Cornell University Commencement

• Academic Eligibility
• Cap & Gown
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• Dining Information
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• Weekend Schedule

Commencement at a Glance

Plans are underway for Commencement Weekend 2010!

Congratulations to all our graduates! We are so proud of you!

To help you plan your weekend and answer any questions you may have, we have provided a wealth of information on our website. Click on links below or on the left side of your screen for information.

Click here for a student/family CHECKLIST.

Here are photos/videos for you to enjoy in anticipation of your special day:
* Slideshow of Commencement
* Aerial photo of Commencement Ceremony is Schoellkopf Stadium
* Aerial photo of stadium & campus with locations noted

Planning your weekend

• Friday is considered a travel day for families.
• Saturday, many families like to attend Senior Class Convocation (guest speaker to be announced). Some colleges may have recognition events planned for Saturday. Click here to check your college/department schedule. Also, visit Weekend Schedule for other events and activities on campus.
• Sunday, graduates and guests attend the University's Commencemement ceremony in Schoellkopf Stadium. Graduates do not cross a stage or have their name read at this event. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates and guests then exit the stadium to attend college diploma events at various locations on campus. College events will end by 3:00p Sunday.

Senior Class Convocation - Saturday, May 29

A special guest speaker (TBD) will speak at Convocation. No tickets required for outdoor event in Schoellkopf Stadium. Students do not wear cap & gown to this event. For information, contact the Dean of Students Office at 607-255-5217.

Commencement Activities - Sunday, May 30

9:15am Graduates assemble on Arts Quad (wearing regalia)
9:40am Procession begins (Arts Quad to Schoellkopf Stadium)
10:00am Procession arrives at Schoellkopf (45-minute procession)
11:00am University Commencement Ceremony (ends by noon)
(Graduates do not cross stage or receive diplomas at Schoellkopf.)

College Diploma Ceremonies and Receptions

Many (but not all) college events are immediately following the University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday. At noon, you will leave Schoellkopf Stadium and go to your college event for your diploma. Please review the college events schedule to plan accordingly. For questions about college events, contact college directly.

Guest Speaker

This year's guest speaker for Convocation (Saturday) is (TBD). As is tradition, the speaker for Commencement (Sunday) is Cornell University President David J. Skorton.

Attire

Graduates wear cap, gown & tassel for university Commencement exercises on Sunday. Guests should dress per their own personal comfort level (business casual, etc.). We suggest comfortable shoes for walking. Also, please be adequately prepared for weather (sunblock, umbrella, jacket), as deemed necessary for conditions.

Walking Early

Students completing graduation requirements/credits at a date later than May, may choose to participate in commencement exercises even though they have technically not yet earned their degree. more

Visa for International Families

Students who have international guests who need an official letter of invitation/support for a visa should contact their college registrar. If your family requires such a letter, we urge you to begin working on this a soon as possible, as the visa process can take some time.

Commencement Information Mailing

Undergraduate degree candidates:
FAMILIES of expected graduates will receive Commencement information in January at the student's "home" address.
STUDENTS will receive Commencement information and Severe Weather Tickets in late February at their "local" (Ithaca) address. more

PhD, Master, and Professional Master degree candidates:
Click here for details about information packets, Ph.D. Recognition Event, and more.

Vet College, Law School, and Johnson Graduate School candidates: Information packets will be distributed via college mail folders.

FAQs

Visit our FAQ page if you still haven't found what you're looking for.

Information and Referral Center (IRC)

The IRC, located in the Main Lobby of Day Hall, will be open Commencement Weekend:

• Saturday, May 29, 8:00a-5:00p
• Sunday, May 30, 8:00a-5:00p

IRC may be reached via phone at 607-254-INFO (607-254-4636) or via email: info@cornell.edu