CornellNYC Tech -- home of the Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute is generating interest -- and questions -- from around the community. The Chronicle will periodically run answers to frequently asked questions. Have a question about the NYC tech campus? Send it to vpcommunications@cornell.edu.

Tell us about the partnership with Technion -- Israel Institute of Technology?

At the heart of the NYC tech campus we are already preparing to build on Roosevelt Island. Cornell University and the Technion will establish and operate together a path-breaking institute to conduct joint global research with a unique emphasis on the application of sciences, entrepreneurship and management. The Technion Cornell Innovation Institute (TCII) will welcome students seeking Cornell and Technion master's and doctoral degrees in fields such as computer science, information science, and electrical and computer engineering. Once accredited in the state of New York, TCII will confer a dual Cornell/Technion Master of Applied Science degree.

How will the NYC campus differ from our Ithaca campus?

The NYC campus, with Cornell's partnership with the Technion, will be focused on research and graduate degrees around the tech sector. A key defining aspect of the new campus's graduate-level academic programs is the close tie to business and entrepreneurship that will be woven throughout the curriculum from the beginning. For instance, each graduate student will have industry mentors and complete projects that are co-supervised by these mentors. Research will be focused on technology in application areas that have great commercial potential in New York City markets. While this scope will likely involve almost every existing Cornell college, the focus is more narrow than the broad research and educational activities in Ithaca.

Why did Cornell decide to submit a proposal?

Enlarging our footprint and engagement in New York City is consistent with our established strategic plan, and this type of outreach, beyond Ithaca, is core to our mission and our vision for the future strength of Cornell.

Will financial resources for the NYC campus be drawn from Ithaca?

No. The new Roosevelt Island campus will result in no negative financial impact on the main Ithaca campus and no net loss of resources. Due to the generosity of Atlantic Philanthropies, the estimated first 10 years of capital and operating requirements are covered. Further construction will be on a pay-as-you-go basis, and no construction will begin on a facility until it is fully funded -- as has been the case on the Ithaca campus, most recently with Milstein Hall, the Physical Sciences Building and the upcoming Humanities Building. While the overall budget model for the new campus is still being determined, the funding model will consist of research grants and contracts from the government, companies and foundations, as well as continued philanthropy and tuition.

How will this campus benefit those of us who are not directly involved in the tech sector?

The new campus will offer many benefits to the Ithaca campus and to students and faculty of the university as a whole. The application of technology and commercialization touches on almost every college -- already a number of colleges are considering their likely participation in the campus including the Johnson School, Human Ecology, Architecture, Art and Planning, Computing and Information Science, Engineering, and likely Agriculture and Life Sciences, Law, Hotel Administration and other units.

The tech campus fits within the established strategic plan for the future of Cornell University, both in the city and as a major global institution. And, just as Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar has enhanced the global reputation of the entire university, the new NYC campus also will enhance Cornell's reputation and attraction to all new students and faculty, as well as increasing the university's capacity nationally and around the world. Overall reputation building allows us to attract the best students, faculty and staff -- it elevates the Cornell brand across the board. The campus will also ensure that Cornell is much more plugged into the business world -- connections that result in a stronger alumni network, more industry programming and research-support, and better job opportunities for students, etc.

Will faculty and students from the Ithaca campus be moved to the new campus?

While we envision a great deal of traffic between the two campuses, faculty will be hired specifically for the new campus. Most will be new to Cornell; we are already hearing from some great faculty who are interested in exploring positions with us in New York City. In the future, there will be opportunities for Ithaca faculty and students to spend time at the new campus part time, in the summer or during sabbaticals, as well as other academic and research opportunities. And undergraduates, while not getting degrees at the campus, also will have opportunities for research, projects and internships. Some faculty based in Ithaca may be visiting there on a regular basis, particularly those interested in applied research that could form the basis for technology companies -- a trend already happening in Ithaca. But there will be no net transfer of full-time faculty or graduate students from Ithaca to New York City.

When will construction begin?

Construction on Roosevelt Island is expected to begin with demolition of the existing buildings on the site in 2014, with the new campus opening in 2017.

When will classes begin?

Initial instruction, beginning in September 2012, will be in leased space in New York City and will include some students now enrolled at our existing campuses whose studies align with the new campus's focus. Full degree programs will begin in 2013, as the faculty is expanded, admissions operations are finalized, and necessary approvals are secured.

When will applications be open, and how can prospective students apply?

Details on the applications process will be available in the coming months.