Commencement Weekend 2012

Commencement Weekend is May 25, 26, 27.

The 144th Commencement Ceremony will be on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 11:00am at Schoellkopf Stadium for all Class of 2012 undergraduate & graduate students.

NEWS & UPDATES

• We are in the process of updating this website for May 2012. Please check back periodically for updates.
• Commencement 2012 information packets will be mailed to families in January. Students, please be sure you have an accurate home address listed in StudentCenter.
• Looking for a place to stay? Check our Travel & Lodging page for options.
• Seniors may reserve residence halls for families beginning February 2012.
• New! Travel Portal

A letter from CALS STUDENT SERVICES

Dear graduate and proud family members,

Congratulations!  What an exciting time for all of you.

We know this can be a hectic time, so to help those of you who are planning to attend May 2012 commencement events, we'd like to offer the following advice and information.

The most important advice we can give is to prepare for a lot of walking, and nearly any weather condition.  Events are far apart and you will have a long day.  Although buses are available, you will walk to and from bus stops, and to locations not served by the bus.  If a family member has any mobility concerns, we strongly urge you to consider two options.  The first is to make use of the assistance available from the University Commencement Office by referring to the detailed information on the Commencement web site: http://www.commencement.cornell.edu/May/mobility.html.  You must apply for mobility impaired accommodations with the University to ensure that you receive needed assistance for special parking and seating options.  The second option is for the person with impaired mobility to enjoy the ceremony on TV from their motel room, or on the big screen in one of the auditoriums on campus (see the University Commencement web site: http://www.commencement.cornell.edu/May/tv.html).

Please be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions.  We'll be outdoors whether it's warm, hot, sunny, windy, rainy, or cold.  The severe weather plan will only be utilized in cases of severe weather, such as severe lightning and/or torrential rain.  (In the history of outdoor Commencement at Cornell, the severe weather plan has never been used.)  Family members should bring a water bottle sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, scarves and gloves.  

Convocation

Saturday, May 26, 2012
12:00-1:00 p.m. - Senior Class Convocation, Schoellkopf Stadium
Gates open at 10:00

Each year, a Convocation speaker is chosen by diverse members of the student senior class who serve as the Convocation Committee. (The Committee will announce the name of its 2012 invited speaker in the spring.)

Tickets are NOT required.

Severe Weather Plan: Barton Hall
In case of severe weather, the event will be moved to Barton Hall and will require tickets. Tickets were included in undergraduate students Commencement Information Packet. Students who have not provided a local address have their commencement packet waiting for them in the Commencement Office, B13 Day Hall.

Commencement
www.commencement.cornell.edu

 Sunday, May 27, 2012

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Guests secure seats in stadium for the 10:00 procession.  With 40,000 people in attendance, 8:00 or 9:00 is not too early to be seated!  Since the weather is unpredictable, remember your sunscreen, sunglasses, water, coats, hats, scarves, gloves and umbrellas. Paper towels can be used if the stadium seats are wet from rain or dew.

 9:15-9:35 a.m.
All students assemble on the Arts Quad.  The procession to the stadium begins at 9:40 a.m.  We advise graduates to wear comfortable walking shoes.

10:00-11:00
Procession arrives at stadium.

 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.          
Commencement ceremony in Schoellkopf Stadium.  The students will be seated on the field, the guests in the football stadium stands.  Guests may have to climb a high staircase to get to their seat.

 12:00-12:30 p.m. 
Students and guests leave the stadium to attend college and/or department receptions, and diploma distribution.  There will be a huge crowd outside the stadium; we recommend that family arrange a meeting location with the graduate in advance.  Do not rely on cell phone contact.

College Events

12:30 p.m.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) reception on the Ag Quad

At the large reception tent you'll find hors d'oeuvres including wraps, fruit, veggies, and drinks.  Dean Kathryn J. Boor will share a tent with the Alumni Association for those looking to meet her or say hello.  

There will be approximately 1,000 chairs, but we expect as many as 5,000 guests.  Bring a blanket to enjoy a picnic and rest after a long morning of festivities.  We'll be on the Ag Quad as ushers in red shirts, look for us; we'd be happy to meet you. 

Department/Major Events

12:30 p.m. and later*

Department receptions and diploma distribution will be in various locations on and near the Ag Quad.  It is important that family members know the graduate's major!  LAST YEAR'S line-up will give you an idea of what to expect.  Check http://www.cals.cornell.edu/cals/current/advising/commencement/upload/CALS.pdf.  Look for the May 2012 locations in early May.

               *Please note—some departments have events on Saturday.

Please return the cap and gown after the ceremony at one of the collection centers on campus by 5:00pm on Sunday, May 27. The exact locations will be specified in the commencement program.  The tassel is yours to keep.

Contact Information

1.  University Commencement Office, 607-255-9541
      http://commencement.cornell.edu/

 2.  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Services Office, 607-255-2257
       http://www.cals.cornell.edu/cals/current/

 3.  Graduate, please make sure your family knows your major!!  It will help them find you after the ceremony.

There is a wealth of information on the University and College web pages.  Please do not hesitate to call us with your questions and concerns at 607-255-2257. 

Best wishes to you on your graduation and the beginning of the next chapter of your life.

The CALS Student Services Staff

140 Roberts Hall

607-255-2257