Cornell University Commencement

• Academic Eligibility
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Academic Eligibility

Academic Eligibility | Bursar Clearance | Diplomas

Academic Eligibility

Undergraduate degree candidates who have completed all academic requirements for the August 2009, January 2010, and May 2010 conferral dates are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. May degree candidates are responsible for reviewing their academic records to verify that all requirements have been met.

Undergraduates wishing to walk early: Students completing graduation requirements/credits at a date later than May, may choose to participate in commencement exercises even though they have technically not yet earned their degree. However, they will not receive their diploma at that time, nor will their name be printed in the 2010 Commencement Program since they are not a member of the Class of 2010. Students wishing to walk early should:

• Contact their college to get permission to participate at the college/department event.
• Order cap & gown once given permission to participate.
• Contact the Commencement Office to request a commencement packet. In the email, mention that you are requesting a commencement packet because you plan to walk early. List your parents' address (for a parent packet), your local address (for a student packet), your college, and your graduation term. We will then prepare information for you and your family.

Master and PhD candidates

Graduate students who plan to have completed all academic requirements for the May 2010 or August 2010 conferral dates need to go to the Graduate School in Caldwell Hall to pick up a commencement information packet. Click here for details for all Graduate students.

Master and PhD graduates wishing to walk early: Graduate students wishing to participate in the May University ceremony but are not eligible, may do so. You will need to go to the Graduate School in Caldwell Hall to pick up a commencement information packet. Click here for details for all Graduate students.

Professional Master candidates

Graduate students who plan to have completed all academic requirements for the May 2010 conferral dates need to go to the program's Graduate Field Rep's office to pick up a commencement information packet.

Bursar Clearance

Bursar and Cornellcard Accounts: All degree candidates should contact the student accounts department in the Office of the Bursar, 260 Day Hall (607-255-2336 or uco-bursar@cornell.edu), between May 17 and May 28 to confirm the status of their bursar and Cornellcard accounts. The Office of the Bursar will be open Saturday, May 29 (9:00am - 12:00pm), and Sunday, May 30 (9:00am - 3:00pm), to answer questions.

Charges Billed prior to April 2010: All items billed and due the University through the April 2010 bursars billing statement (including Cornellcard charges) must be paid in full prior to graduation. If your accounts are not paid in full, you cannot receive your diploma or a copy of your official transcript.

Charges Billed after April 2010: Some charges (particularly Cornellcard charges) may not be billed until the June or July billing statement. While payment of these charges is not a condition for graduation clearance, you remain obligated to pay them. Failure to pay these charges when due will result in a "hold" being placed on your records, including transcripts.

Student Loans: If you received a long-term loan from the university, (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Health Profession Loan, Cornell Supplemental Loan, or Cornell University Loan) you will receive an email in April from the Student Loan department in the Office of the Bursar, 260 Day Hall, to complete an "online exit interview" prior to graduation. If you don't complete the exit interview before graduation, you will not receive your diploma or official transcript.

Diplomas

Undergraduate candidates: Immediately following the stadium ceremony, diplomas will be distributed at the various college receptions or departmental ceremonies.

Ph.D., M.A., or M.S. degree candidates: Immediately following the stadium ceremony, graduates will receive diplomas on commencement day, at most college receptions or departmental ceremonies, if all degree requirements are finished before March 19, 2010.

Professional Master degree candidates: Diplomas will be available on commencement day at most of the college receptions or departmental ceremonies.

Address Changes and Mailing: If you are not present at your college reception, your diploma will be sent to your home address as displayed on StudentCenter. A valid telephone number must also be included. If the diploma is to be sent to an address other than the home address, you must inform your college registrar or the Office of the University Registrar before Commencement. After Commencement all address changes must be made at the Office of the University Registrar, B7 Day Hall. Diplomas will be sent by UPS the second week in July. Diplomas will be printed using the name appearing on your official university record.

Click here for other information about diplomas (name on diploma, dates, ordering a replacement, etc.) from the Office of the University Registar.

Diploma Frames: Diploma frames may be purchased at The Cornell Store. Go online to www.store.cornell.edu or call 607-255-4070 for more information.