you arrive in Ithaca. Please remember that you are responsible for making your own transportation arrangements at your own expense.
• From the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport.
• By taxi: Ithaca Dispatch (+1-607-277-7777).
• By courtesy car: Some local hotels provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport. Use the courtesy phones located at the airport in the baggage claim area to call your hotel and have them send a car to pick you up.
• If you are arriving by bus: Call a taxi from the bus station using the number above.
• Ithaca is also serviced by Lyft and Uber.

• Once you have been accepted to the program, we can email you a Visa Certification Letter upon request, which you can then submit to the U.S. Embassy. This document is sufficient in most instances, but you should check with the U.S. Embassy in your country as early as possible to be sure.
• The Professional Development Program is a non-credit program; your attendance does not qualify you for a student visa. You will be a professional attending seminars at the university, not a matriculated student.

• Attire for classes is strictly casual. Please note that all PDP classroom facilities are on a central air-conditioning/heating system. If you come from a warm climate, you may want a light jacket or sweater to wear in the classroom. If you are more comfortable in attire that is customary or traditional in your country, by all means dress accordingly.