Hospitality in the Truest Sense

We believe in creating a welcoming, inclusive, equitable community. That’s hospitality in its truest sense.

Each Hotelie plays a critical role in our prominent network of hospitality leaders who serve humanity, embrace diversity, and foster community.

The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration is a pioneer in teaching the business of hospitality—and that means living out the core values of the industry every day. Our community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni embraces diversity of all kinds and strives to create and support inclusivity for all.

Three people folding red napkins.

Our Stance against Hatred

The Nolan School, along with the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, remains committed to the ideals and values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our community remains committed to respectful, civil discourse, and our immediate focus is on keeping the community safe. We echo Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack’s messages to support one another in standing against hatred.

Read President Pollack's Statement
Facade of Statler Hall in the golden hour.

Our Commitment to Antiracism

We want every member of our community to understand how important an inclusive, antiracist culture is to our future. The Nolan School has launched several initiatives to combat racism and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the school.

Learn about our Action Plan
Person writing on a green chalkboard in the Gayogohó:nǫˀ language.

Land Acknowledgment: Recognizing the Cayuga Nation

Our school, as part of the SC Johnson College, recognizes and honors the land on which we live, work, and learn. Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ (the Cayuga Nation).

The College’s Land Acknowledgment


Headshot of Faith Taylor ’24.

Hear from Our Students

“The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is great at supporting students in whatever way the student needs. Whether it’s a new headshot, professional clothing, both personal and professional connections, fun, or just some friendly advice, they have it all!” —Faith Taylor ’24


Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusion

Our approach to diversity and inclusion programming can be broken into three pillars.

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Inclusion

Success begins with a safe and inclusive environment.

We want you to bring your full identity to the educational experience at the Nolan School. You’ll have access to the resources, tools, and health and wellness services you need to succeed academically and socially at Cornell.

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Engagement

To progress as a leader in thought or industry, one must be invested. 

Becoming a compassionate, culturally competent leader begins with awareness and engagement. The Nolan School offers rich learning experiences from diversity-related courses and clubs to school-wide seminars and special events.

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Community

Regardless of who you are, you are part of our network. 

As a Hotelie, you are part of a massive network. That close-knit community begins here with notable student organizations, clubs, associations, and foundations. You’ll have opportunities to engage with diverse alumni and industry leaders, too. 


Accreditation Matters: AACSB Values Diversity and Inclusion

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), our programs meet the highest standards in business education—and those standards include creating a welcoming learning environment for all. 

Supporting diversity and inclusion is a critical component of AASCB’s accreditation standards. Its guiding principles state: “Diversity in people and ideas enhances the educational experience and encourages excellence in every business education program.” 

Less than 6 percent of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous requirements—from curriculum and career outcomes to faculty scholarship and societal impact—to obtain AACSB accreditation.

AACSB Accredited logo fading into a photo of people walking on a sidewalk with Cornell flags.

READ ABOUT AACSB’S DIVERSITY STANDARDS


Nolan School: News and Updates

Learn more about initiatives from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and other news and stories from across the Nolan School.

Photo of hands holding apples above a bushel basket.
October 4, 2024

Messaging May Overcome Bias Against Gene-Edited Foods

Consumers are less resistant to gene-edited ingredients when they learn about the technology's health and environmental benefits.

Three women and two men seated at the front of a room at a table draped with an SC Johnson College of Business banner.
October 3, 2024

Future Directions in Sustainable Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality

SC Johnson College of Business experts offered fresh perspectives on shifting travel and tourism toward more sustainable practices during Climate Week NYC.

Side-by-side, individual photos of Gorges Ventures founders Matheus Lelis, MBA ’25, Megan Shkolyar ’20, MBA ’25, and Albert Charles, MBA ’25.
October 2, 2024

Gorges Ventures Fund Hits the Mark with Students and Entrepreneurs

A new student-managed and financed investment club launched by Johnson School MBAs will invest in startups founded by Cornell University students.