Cornell student with her mother at Commencement

Before the weekend

Area accommodations

A listing of area hotels and lodging is available for the Mount Vernon area.

Family members with limited  mobility

If someone in your party has limited mobility, please consider renting a wheelchair for the weekend.  You can contact Student Health Services at 319.895.4292 or Mt. Vernon Pharmacy at 319.895.6248.

Order announcements, a class ring, or diploma frame

Herff Jones provides the opportunity to order class rings, commencement regalia, announcements, and college diploma frames. With shipping delays expected, we encourage early orders. The deadline is April 13.

During the weekend

Schedule of events

View a complete schedule of the weekend's activities.

Information centers

Thomas Commons, upper level, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

During the Commencement ceremony, a first-aid station and information station is available nearby.

Parking instructions & map

Consult this parking map for numerous parking lots available on and around campus. If you would like a ride in a college golf cart from one of the campus parking lots, please call Campus Safety at 319.895.4299 when you are ready to be picked up.

Accessibility instructions

Individuals in wheelchairs or with mobility limitations can be dropped off closer to the event spaces. If you prefer a ride in a college golf cart from one of the campus parking lots, please call Campus Safety at 319.895.4299 when you are ready for pick up.

Please also note, an ASL interpreter will sign during the Commencement and Baccalaureate ceremonies. When arriving, let an usher know if you need seating within vision of the interpreter.

Social media
 Join us in celebrating our graduates by sharing pictures and messages on social media using #CornellCGrad, and look for the geofilter on Snapchat.

Inclement weather
 Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies will be held rain or shine. Plan to dress accordingly. Umbrellas block views and will not be allowed. Ponchos will be distributed if needed.

Move out instructions

All students living on campus are expected to follow residence hall move-out procedures and timing. Please remember to plan ahead, as packing often takes longer than expected.

After the weekend

Commencement photographs and video clips

A professional photographer from GradImages will photograph each student after they leave the stage with their diploma cover, and proofs will be sent within five days. You may pre-register your email address with GradImages. Every graduate also will receive a video clip of themselves as they cross the stage during graduation. Even those in absentia will receive a clip of their name being read. StageClip will email the video clip within 48 hours after graduation, and it can be shared on social media.