About Us
History
In the early 2000s, a group of dedicated students partnered with the Undergraduate Admissions Office with a mission to illuminate and share the rich experiences of college life at Cornell University, with a particular focus on reaching historically underrepresented prospective students. Their efforts gave rise to CU IMAGE, which later evolved into the Cornell University Diversity Admissions Ambassadors (CUDAA). Today, CUDAA embodies a campus-wide commitment to inclusion, equity, and opportunity, supporting prospective and admitted students while celebrating the contributions of current students. This organization stands as a testament to the power of unity and purpose, ensuring Cornell remains a beacon of access and excellence for all.
Four Main Goals
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Educate: Explain to interested personnel (prospective students, current students, counselors, parents, etc.) how Cornell works​​.​​
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Inform: Provide updates on initiatives on campus and programs and why these updates are happening.
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Highlight: Give everyone a chance to have access to information that they wouldn't have otherwise, with learning occurring on both sides of prospective students and Cornell organizations.
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Celebrate: Work to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of university-wide events, initiatives, and programs.
Mission
At its core, CUDAA is a reflection of our shared belief that opportunity should know no bounds. Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive future, CUDAA supports prospective students, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, by illuminating their path to Cornell University. This mission is rooted in the understanding that every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered as they embark on this transformative journey. At the same time, CUDAA celebrates the achievements and contributions of current students, highlighting their role in shaping and enriching the Cornell experience.
What We Do
CUDAA drives its mission forward through purposeful outreach, meaningful campus conversations, and strategic partnerships that reflect our unwavering commitment to inclusion and opportunity. By collaborating with student groups, university offices, and organizations dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse student body, we ensure that Cornell continues to stand as a beacon of possibility for all.
Our work extends beyond recruitment; we host events and programs that celebrate diversity and enhance the student experience, fostering a campus culture that is both welcoming and transformative. In the spirit of Ezra Cornell’s vision of an institution "where any person can find instruction in any study," CUDAA embraces the challenge and promise of building a community where everyone can thrive.
