Cornell University
ER-T2-7: Outdoors Program

Established in 1972, Cornell Outdoor Education (COE) is the largest and most comprehensive collegiate outdoor education program in the country. COE uses challenge, adventure, and outdoor experiences, with reflection and analysis, to help individuals and teams learn and grow. While COE serves a variety of populations, its central mission is to serve Cornell students. COE classes and programs, by complementing academic and classroom offerings, provide students with real world leadership and team opportunities.

OVER 20,000 PARTICIPANTS ANNUALLY: 29,000 participant days OVER 130 COURSES: Backpacking, Canoeing, Caving, Climbing (rock and ice), Hiking, Kayaking (sea and whitewater), Leadership, Mountain Biking, Natural History, Skiing (cross-country and telemark), Wilderness First Aid, and more. Most are available for PE credit. TEAMBUILDING: Develops community and team skills among students, staff, alumni, and corporate groups throughout the US. OUTDOOR ODYSSEY (formerly Wilderness Reflections): Annually conducts 20 expeditions for new students to develop meaningful friendships and ease transition to Cornell. ADULT & YOUTH PROGRAMS: Both on and off campus programs, including Cornell Adult University, Alumni, Staff, Over-24 courses, Sportscamp, and Community Courses. EXPEDITIONS: Offered for Cornell students, alumni, and the community, expeditions range throughout the Northeast, the Western US, Latin America, and the World. OUTFITTING: Extensive outdoor equipment rental (canoes, kayaks, skis, tents, packs, etc.), van rentals, and small outdoor retails sales center. STAFFING: 150 student leaders developing communications, teamwork, and leadership skills through instructing classes and programs. 10 full-time staff: Professional and support staff. 25 alumni and friends of Cornell assisting as volunteers in strategy formation, PR, and fundraising. OPERATING BUDGET: Million-dollar budget is 86% self-funded, largely by fees and gifts. Includes $30,000 in scholarships. PHILLIPS OUTDOOR PROGRAM CENTER: 5500 sq. ft. comprehensive headquarters including outfitting, course staging area, offices, resource center, and classroom. LINDSETH CLIMBING WALL: At 160 x 30 ft., the largest natural rock indoor climbing wall in North America and the second-largest collegiate wall in the country. HOFFMAN CHALLENGE COURSE: With 50 elements, the second-largest collegiate challenge course in the country, including 65' replica of Cornell's Clock Tower.