Weekend Events & Interests
Planning your weekend
- Friday is considered a travel day for families.
- Saturday, many families like to attend Senior Class Convocation (guest speaker to be announced). Some colleges may have recognition events planned for Saturday. Click here to check your college/department schedule. Also, visit Weekend Schedule for other events and activities on campus.
- Sunday, graduates and guests attend the University's Commencemement ceremony in Schoellkopf Stadium. Graduates do not cross a stage or have their name read at this event. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates and guests then exit the stadium to attend college diploma events at various locations on campus. College events will end by 3:00p Sunday.
Saturday
University-wide Events (Saturday)
Senior Class Convocation
Saturday, 12:00-1:00pm - Schoellkopf Stadium The Senior Class President and a special guest speaker will address students and guests at Schoellkopf Stadium the day before Commencement. The Class of 2010 will present its class gift to the University. Students do not wear cap & gown to this event. Tickets are NOT required for the outdoor event in the stadium. For information, contact the Dean of Students Office at 607-255-5217.
Severe Weather Plan: Barton Hall
In case of severe weather, the Senior Class Convocation will be moved to Barton Hall and WILL require tickets. Tickets will be included in undergraduate students' Commencement Information Packet mailed in February.
President's Family Gathering
Saturday, 2:00-3:30pm - Arts Quad The University President and the Board of Trustees will host an informal ice cream social to meet graduates and their families and guests. The stand-up event will be held outdoors under a magnificent tent on the Arts Quad.
Academic Ceremonies (Saturday)
Air Force, Army, Navy/Marine Corps - Commissioning Ceremonies Johnson Graduate School of Management - Executive MBA College of Veterinary Medicine - D.V.M. Hooding Ceremony Johnson Graduate School of Management - Residential MBA Graduate School - Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony
Campus Interests (Saturday)
The Cornell Store
Visit your central campus resource for everything Cornell. Friday (8-6), Saturday (9-6), Sunday (8-5).
Cornell Plantations
Saturday, 9:30am-Noon http://www.plantations.cornell.edu Late May is a fantastic time to see and enjoy the gardens and wildflowers of Cornell Plantations — the arboretum, botanical garden, and natural areas of Cornell University.
Visitor Options:
There are guided walking tours at 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am and 11:30am, leaving from the tent facing Plantations Road. Please wear sturdy walking shoes. If you prefer a self-guided tour, you can pick up a map at the garden gift shop, located in the lower level of the Lewis Education Center. It will be open both Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, from 9:00am to 4:00pm.Transportation:
Limited parking is available at the botanical garden (campus map quad F4). Also, a morning CU Transit bus will run every 20 minutes to and from the gardens with stops at Baker Flag Pole on West Avenue and across from RPCC on Jessup Road beginning at 9:00am and running until 12:30pm.
Rock Climbing
Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm and 3:00-5:00pm - Bartels Hall Climb on North America's Largest Natural Rock Climbing Wall. No experience necessary. Instruction and all equipment provided. $25 per person for 2 hours for pre-registered, or $30 at the door. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is strongly recommended. Call 607-255-6183 to register. Minimum age to participate is 6.
Canoeing
Saturday, 12:00pm-5:00pm - Beebe Lake Paddle around the beautiful lake in the heart of campus (rain or shine). $12 per person per hour for pre-registered, or $15 on site. Space is limited so pre-registration is strongly recommended. Call 607-255-6183 to register. One child age 6 or under free with each paid adult.
Cornell Wind Ensemble Concert
Saturday, 2:45-3:45pm - Arts Quad Cornell's premiere instrumental student ensemble performs international and American music as well as Cornell songs on the Arts quad. In case of rain, the concert will be held in Barton Hall.
Cornell University Glee Club
Saturday, 8:00pm - Bailey Hall The Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club will present a concert at Bailey Hall. See order form in the Commencement Weekend Information booklet or www.gleeclub.com. (Note: Tickets will be held at the door for you, not mailed.) Tickets are $10 and may also be purchased at www.baileytickets.com
Special Public Viewing Night
Saturday, 9:00pm-12:00am - Fuertes Observatory If the weather permits, the Fuertes Observatory on North Campus will be open for public viewing of planets, star clusters, and galaxies. Tours of the facility and the beautiful hand-operated 85-year old telescope will still take place if the weather is cloudy, although the observatory will close early in such instance. Fuertes Observatory is located on Craddit Farm Dr. on the eastern end of North Campus, above Beebe Lake. From central campus, cross Triphammer Bridge and take the first right turn; follow Craddit Farm Dr. up past Balch Hall, Helen Newman Gym, and Appel Commons. Fuertes will be on the right, across the street from the Appel parking lot.
Sunday
Academic Ceremonies (Sunday)
Commencement Activities
Sunday, 8:00am-Noon - Schoellkopf Stadium
8:00am Guests may start arriving at stadium seats 9:15am Procession assembles on Arts Quad 10:00am Procession arrives at stadium 10:00-11:00am Procession/seating of candidates 11:00am-12:00pm Ceremony for all degree candidates
Students should make arrangements ahead of time to meet family and guests at the college ceremonies following commencement.
Diploma Ceremonies and Receptions (following University Commencement)
Sunday, 12:30-3:00pm - various locations across campus A listing will be available in the commencement program handed out at the stadium. Information is also viewable on our College Ceremonies & Receptions page. Due to the large crowds leaving the stadium all at once, please: -Plan to meet graduates at college events -Do not expect to drive your vehicle to college events -Ride shuttle bus or walk to college event
Campus Interests (Sunday)
The Cornell Store
Visit your central campus resource for everything Cornell. Sunday, 8am-5-pm
Religious Services
Please visit Cornell United Religious Work website for services.
Related Links
Still can't find what you're looking for?
Contact Information
Office of Commencement Events
B13 Day Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853
(607) 255-9541
Email: commencement@cornell.edu