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Current Students

May 2009 Commencement

Cornell's 141st Commencement Ceremony (all colleges)

University Commencement Ceremony (all colleges)

  • 8:00 a.m. Guests begin arriving at stadium seats
  • 9:15 a.m. Procession assembles on Arts Quad
  • 10:00 a.m. Procession arrives at stadium
  • (procession/seating 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
  • 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony for all degree candidates

The ceremony will be held in Schoellkopf Stadium.  Students should make arrangements ahead of time to meet family and guests at the college ceremonies following commencement.

All details and instructions for the university ceremony are available on the University Commencement web site, including a full weekend schedule, information about accommodations, dining, parking, special instructions for the mobility-impaired, and announcement cards.

School of Hotel Administration Diploma Ceremony and Reception

In addition, the School of Hotel Administration is please to invite you and your family to a special diploma ceremony in Barton Hall following the university commencement ceremony in Schoellkopf Stadium.  At this ceremony, each student will be individually photographed receiving the diploma and shaking hands with Dean Michael Johnson.  There will be a reception with light refreshments immediately following the diploma ceremony.

  • Time: 12:15 p.m. (immediately following the university ceremony)
  • Parents to be seated, graduates to line up for the reception
  • Reception: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Venue: Barton Hall

Cap and Gown

Wearing the cap and gown is both traditional and required for participation in the ceremony.  Students may obtain a tassel, cap, and gown for the ceremony and return the cap and gown immediately afterward.  The tassel may be kept by the student.  You can order regalia online up to April 12, 2009.

Undergraduate candidates: no charge

Master degree candidates: $16.80

Ph.D. degree candidates: $60.91

If you miss the April 12 deadline, you will be able to walk in at the pick-up location in Teagle Hall (see dates and times listed below), and receive an outfit, but appropriate sizes cannot be guaranteed.  At this distribution location please bring $10.00 for the late fee plus any additional rental fees.  Bring cash only to the pick-up location.  Checks or credit cards will not be accepted.

Pick-up Location Information:

Please pick up tassel, cap and gown, at Teagle Hall, 1st floor Multi-Purpose Room.  Enter Teagle Hall from the parking lot between Teagle  and Lynah Rink.

  • Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 21,10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Return Location Information:

Please return the cap and gown after the ceremony at any one of the collection centers on campus by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24th.  The exact locations will be specified in the commencement program.