Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
We truly look forward to celebrating with you and your guests!
Please continue to refer to the information below over the next several months for updates on Commencement Weekend, May 22-24, 2026. Thank you!
Arts Quad Diagram for 1st Ceremony lineup
Arts Quad Diagram for 2nd Ceremony lineup
1st Ceremony 9:00 a.m./2nd Ceremony 1:30 p.m. – procession to stadium begins The academic procession will move counterclockwise around the Arts Quad and proceed to Schoellkopf Field. The university marshal will lead the procession past the presidential reviewing party on Olin Terrace and continue on to Schoellkopf Field.
1st Ceremony 9:15 a.m./2nd Ceremony 1:45 p.m. – procession arrives at Schoellkopf Field Upon arrival at the stadium, ushers will direct you to seats on Schoellkopf Field. Rapid movement is essential, with no stops or gaps in the procession. You will be seated with your conferring college, just as you assembled and processed to the stadium.
1st Ceremony 10:00-11:00 a.m./2nd Ceremony 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Commencement Ceremony Following the university president’s speech, each college will be asked to rise at appropriate times for degree conferral. At the conclusion of the ceremony, please remain standing as the president, college deans, trustees, administrators, and the faculty exit from Schoellkopf Field. Please refrain from throwing your caps, as the hard edges can be dangerous and cause injury.
1st Ceremony 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m./2nd Ceremony 3:30-4:00 p.m. – Exiting Stadium You will exit at field level while your family exits at other locations. Due to large crowds leaving the stadium, plan to meet your family at your next event.
Make sure everyone in your party knows your college and department so they can meet you at the correct location.
The 2025 electronic Commencement program containing all of the graduates’ names is posted here.
Commencement Programs listing the events are distributed at Schoellkopf on Saturday. Programs also list the Saturday college events and a map of their locations. Please make sure everyone in your party knows your college and department in advance! If you have an event following the university Commencement ceremony, they will need this information in order to find the location and review the nearest bus stop in order to meet you there.
Names in the electronic program are taken directly from your Student Center profile. If you have a preferred name on file, that name will be used.
If you do not have a preferred name entered, your legal name will appear in the electronic program.
Preferred name changes must be made in Student Center by April 11th and remain unchanged for the program. Refer to the information on the Office of the University Registrar website for more details on how to change your name.
Walking Early: Candidates for future degrees in August 2026 who wish to “walk early” may also participate in the 2026 Commencement. The Commencement Office does not need to be notified of your plans to walk early.
You will need to order your cap & gown to wear in the ceremony.
If you want to walk early at your college event, please check directly with the appropriate event planner.
Dining
Food and beverages will be available at several locations on and off campus during the weekend. Check our Dining section. We encourage guests to bring snacks to have on hand, especially for young children, elderly family members, or guests with special dietary needs.
Lodging
Visit our Lodging section for more information about on-campus housing. Reservations for on-campus housing will begin in mid-January.
Information on local housing options is at the lodging section also.
Commencement is the university ceremony for conferring all graduate and undergraduate degrees in all colleges. The two ceremonies take place Saturday at Schoellkopf Stadium. Wearing cap & gown, you will assemble on the Arts Quad to march with your college in the academic procession to Schoellkopf, then rise with your college for degree conferral during the ceremony. You will not cross the stage for individual recognition at these ceremonies. Please visit the Commencement Ceremonies section for details.
College events take place throughout the weekend, and vary from recognition ceremonies to informal receptions. Be sure everyone in your party knows your college and department, as well as the date, time, and location of your specific event so they may plan accordingly to meet you there. You and your family don’t want to miss your college or department event, especially if it offers individual recognition.
The Cornell Store
The Cornell Store is happy to welcome graduates and guests to our stores during Commencement Weekend, Thursday, May 21 – Sunday, May 24!
All updates regarding Commencement Weekend at The Cornell Store will be posted at: The Cornell Store.
List of all retail locations and hours.
The Cornell Store (Main Campus, 135 Ho Plaza)
Friday, May 22: 8:30am-7pm
Saturday, May 23: 9am-7pm
Sunday, May 24: 10am-5pm
Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): Closed
The Cornell Store on the Ithaca Commons
Friday, May 22: 10am-9pm
Saturday, May 23: 10am-9pm
Sunday, May 24: 10am-6pm
Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): 11am-5pm
The Cornell Store at the Statler Hotel (Statler Hotel Lobby)
Friday, May 22: 8am-7pm
Saturday, May 23: 8am-7pm
Sunday, May 24: 8am-5pm
Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): 10am-3pm
Class Rings
The Cornell Store works with Balfour to provide Cornell rings in a variety of styles for men and women.
Diploma Frames
Diplomas are mailed to graduates in late June. They are not given out at the ceremonies.
A variety of quality USA made diploma frames are available in-store and online at The Cornell Store throughout the year.
Pets are not allowed at any Commencement events during the weekend, be it indoors or outdoors.
In accordance with State and Federal requirements, service animals are permitted.
SAFETY: To enroll your cell phone to receive emergency notifications, text “CornellVisitor” to 226787. The safety and security of everyone on campus is of great importance to Cornell University. so please review security measures for Commencement Weekend.
LOST & FOUND OFFICE: Call 607-255-7179
CLEAR BAG POLICY: To uphold health and safety protocols, minimize contact and ensure a swifter entry process, a clear bag policy is strongly encouraged at the University Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday at Schoellkopf Field. Other weekend events are encouraging clear bags as well.
If a bag is necessary, it must be clear and all bags are subject to inspection. Permissible bags include clear totes (not exceeding 12”x6”x12”), 1-gallon clear storage bags, or strapless/handheld clutches (not exceeding 6.5″ x 4.5″). Diaper bags must be accompanied with a child. Cornell reserves the right to search persons, property, and non-transparent bags at various entrances.
No alcohol or glass bottles allowed in the Stadium.
No pets allowed, unless a service animal at Schoellkopf Stadium.
If you are inviting international family or friends to come for your graduation, International Services has posted instructions for students and guests to follow. If you have additional questions, please visit Get Advice.