Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Please continue to refer to the information below over the next few months regarding Commencement Weekend, May 23-25, 2025. We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests.
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.
Walking Early: Candidates for future degrees in August 2025 who wish to “walk early” may also participate in the 2025 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 back in February for more information. 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 and local housing options.
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.
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
Hours in Barton Hall, Room G-2: Friday, May 23 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday, May 24 8:00 am – 2:00 pm; Sunday, May 25 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
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, they may need an invitation letter for a B-2 Tourist Visa. The letter does not come from any office at Cornell. As the person inviting international guests to come for your graduation, the invitation letter must be written by YOU, their host. The Office of Global Learning has posted instructions for students to follow. (Note: Google or Firefox are recommended browsers for the Office of Global Learning website.) Please direct all questions about the visa process to the Office of Global Learning international@cornell.edu.