VOLUNTEER at the Two (2) University Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday and/or the PhD Event on Friday evening.
Thank you for volunteering to help at either of the 2 University Commencement Ceremonies and/or the PhD event during the May 2025 Commencement Weekend. We cannot support our students and their guests without your help! We have a variety of roles to fill at either 1, 2, or 3 events. Whether you prefer to walk, sit, or to be indoors or out, we’re happy to help find an enjoyable role perfect for you. Please let us know.
Please check back in early April for updated details. Thank you!
Click on the gray bars below for more details and how to sign up to volunteer. Thank you!
- Receive one half (1/2) day of paid time off equivalent to standard workday, for volunteering at each of the two (2) University Commencement Ceremonies and the PhD event for a total of one, one half (1.5) days off by helping with all 3 events. Use by December 31, 2025.
- Receive 25 Awardco points for volunteering at each of the 2 University Commencement events and the PhD event.
- Receive other thank you gifts at the event checkin.
| COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIE5 Saturday, May 24, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT TWO (2) UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES 2025 All volunteers MUST check-in at the Fischell Band Building 1st Ceremony: Volunteers need to arrive by 7:00 am to have time to check-in, meet with group leader, and walk to assigned location. Stadium Gates open at 8:00 am for Guests. 2nd Ceremony: Volunteers need to arrive by 11:00 am to check-in, meet with group leader, and walk to assigned location. Stadium Gates open at 12:30 pm for Guests. | All volunteers MUST check-in at the Fischell Band Building All volunteers receive: -Cornell cloth baseball hat -Clear backpack bag -Button name tag -Red Jacket or vest to wear -Snacks -Thank you gift All Cornell staff receive the following benefits in addition to the above items: -1/2 Comp Day off for volunteering at each of the 2 Commencement events -25 Awardco points for volunteering at each of the 2 events |
| Area Assignment & Group Leader: | Duties: |
| Arts Quad Procession 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Corey Earle 607-279-6585 cre8@cornell.edu | -Assist students to line up for the procession by college -Assist the student banner bearers for each college & walk beside to the stadium -Assist the Faculty to line up for the procession -Assist Platform Party to form review area and join the procession -Once all seated at stadium, ushers will be asked to assist elsewhere in the stadium during the ceremony -Help form recessional after the ceremony 40 people needed at each event |
| Field Seating 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Bob Talda 607-592-1699 rpt4@cornell.edu | -Guide students & faculty to specific seating locations on Schoellkopf Field -Distribute programs to students -Help form recessional after the ceremony 30 people needed at each event |
| North West Entrance (Chute) 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Andrew Salamida 607-245-6420 ras629@cornell.edu | -Direct guests along Campus Road to go up to the Crescent -Answer guest questions -Assist as needed with guests going to the south end zone -Direct the procession down the NW driveway "chute" thru the large gate, on to the field 15 people needed at each event |
| Crescent Seating & Concourse 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Max Mandeville 607-220-8818 mbm244@cornell.edu | -Direct guests to seating areas in the Crescent -Answer guest questions, assist as needed -Direct guests safely to seating in the Crescent -Coordinate with security staff in the seating areas 50 people needed at each event |
| Crescent Gates 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Don Sevey 607-592-3371 dds29@cornell.edu | -Count guests at all the Gates & Entrances with clickers -Answer guest questions -Direct guests toward the seating/portal entryways 20 people needed at each event |
| Crescent Lot 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Pat Wynn 412-877-7190 paw223@cornell.edu | -Direct guests in bus unloading/loading area at Crescent Lot -Help direct guests to the bag check area -Answer guest questions 15 people needed at each event |
| Accessible Seating (yellow) 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Kelly Quinn kmq7@cornell.edu | -Assist guests sitting in the South end zone (yellow) seating area -Answer guest questions -Provide water and programs 20 people needed at each event |
| Accessible Parking (yellow permits) 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Rob Kotaska 607-342-7761 rfk4@cornell.edu | -Direct guests entering Hoy Garage to the 3rd level -Help unload guests with limited mobility in wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, crutches etc. -Assist guests who need a wheelchair ride, from the mid point on the West Concourse to the field, south end zone -Answer guest questions 20 people needed at each event |
| Tanner Terrace 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Linda Competillo 607-227-4922 lmc10@cornell.edu | -Assist guests to the Tanner Terrace seating area at Schoellkopf Hall -Answer guest questions -Coordinate with Golf Cart Leader 8 people needed at each event |
| Golf Cart Driver 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Mike Baker 607-255-7480 meb84@cornell.edu | -Drive guests who need assistance to/from the stadium, ONLY via closed roads!! -Helpful to have experience driving a golf cart, carry a valid NYS driver's license -Able to physically assist guests in and out of golf cart if needing assistance -May need to move cases of water to Information Booths on the closed roads 18 people needed at each event |
