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 Bookstore for 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: xtra 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.
Each graduate gets three free tickets when they pick up their diploma. Additional tickets available for purchase in advance or at the door. Tickets may be bought using a credit card, debit card, gift card, or flex dollars. Purchased tickets will be set aside with names and receipts, and they will be available for early pick up at the register during Commencement week. Students who purchased tickets by phone may request early pick up at the register, and staff will bring tickets from the office.
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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