Commencement Info for Graduating Seniors
Cap and Gown Purchase and Delivery:
March 20: Order caps and gowns online (Students have until midnight to order regalia). Contact the Bookstorefor late orders.
April 15: Caps and gowns will be available for pick-up at the bookstore, and payment will be made at the time of orders. Students are encouraged to pick up their regalia early to avoid last-minute delays.
Other Deadlines:
May 9: Extra Commencement Brunch tickets if needed (you will receive three tickets with your diploma). Tickets through Bon Appétit.
May 9: Pre-register your email with GradImages for your official photos.
Senior Reception— Friday, May 8 at 4:30-6 p.m.
Celebration with faculty and staff, hosted by the Alumni Office. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and special announcements.
Where: Smith Dining Room, Thomas Commons
Dress code: Business casual
Baccalaureate – Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m.
Service with readings, reflections from the Chaplain and a graduate, words of gratitude from your peers (submit yours by midnight on April 16), and a keepsake.
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.; arrive at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Gym for lineup, then process to seats in the SAW Arena
Dress code: Academic gown (no cap)
Commencement Ceremony – Sunday, May 10 at 10 a.m.-noon
Sit with friends. Ceremony includes student and faculty speakers nominated by graduates. Pick up diploma and brunch tickets immediately following the ceremony.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon; arrive at 9 a.m.
Where: Gym to pick up name card and line up with friends, then process to seats in the SAW arena
Dress code: Academic gown and cap
Brunch— Sunday, May 10 at noon-1:30 p.m.
All graduates will receive 3 brunch tickets at the end of the Commencement Ceremony. If you have additional guests, students and families are welcome to purchase more brunch tickets ahead of time at a discounted rate of $18 per person. Tickets will be available at the door on Commencement day for $20 per person. Children may attend brunch at a reduced price of $8. To take advantage of the advance purchase rate, families can call 319.895.4499 to buy tickets ahead of time.
Where: Hilltop Café, Thomas Commons
Additional information
Stoles and cords: Wear any respectful stole or cord. Provided by some organizations and honor societies. Cords are not provided for all-college honors.
Following the ceremony: Faculty will congregate at the back of the arena in five academic divisions marked by signs: Math and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Interdisciplinary Programs.
Social media: Share your graduation moments using #CornellCGrad.
Photos and video clip: Professional photos by GradImages. Proofs sent within five days. Pre-register your email with GradImages for a discount. Every graduate receives a video clip of themselves as they cross the stage (or as their name is read if they cannot attend). Clips are emailed within 48 hours.
Residence hall checkout: 5 p.m. May 11
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