| Information Booths 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Cheryl McGraw 607-351-1941 crm54@cornell.edu | -Staff an Information Table and answer student & visitor's questions at locations away from the stadium -Help coordinate assistance with golf cart group -It will be helpful to have knowledge of the campus to direct guests to college events before & after the Commencement ceremonies. 12 people needed at each event |
| Volunteer Check-In 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Marie Roller 607-742-7281 mr36@cornell.edu | -Set up the volunteer Headquarters in Fischell Band Building on Friday -Check-in all volunteers for each ceremony -Distribute button nametags, Cornell hats, backpacks, gifts, and red vests/jackets -Distribute water bottles to volunteers as needed -Some duties may require lifting, some do not 8 people needed at each event |
| Sustainable Team 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Denise Hubbard 607-220-9491 dah379@cornell.edu | -Help collect and sort bottles/cans throughout the stadium. -Requires lifting and walking throughout the stadium area before, during and after both ceremonies. -Your efforts will directly contribute to assisting those in need through the Emergency CARE Fund 15 people needed at each event |
| Medical/EMT Service 1st Ceremony 7:00a - 12:00p and/or 2nd Ceremony 11:00a - 4:00p Dan Maas 607-327-1364 dim1@cornell.edu | -Work with CU EMS to assist guests needing medical assistance -Do not need to be CU staff to volunteer for this group -Contact Dan Maas with specific questions 5 people needed at each event |
| VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES at the University PhD Ceremony | |
| Friday, May 23, 2025 in Barton Hall 4:00p - 8:00p Connie Mabry 607-351-6974 cbm1@cornell.edu Kristen Ciferri 607-339-1069 kcl43@cornell.edu | All volunteers MUST check-in at Barton Hall Enter via the Garden Ave. entrance and turn right to enter a temporary pipe and drapery room in the corner. All volunteers receive: -Cornell cloth baseball hat -Clear backpack bag -Button name tag -Red Jacket or vest to wear -Snacks -Thank you gift All staff receive the following benefits: -1/2 Comp Day off for volunteering at the PhD event - 25 Awardco points for volunteering at the PhD event |
| Area Assignment: | Duties: |
| Entrances | -Direct guests and students entering both entrances at Barton Hall -Direct guests after bag check area to seating areas -Direct Students & Faculty to lineup locations -Provide wheelchair transports for guests from Garden Ave. entrance to seating areas 7 people needed |
| Guest Seating | -Guide guests to seating locations on main floor areas -Distribute programs to guests -Answer questions from guests -Help form recessional at end of the ceremony 13 people needed |
| Student Name Card Distribution | -Hand out name cards to students -Assist students arriving late -Compile cards to 1 table, clear other tables during the ceremony -Help form recessional at end of the ceremony 6 people needed |
| Procession Lineup, Adjust Hoods, Student Seating Guides, Assist Near Stage | -Help lineup procession, check students' hoods -Guide students into seating area -Assist Grad School Staff to guide rows of students to stage -Help form recessional at end of the ceremony 12 people needed |
| Stage Management & Asist Photo Area flow | -Help manage the stage before, during, & after event -Help manage flow of students exiting stage to the photo area & back to seats. -Help form recessional at end of the ceremony 10 people needed |
| Event Office Staff & Volunteer Checkin | -Reserved for Event Staff -Checkin volunteers and assist in Volunteer room with various duties 8 people needed |
- We are providing either a mesh vest or a light-weight red jacket for all to wear. If you have your own red jacket you may wear it. You may wear dark colored slacks, jeans, or skirt.
- Plan to wear comfortable shoes and clean tennis shoes are fine.
- Name tag/button provided at check-in.
- Be prepared for possibly spending several hours in the sun or steady rain. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, poncho, or jacket.
- There won’t be safe storage for personal items at the Band Building, but you may wear a small backpack or fanny pack.
- Masks available for those who wish to wear them.
Parking Campus Roads will close at 6:30 am. Campus Road from College Ave. to Wing Drive, Hoy Rd from Campus Rd. to the garage entrance, Garden between Campus and Tower Rd., and Feeney Way from Campus Rd. to University Ave.
Buses will begin to shuttle from B Lot to Crescent Lot at 7:00 am. Volunteers are allowed to park in the B Lot, surrounding lots by Vet School, and ride the bus to Crescent Lot. It’s a very short walk across the lot to the Fischell Band Building to check-in.
Hoy Parking Garage is also available for volunteers, with a yellow permit sent to you from the Commencement Office. You will only be able to enter the lower entrance to the garage on Hoy Rd coming from Route 366, as all other roads will be closed by 6:30 am. Please park in the upper levels to leave room in the 1st 4 levels for accessible guest parking.
- You MUST officially check in at the Fischell Band Building, Crescent Lot, prior to each of the two Commencement Ceremonies that you are volunteering. You MUST check-in at the start of both shifts.
- Checking in per event is REQUIRED for all volunteers. Staff volunteers must check-in to receive the Awardco points. Refer to “Volunteer Recognition” section.
