Congratulations, December 2023 graduates! We are so proud of you! You and your guests are invited to a special University Recognition Ceremony for December Graduates on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Barton Hall.
If you plan to participate in the University Ceremony, please follow instructions on this page to Register to attend and Order Cap & Gown.
All December Graduates, members of the Class of 2024, are automatically invited to attend the University Commencement in May 2024. Information will be sent to the graduates in late February 2024 about May’s events.
Please continue to review the May site for updates during the fall and spring.
Cap and Gown Ordering Please refer to cap and gown for details on how to obtain a cap and gown outfit.
Students must Register HERE to register themselves and indicate the number of guests attending the event by Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 5 p.m. for the University Ceremony in Barton Hall on Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Plan to arrive at Barton Hall between 8:30-9:30 a.m., wearing your cap & gown. Please do NOT bring backpacks or bags as all will be screened as you enter Barton Hall. Ushers and staff will provide instructions, answer questions, and assist you with lining up for the procession in Barton Hall.
DO NOT BE LATE, or your guests may miss seeing you in the procession, and you might not be seated with your college.
Event Schedule and Instructions for Graduates
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Arrive at Barton Hall wearing your cap & gown. Assemble for the procession by lining up two by two with your college. Ushers and college staff will be there to assist with lining up the procession.
9:45 a.m.
You must be lined up with your college by 9:45 a.m. at the latest, to participate in the procession that begins the ceremony.
10:00 a.m.
Ceremony begins promptly at 10:00 with a formal procession into the main floor of Barton. You will walk with your college to the seating area.
Click here to watch the event on Sunday, December 17, at 10:00 EST.
Guests will not need tickets for entry to the event. We do encourage up to 4 guests per graduate. We do ask that all students register by December 16, 2023, 5 p.m. and indicate the number of guests attending the event. See Ceremony Registration information above.
If you are inviting international family or friends to come for your ceremony, 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 ceremony, the invitation letter must be written by YOU, their host. The Office of Global Learning has posted instructions for students to follow. Please direct all questions about the visa process to the Office of Global Learning via email international@cornell.edu.
The ceremony will be canceled if Tompkins County roads are CLOSED. If canceled, it will not be rescheduled.
To receive emergency notifications during your visit, text CornellVisitor to 226787, and you will be set to receive alert messages regarding weather or cancellation.
December graduates are invited to participate in the upcoming spring Commencement, regardless of cancellation or attendance in December.