Cornell University Commencement

• Academic Eligibility
• Cap & Gown
• Dining Information
• Order Your . . .
• Parking & Seating
• Tickets & Severe Weather
• Travel & Lodging
• TV & Webcast
• Weekend Schedule

Graduate and Professional School Candidates

On Sunday, May 24, 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. Following the Schoellkopf ceremony, college ceremonies and receptions are held for graduates and their families at various college locations.

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

These ceremonies are for students who have received or will receive an August 2008, January 2009 or May 2009 degree. Students submitting their thesis or dissertation by May 1, 2009, will receive a May 2009 degree. The commencement program will list the names of all August 2008 and January 2009 degree recipients, as well as those May candidates who follow the procedures listed below.

Who May Participate

All students who received an August 2008 or January 2009 degree.
All students who expect to finish by either May 1 or August 2, 2009.

How To Have Your Name Listed in the Commencement Program

• All August 2008 and January 2009 degree recipients' names will be listed automatically.
• All May degree candidates who complete all requirements and submit final thesis copies to the Graduate School by mid-March 2009, will be listed automatically.
• All Ph.D. and Master candidates who plan to defend their thesis/dissertation after March 13, 2009, and finish submitting final copies to the Graduate School by May 1, MUST complete the Commencement Program Form available at the Graduate School information desk by March 13.

How to Obtain the Commencement Information Packet

Packets from the Graduate School (607-255-5828) contain the following:

• Commencement Information Booklet which lists schedule of events, instructions for the ceremony, housing, dining, 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 is in the stadium, the seating is open and no tickets are required.)
• Two formal announcements; additional announcements may be purchased at The Cornell Store and personalized announcements, you may order online at http://www.shop.jostens.com or via phone, call 800-353-5299.

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

• Ph.D., Master, & Professional Master degree recipients from August 2008 & January 2009. Packets will be mailed automatically in late February to the home address on Just the Facts.
• Professional Master degree candidates for May 2009 Degree. Packets will be available at the Graduate Field Offices after February 21, 2009.
• Master and Ph.D. degree candidates who plan to finish by the May 1 deadline for May 2009 Degree. Packets may be picked up after February 21, 2009, at the Graduate School Information Desk, 143 Caldwell Hall.
• August 2009 candidates requesting participation in the ceremony. Packets may be picked up after February 21, 2009, at the Graduate School Information Desk, 143 Caldwell Hall.

Diploma Distribution

Graduates who complete all degree requirements by March 13, 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 Just the Facts.

Cap and Gown Rental

Caps, tassels, hoods, and gowns may be rented by filling out the on-line order form at http://www1.herffjones.com/college/graduation/index.cfm. The rental fee is $15.77 for Master degree candidates and $57.08 for Ph.D. degree candidates. Orders received after April 14 will incur a $10 late fee in addition to the rental fee.

Ph.D. degree candidates who wish to purchase a tassel, cap, gown & hood must order by March 9, 2009 to allow 8-12 weeks for delivery. To ensure delivery of your newly purchased regalia, please be prepared to provide the delivery address of where you will be during the immediate ten days before May 24, 2009. To order, go to: http://www.herff-jones.com/college/cornell/

On-Campus Housing Information

Accommodation information is available in the white Commencement Information Booklet and on the University Residence Halls page.