- Please review the times listed by your group, in the “Volunteer Roles & Details” section. The time to arrive at Volunteer check-in is the 1st time listed. 7 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. indicates to arrive at 7 a.m. for the 1st ceremony. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. indicates arriving at 11:00 a.m. for the 2nd ceremony. Thank you!
- Must show photo ID
- A box lunch will be provided for volunteers working both Commencement Ceremonies. Please plan to bring your own snacks if you have special dietary needs.
- Water will be provided to all at all events.
- Check-in on Friday for the PhD Event will be done in Barton Hall at 3:45-4:00 p.m.
All volunteers for the 2025 University Commencement Ceremonies and/or PhD event are expected to attend a zoom training session on Tuesday, May 20 at 3:00 pm.
A zoom link will be sent a few days before the meeting.
It will be recorded for viewing after, for those unable to attend.
Time spent in the training meeting which cuts across scheduled work hours should be considered time worked and recorded in Workday as such.
The Commencement Committee acknowledges and appreciates those who volunteer at the University PhD Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 23, and at the two (2) University Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 24, and provides them with the following guidelines to ensure that volunteers are appropriately recognized.
Commencement pay guidelines for employees are also viewable on the Working at Cornell website under Pay Practices & Guidelines.
All staff volunteers should inform their immediate supervisor of their decision to volunteer.
Volunteer Eligibility
All Cornell employees, retirees, faculty, Cornell Cooperative Extension, alumni, post-docs, students, Cornell affiliates, and family and friends (18 or older) are welcome to help.
Paid Time Off (PTO) Eligibility
All regular full-time or part-time non-exempt and exempt staff, including benefits-eligible temporary staff, are eligible to receive paid time off for volunteering at the University Commencement events.
Paid time off guidelines do not apply to Cornell affiliates, retirees, students, post-docs, or Cornell Cooperative Extension employees.
Volunteer Time and Paid Time Off
Eligible employees who volunteer at the three (3) University Ceremonies will be granted paid time off equivalent to one half (1/2) day of their standard workday, when volunteering at each of the three (3) University events for a maximum of one and one half (1.5) days paid time off.
Non-exempt volunteer staff should not record any time in Workday for their volunteer hours on May 23 or May 24 at any of the three (3) University Commencement events, as this is not paid time.
If you have questions about time collection, please contact your payroll representative.
This PTO time is not reflected in Workday when it is earned.
Volunteers are encouraged to inform their immediate supervisors of their decision to volunteer.
Use of Paid Time Off (PTO) and Workday Procedure
Non-exempt staff should request “Volunteer – Commencement Time Off” via a time off request in Workday when the day off is used.
Non-exempt staff do not record any time in Workday for their volunteer hours when helping at any of the three (3) University events.
The paid time off should be scheduled so as not to disrupt normal work activities and must be approved by the volunteer’s immediate supervisor. May Commencement PTO must be used by December 31, 2025.
Exempt staff should use paid time off according to the procedure established within their department to track time off, as there is no method for recording the one half (1/2) day off as Commencement paid time off for exempt staff in Workday.
Additional Recognition – Awardco Points
As an additional thank you to all staff volunteers who help with these two Commencement ceremonies and the PhD event, university leadership is offering staff volunteers 25 Awardco points for each of the three (3) events they support, up to a total of 75 points.
Awardco points are a wonderful gift to use to “buy” anything you would like, by shopping at Amazon. Your points equal the dollar value, point for dollar. Points never expire and roll over every year. There are no tax implications for any values. You’ll receive an email a few weeks after Commencement with more details. Enjoy shopping for anything with your points! Awardco Information here.
Awardco points do not apply to Cornell Cooperative Extension employees, retirees, post-docs, Cornell affiliates, or friends and relatives of staff who volunteer. However, they will receive other thank you items.
Volunteer assignments and Awardco points will be processed centrally. Therefore, all volunteers must sign up through the link/form that is listed in the Sign-up section above.
College/Department Commencement Events
These guidelines only apply to the two (2) University Commencement ceremonies and the PhD Event, not to college or department level commencement events.
Non-exempt employees who are not assisting in an entirely voluntary capacity must be paid for all hours worked during any of May 2025 Commencement Ceremonies be it the University-wide events or any of the individual college/school or department events, whether the hours fall outside their normal work schedules and/or result in overtime.
Such work hours must be accurately reported in Workday. In this case, a non-exempt employee will not receive the one half (1/2) paid day off or the Awardco points as outlined above. If assisting with college or department level commencement events, please consult your appropriate college contact (e.g. supervisor, college registrar, HR or Payroll representative) for further information.
Please contact Workforce Policy and Labor Relations at hrpolicy@cornell.edu with any questions.
Both Commencement Ceremonies will be held outdoors at Schoellkopf Field on Saturday, even if it is raining, hot, or cold. However, if potentially dangerous weather, torrential downpour, high winds, lightning, or any other condition is deemed too unsafe to hold the ceremonies at Schoellkopf Field, we will enact our Severe Weather Plan and the ceremonies affected will be canceled and unable to be rescheduled. Please review the Severe Weather Plan for details.