May 2010 Commencement

• Academic Eligibility
• Cap & Gown
• College/Department Ceremonies & Diplomas
• Dining Information
• Graduate Students
• Mobility Impaired Options Hearing Impaired Options
• Order Your . . .
• Parking & Seating
• Tickets & Severe Weather
• Travel & Lodging
• TV & Webcast
• Weekend Schedule

Graduate and Professional School Candidates

On Sunday, May 30, graduate degree candidates are expected to participate in the university-wide commencement ceremony. All students will gather on the Arts Quad in cap, hood and gown, and proceed to Schoellkopf Stadium.

Candidates are asked to arrive at the Arts Quad by 9:15am to line up for the procession to the stadium at 9:45am.

Following the Schoellkopf ceremony, college ceremonies and receptions are held for graduates and their families at various college locations. These ceremonies are for students who have received or will receive an August 2009, January 2010 or May 2010 degree. Students submitting their thesis or dissertation by May 7, 2010, will receive a May 2010 degree. The 2010 Commencement Program will list the names of August 2009 and January 2010 degree recipients, as well as those May candidates who follow the procedures listed below.

Who May Participate

Students who received an August 2009 or January 2010 degree.
Students who expect to finish by either May 7 or August 6, 2010.

Cap and Gown Rental

Order rental regalia by April 12. Cap, gown and tassel must be worn by degree candidates. more

How to Obtain a Commencement Information Packet

• Ph.D., Master, & Professional Master degree recipients of August 2009 & January 2010. A packet may be picked up at 143 Caldwell Hall. If you are out of town, you may request that a packet be mailed to you after February 21 by contacting thesis@cornell.edu.
• Professional Master degree candidates for May 2010 Degree. Packets will be available at your Graduate Field Office after February 21.
• Master and Ph.D. degree candidates who plan to finish by the May 7 deadline for a May 2010 degree. Packets may be picked up after February 21 at the Thesis Advisor Office, 125 Caldwell Hall.
• August 2010 candidates requesting early participation in the ceremony. Packets may be picked up after February 21 at the Thesis Advisor Office, 125 Caldwell Hall.
• Vet, Law, and JGSM degree candidates are given packets in the college mail folders.

Commencement Information Packets contain the following:

• Commencement information letter which lists links to schedule of events, housing, dining, instructions for the ceremony, etc.
• Four (4) severe weather plan tickets to be used in case of severe weather. Two (2) tickets will be for Barton Hall to see the ceremony live. Two (2) tickets will be for alternative sites to see the ceremony on a wide-screen television. (If the ceremomy takes place outside in the stadium, as planned, then seating is open and no tickets are required.)
• Other information about announcements, diploma frames, and the Sr. Class Convocation event.

No replacements will be given for lost information packets or severe weather plan tickets.

Have Your Name Listed in the Commencement Program

• August 2009 and January 2010 degree recipients' names will be listed automatically.
• May degree candidates who complete all requirements and submit final thesis copies to the Graduate School by March 12, 2010, will be listed automatically.
• Ph.D. and Master candidates who plan to defend their thesis/dissertation after March 12, 2010, and finish submitting final copies to the Graduate School by May 7, 2010, MUST complete the Commencement Program Form available at the Thesis Advisor Office, 125 Caldwell Hall, by March 12. Please contact thesis@cornell.edu with any questions.

Ph.D. Recognition Event

Ph.D. degree candidates are invited to attend the Ph.D. Recognition Event and reception in Barton Hall on Saturday, May 29. more

Diploma Distribution

Graduates who complete all degree requirements by March 12, may receive their diplomas following the Commencement ceremony. Diplomas will be available at the college receptions. All other diplomas will be mailed 12-16 weeks after the conferral date, to the home address listed on Student Center.

On-Campus Housing

Information is available on the University Residence Halls page.