Commencement Information

Most commencement questions should be directed to the Cornell University Commencement Office. Please review the University Commencement website for ceremony details, tickets, schedules, and guests.

Steps to Prepare for Graduation

Degrees are conferred in May, August, and December. See the university’s Academic Calendar for official degree dates.

Complete graduation clearance

How you are cleared for graduation depends on which system holds your degree audit:

Students in Stellic: You do not submit an application to graduate. When you are close to graduating, CALS Student Services starts graduation clearance in Stellic and sends you a notice. Your advising coordinator then reviews your audit to confirm you've completed your requirements. When you receive the notice, log in to Stellic and review your audit in Official view.
Students in DUST: Continue to complete the Application to Graduate in DUST.

Not sure which applies to you? Contact cals-studentservices [at] cornell.edu (CALS Student Services).

Confirm your degree requirements

Review both your CALS and university graduation requirements, including all credit minimums. Check your degree progress regularly to confirm you are on track.

If you have questions about your major requirements, contact your major advising coordinator. For college requirements, contact an advisor in CALS Student Services.

If any outstanding transcripts still need to be added to your record, arrange to have them sent to CALS Office of Student Services.

You are responsible for making sure all graduation requirements are completed by your degree date. Any academic issues must be resolved before your degree can be conferred.

Order your cap and gown

Order a cap and gown at least two months before your ceremony. Check current ordering deadlines on the University Commencement website. December graduates should see the Office of Commencement Events for December.

Verify your diploma name and home address

Confirm that your primary name in Student Center is correct. This is the name that will appear on your diploma and in the university program. Submit any name changes well before your graduation date. For more information, see the University Registrar's diploma page.

Before leaving campus, confirm that your home mailing address in Student Center is current.

Graduation FAQs

When are degrees awarded?

The university confers degrees in December, May, and August. The university also holds a smaller December Recognition ceremony for graduates who may not return in May. See the Office of Commencement Events for December details.

How do I apply for graduation, and where?

It depends on where your degree audit is kept:

Students in Stellic: You do not submit a graduation application. When you are close to graduating, CALS Student Services starts graduation clearance in Stellic and sends you a notice. Your advising coordinator then reviews your audit. When you receive the notice, log in to Stellic and review your audit in Official view.
Students in DUST: CALS will email you when it is time to complete the Application to Graduate in DUST.

Do I need to meet with my faculty advisor to graduate?

Students in Stellic do not need a faculty advisor meeting or signature for graduation clearance. You are always welcome to discuss your progress with your advisor or advising coordinator. Students in DUST should follow the steps in the Application to Graduate.

How can I be sure my name will be printed correctly on my diploma?

Your Primary Name on your academic record will appear on your diploma unless you specify a Diploma Name, a preferred name you choose for your diploma. You may change your first and middle name on your diploma; a last name change requires a Primary Name change. Review the University Registrar's name guidelines and start any request several months before graduation.

How do I change or correct my name?

To change your Primary Name, submit a Name Change Form with documentation to the University Registrar's Office. See the name guidelines and start early, since changes must be complete before your diploma is printed.

How do I add an accent or other diacritical marks to my diploma name?

If you are not changing your legal name but want a diacritical mark (for example, an accent) on your diploma, email CALS Student Services at cals-studentservices [at] cornell.edu (cals-studentservices[at]cornell[dot]edu). Requests must be in writing at least four weeks before your degree conferral date.

When will my transcript show my final degree? (May/August/December)

Your degree is posted to your official transcript after it is certified, about two weeks after your official graduation date.

When will I receive my diploma?

The University Registrar mails diplomas to the home address in Student Center:

May degrees: mailed in late June, estimated delivery the first week of July
August degrees: mailed in late September, estimated delivery the first week of October
December degrees: mailed in mid-February, estimated delivery the first week of March

Allow 30 days from the mailing date to receive your diploma, and confirm your home address before you leave campus. See the diploma page for details.

How do I order official copies of my final transcript?

Official transcripts are issued by the Office of the University Registrar. See the Registrar's transcript page for ordering instructions.

Where do I order my cap and gown?

You need a cap and gown to take part in the May or December ceremony. Order at least two months before your ceremony through the University Commencement website. For December, see the Office of Commencement Events.

Latin Honors

Beginning with the December 2026 degree conferral, Cornell University will award Latin Honors using a standardized system based on final cumulative undergraduate GPA.

Latin Honors recognize academic excellence and are awarded based on a student's cumulative GPA percentile within their college or school degree program.

The three levels of recognition are:

Summa Cum Laude: Top 5%
Magna Cum Laude: Next 10%
Cum Laude: Next 15%

Eligibility is determined at the time of degree conferral, after final grades have been recorded. Latin Honors are reflected on the student's official academic transcript and diploma.

For additional information, please review the University's Graduation Requirements and Academic Honors policy.

Dean's List

Cornell University discontinued the Dean's List designation for all undergraduate students following the Spring 2026 semester.

Dean's List recognition was limited to eligible undergraduate students who matriculated before Summer 2023. Students who previously earned Dean's List recognition will continue to have the designation reflected on their official academic transcripts.

For information about academic honors awarded at graduation, please refer to the University's Graduation Requirements.