Cornell University Commencement

January Graduates Recognition Event
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Barton Hall

The Sixth Annual Formal University Recognition Ceremony and Reception for all January 2009 graduates is being planned. A formal invitation will be mailed to expected graduates and to their family in late October 2008.

Students: Please RSVP Here by December 15, 2008 for the University Recognition Ceremony and Reception. Tell us how many guests you expect including yourself. Thank you!

Please note: The college events below are in addition to the ceremony and reception taking place on Saturday.

Events Schedule—Friday, December 19, 2008

College of Human Ecology
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Reception for Graduates, Friends, and Families.
Martha Van Rensselaer Hall Atrium.
RSVP to hereg@cornell.edu, 607-255-2235 by December 10th.

School of Industrial & Labor Relations
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Informal Reception
ILR Conference Center, room 423
RSVP to Lorie Anderson at: lka22@cornell.edu, 607-255-2223 by December 5th.

Events Schedule—Saturday, December 20, 2008

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast for graduates and their families.
Statler Hall, Terrace Restaurant
RSVP for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Breakfast, online, click here with the total number of people attending (including the graduate) by Dec. 5th.

School of Hotel Administration
8:30-10:00 a.m. Breakfast and Recognition Event for graduates and their families.
Statler Hotel Ballroom, 2nd Floor
RSVP to Lisa Margosian, lmm35@cornell.edu or call 255-7494 by Wednesday, Dec. 17th.

The University Recognition Ceremony & Reception Schedule for all colleges to participate:

• 10:00 a.m.- Guests may begin arriving at Barton Hall.
• 10:15-10:30 a.m.- Students to register and assemble for the procession in Barton Hall.
• 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.- Ceremony in Barton Hall.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m. - Reception following ceremony in Barton Hall.

Accommodations

Since most people are traveling away from Ithaca this time of year, we do not anticipate housing problems. You may find information about the availability of local hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts by visiting the Ithaca Visitor's Bureau website at: http://www.visitithaca.com

Announcements

Customized announcements may be ordered online after (date TBD) at http://www.shop.jostens.com or via phone, call 800-854-7464.

Caps, gowns and tassels

Caps, gowns and tassels are required for the December Recognition Event for January graduates.

How To Order
Wearing the cap, gown and tassel is required for the December Recognition Event for January Degree Candidates. To order rental regalia starting October 1, 2008 until November 12, 2008 go to: http://www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation/index.cfm.

The rental costs are:
Undergrad: No charge
Masters: TBA
Doctorate/Ph.D.: TBA

After the November 12 Deadline
Students who did NOT pre-order by November 12 will be able to walk-in at the pick-up location noted below and receive an outfit, but exact sizes will not be guaranteed. Please bring $10.00 cash for late fees incurred for walk-in orders.

To purchase Ph.D. regalia starting August 1, 2008 until October 20, 2008 go to: http://www.herff-jones.com/college/cornell.

Pickup Location
Sudents will need to pick up cap, gown and tassel on December 18 or December 19, between 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Teagle Hall, Multi-Purpose Room.

Return Location
Students MUST return their cap and gown in Barton Hall immediately following the reception. You may keep your tassel.

Ceremony Instructions

Expected graduates must arrive in Barton Hall between 10:15-10:30 a.m. to register and assemble for the procession. Please enter Barton from Graden Ave. (Teagle Hall side of Barton) and follow the signs to the area by the red curtain, that is across the middle of the room.

Go to the table by your college sign and you'll be given a card with your name and address information. This will be used to mail a photo proof to you later in January, so put the address as to where you would like it mailed at that time. Please carry this card with you to your seat, during the procession. An usher will collect it from you, after you are seated.

Readers from your college will read your name from these cards as you cross the stage. Staff in red jackets will direct you to line up in the appropriate locations, before, during, and after the ceremony. Please follow their instructions.

During the ceremony, each college will be asked to stand and as your name is read you will walk across the stage to shake hands with your college dean and then with President Skorton. A photo will be taken of you with President Skorton. After you cross the stage and go down the stairs, another photo will be taken of you by yourself.

After the ceremony, you and your family and guests may enjoy the reception for as long as you'd like to. Congratulations!

Diplomas

Diplomas will be sent by the Office of the University Registrar during April, 2009 to the home address listed in Just the Facts. The conferral date for January Graduates is (TBD).

May 24, 2009 Commencement Information

January graduates are invited to attend and participate in the May ceremony. Information detailing these events will be mailed in January to parents and again to graduates in late February. Refer to the May section of our main web site for more details.

Mobility Impaired Guests Parking & Seating

Guests who cannot maneuver the stairs into Barton Hall on the Statler side are encouraged to enter from the Teagle Hall side (Garden Ave.) of the building. Vehicles may temporarily stop on that side of the building to let mobility impaired gurests out for easy access to the building. The driver will then need to go park the vehicle at one of the suggested parking areas noted below.

Guests in wheelchairs and walkers will be able to sit with other family members without requiring a special pass or seating location, once inside Barton Hall.

Parking

When arriving on campus, please use the Parking Garage, the Crescent lot (behind the football stadium), the K parking lot along Campus Road or parking spaces along Tower Road and Garden Avenue. There is no charge for parking on campus on Saturday.

Campus Map

Photographs

Professional photographs will be taken of the student shaking the University President's hand while on stage and one of the student off stage. Proofs will be sent to the home address in approximately 30 days after the event by the photographer. You have the option to purchase additional photographs. For questions, please contact Chappell Studios at 800-247-3435, ext. 232.

Reception Details

A reception will immediately follow the University Recognition Ceremony in the same building, Barton Hall. A light menu will be served; meatballs, pasta salad, mini sandwiches, assorted cheese and crackers, veggies and fruit will be served with punch and coffee. Cookies for dessert. All students and guests are invited. Please plan to stay and enjoy the reception.

RSVP for Students AND Guests

There is no limit to the number of guests that can attend however, you must RSVP by December 15, 2008. Please let us know you're planning to attend and how many guests will be coming on the RSVP form.

Tickets

Tickets are not needed for this event. There is plenty of room for everyone. We do ask for the RSVP to help with our planning. Please refer to that information above and complete the very short on-line form. Thanks!