Graduating PhD FAQ

In conjunction with the PhD Student Exit Checklist, below you will find answers to common questions you may have. If you do not see your question below, please contact student-accounting@med.cornell.edu.

How do I determine if I have any debts with WCGS through the student accounting office?

You can see your student account details at any time by accessing your student account through Learn:

  1. Login to LEARN
  2. Navigate to the Financial Aid & Billing Tab
  3. Click on View Student Account
  4. A new window will open to present your student account details. Please ensure your pop-up blocker is disabled. On the left side of the dashboard, click on 'Transaction Details'.

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          I have health insurance coverage through WCM. When will my coverage end?

          • The coverage will end on the last day of month in which your stipend is terminated. 
          • To be eligible for another insurance you will need to submit to them a 'Verification of Coverage' letter which includes your enrollment termination date for the plan.  This letter is available through the 'Student Health Plan (SHP)' link on the Financial Aid & Billing tab of LEARN.  The letter is available on the Plan Summary box for the specific plan year.

          Can I keep my WCM health insurance coverage until I get a job?

          • You do have the option to purchase a three month ‘extension of coverage’ plan through WCM for you and your dependents.  Depending on when you finish, the total cost of the coverage extension (not including dependents) may be $1,905. Please note that this does not include the dental or vision plans- these will end on the last day of the month in which you finish. Please see instructions to access the Coverage Extension below: 
            • Login to LEARN and navigate to the Financial Aid & Billing tab.
            • Click on the orange Student Health Plan (SHP) button and login again once the new page pops up.
            • Under the 2021-2022 Cornell University SHP > Plan Details > Other Forms, select the Coverage Extension. 
          • If the extension of coverage plan is too expensive, you have alternative options through Medicaid.  

          I paid for dental and/or vision coverage through the end of the semester, and I am terminating prior to the end.

          • If you paid out of pocket for your coverage, the insurance charges will be prorated and you will be reimbursed for any credit left on your account.  To guarantee that your refund is processed in a timely manner, we strongly recommend that you sign up for direct deposit to receive the credits directly to your bank account.

          Continue your Disability Insurance from WCM

          PhD students can continue their disability insurance after they graduate.  For more information please see the Disability Insurance page.  

          How do I get my refund for dental and/or vision?

          • As your mailing address is subject to change, we strongly recommend that you sign up for direct deposit to receive your credit directly to your bank account.

          For additional information on your exit checklist from the Graduate School, please find additional information here.

          Contact Information

          Student Finance & Records Office of the Registrar

          1300 York Avenue, C-114 New York, NY 10065 Phone: (646) 962-3470 Fax: (212) 746-5981