Cornell University Commencement

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Academic Eligibility

Academic Eligibility | Bursar Clearance | Diplomas

Academic Eligibility

Undergraduate degree candidates who have completed all academic requirements for the August 2007, January 2008, and May 2008 conferral dates are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. May degree candidates are responsible for reviewing their academic records to verify that all requirements have been met.

Undergraduates wishing to walk early:

Students wishing to participate in the May University ceremony but are not eligible, may do so. These students will need to:

- Contact your college to get permission to participate.

- Order cap & gown once given permission to participate.

- Contact the Commencement Office to request a Commencement Packet. Please include your college, your anticipated graduation date, and home & local addresses. You will still need to contact your college (Hotel, HumEc, ILR) or department (A&S, CALS, ENGR) to get permission to participate at the college/departmental level. College of Architecture, Art and Planning students wishing to participate in the May University ceremony but are not eligible are encouraged to contact Jayne Le Gro jaw8@cornell.edu as soon as possible.

Note: Unless your college grants special permission, your name will not appear in this year's Commencement Program but will be in next year's program. You may contact the Commencement Office for a copy at that time.

Masters and PhD graduates:

Graduate students (not including professional degrees) who plan to have completed all academic requirements for the May 2008 or August 2008 conferral dates need to go to the Graduate School in Caldwell Hall to pick up a commencement information packet. For more information, contact thesis@cornell.edu.

Masters and PhD graduates wishing to walk early:

Graduate students wishing to participate in the May University ceremony but are not eligible, may do so. You will need to go to the Graduate School in Caldwell Hall to pick up a commencement information packet. For more information, contact thesis@cornell.edu.

Bursar Clearance

Bursar and Cornellcard Accounts: All degree candidates should contact the student accounts department in the Office of the Bursar, 260 Day Hall (telephone: 255-2336, email: uco-bursar@cornell.edu), between May 12 and May 23 to confirm the status of their bursar and Cornellcard accounts. The Office of the Bursar will be open on Saturday, May 24, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and open on Sunday, May 25, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., to answer questions.

Charges Billed prior to April 2008: All items billed and due the University through the April 2008 bursar’s billing statement (including Cornellcard charges) must be paid in full prior to graduation. If your accounts are not paid in full, you cannot receive your diploma or a copy of your official transcript.

Charges Billed after April 2008: Some charges (particularly Cornellcard charges) may not be billed until the June or July billing statement. While payment of these charges is not a condition for graduation clearance, you remain obligated to pay them. Failure to pay these charges when due will result in a "hold" being placed on your records, including transcripts.

Student Loans: If you received a long-term loan from the university, (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Health Profession Loan, Cornell Supplemental Loan, or Cornell University Loan) you must contact the Student Loan department in the Office of the Bursar, 260 Day Hall (telephone: 255-6413), to arrange for an "exit interview" prior to graduation. If you don't complete an exit interview before graduation, you will not receive your diploma or official transcript.

Diplomas

Undergraduate Diplomas: Immediately following the stadium ceremony, diplomas will be distributed at the various college receptions or departmental ceremonies.

Ph.D., M.A., or M.S. degree candidates: Immediately following the stadium ceremony, graduates will receive diplomas on commencement day, at most college receptions or departmental ceremonies, if all degree requirements are finished before March 14, 2008.

Professional Master degree candidates: Diplomas will be available on commencement day at most of the college receptions or departmental ceremonies.

Address Changes and Mailing: If you are not present at your college reception, your diploma will be sent to your home address as displayed on Just the Facts. A valid telephone number must also be included. If the diploma is to be sent to an address other than the home address, you must inform your college registrar or the Office of the University Registrar before Commencement. After Commencement all address changes must be made at the Office of the University Registrar, B-7 Day Hall. Diplomas will be sent by UPS the second week in July. Diplomas will be printed using the name appearing on your official university record.

Diploma Frames: Diploma frames may be purchased at The Cornell Store. Go online to www.store.cornell.edu or call 607-255-4070 for more information.