Commencement (Graduation)
In your fourth year at Cornell (or third-year if you follow an accelerated course of study) when you have completed all of your academic requirements, you will qualify for graduation and you, your family, and friends will be invited to participate in Commencement weekend celebrations.
The Senior Audit Process
In the fall of your senior year, you will be required to meet with a member of the Registrar team to do a degree audit of your record in preparation for the May Commencement ceremony. During this time, you will work with the Registrar team to go over your degree requirements, confirm when you wish to graduate, and any other information pertinent to the Commencement ceremony and program. This process is essential to ensuring that you are on track to graduate in the spring.
When is Commencement?
Commencement weekend is the weekend after Block 8. Graduates are allowed to remain on campus in campus housing through Sunday afternoon and are invited to attend Commencement activities Friday through Sunday of Commencement weekend. If you graduate early and leave campus you are encouraged to return for Commencement weekend so that we can celebrate with you.
When do I start to prepare for Commencement?
The Commencement Committee will start to communicate with you in Block 6 of your graduation year and Commencement Weekend information will be available on the college web site for you and your guests. They will also share information with you about purchasing your cap and gown for the ceremony.
Can I participate in Commencement if I am short of graduation requirements?
Students who are within 2 credits of graduating at the end of Block 8 may be given permission to participate in their commencement ceremony pending completion of credits by the end of the following semester. In order to do so, you would need to complete a Non-Graduate Request form by March 1.
Diploma Distribution
Congratulations on receiving that final piece of paper that declares you have met all degree requirements and have earned your degree from Cornell College!
Please note that you will not be given your diploma during the Commencement ceremony, you will only receive your diploma cover when you cross the stage. Following the ceremony, please come to the Registrar table to pick up your diploma and brunch tickets. Signs will be posted directing you to diplomas.
- You may not send a friend or family member to pick up your diploma, you must do so in person.
- You need to pick up your diploma by 1 p.m. the day of your Commencement ceremony.
- If you are graduating in absentia, please let the Registrar's Office know where to mail your diploma.
- Students who attend the graduation ceremony but do not pick up their diploma will be charged a mail and service fee of $10 . Your diploma will be mailed to the permanent address on file.
All participants will receive the diploma cover. Reasons you may not receive your diploma may include financial obligations to the College or degree requirements yet to be met.
Questions?
If you have questions about your graduation status or diploma release,contact the Registrar’s office at 319.895.4372 or registrar@cornellcollege.edu.