While other schools struggle to attract female engineering students and faculty, Cornell is setting itself apart from the crowd by making female recruits one of its top priorities. However, much work needs to be done if Cornell wants to remain at the top of the field.
According to the Undergraduate Admissions Office, of the 713 freshmen, only 31 percent are women. Yet this number is seen as evidence that the college is moving in the right direction. In 2004, only 26 percent of entering freshmen were female.
This increase in part can be attributed to the creation of the Diversity Programs for Engineering, which aims to improve the climate for underrepresented minorities, women students and faculty along with their recruitment and retention.