Congratulations, December 2025 graduates! We are so proud of you!
Please follow instructions on this page to Register to attend and order your Cap & Gown online.
All December Graduates, are members of the Class of 2026, and are automatically invited to attend the University Commencement in May 2026. Information will be sent to graduates in spring about May’s events.
Please continue to review the May site for updates during the spring.
Review the Guest Information section and the “Safety & Bag Screening” section for more details. 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.
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Arrive at Barton Hall wearing your cap & gown. Assemble for the procession by lining up four by four 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. |
| 11:30 a.m. | Ceremony concludes. Congratulations! |
Announcements
Order formal customized graduation announcements from Balfour to inform family and friends of accomplishments. Balfour also offers thank you notes, etiquette seals, custom seal note cards, return address labels, and certificates of appreciation. For questions regarding specific degree information to print on customized announcements, please contact your college registrar.
Class Rings
The Cornell Store works with Balfour to provide Cornell rings in a variety of styles for men and women.
Diploma Frames
A variety of quality diploma frames are available in-store and online at The Cornell Store throughout the year.
Diplomas are not given out at the ceremony in December. They will be mailed in late February to the home address on file.
Flowers
The Cornell Store partners with the Commencement Group to offer beautiful rose bouquets for the December Recognition Ceremony. View ordering details on The Cornell Store’s website here.
Grad Gifts
Visit The Cornell Store for the best selection of Cornell gifts and apparel.
Friday, December 19, 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Monday, December 22, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
The Graduate School will hold a private hooding reception for Ph.D. candidates at the Statler Carrier Ballroom immediately following the December Recognition Ceremony. Candidates are invited to attend this ceremonial hooding, in which a faculty member places the hood over the shoulders of the graduate to signify their success in completing their Ph.D. program. A professional photographer will capture photos of the ceremonial hooding.Ph.D. Candidates who register to attend the University December Recognition Ceremony will be sent an invitation to this special event and will need to enter a separate RSVP to attend.At 12 noon, Dean Lewis will perform the hooding of our Ph.D. graduates. Alternatively, candidates may invite their advisors or committee members to attend and perform the hooding.
Ph.D. Candidates should wear their appropriate cap, gown, and hood. Faculty members may wear their regalia, but it is not required.
A brunch buffet will be served and up to 6 guests are welcome to attend with the candidate.
In the days following the event, the Graduate School will email a link to the photographs to all individuals who RSVP’d to attend this special event.
Please contact the Graduate School, gradschool@cornell.edu with any questions about this event.
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.Ithaca’s weather can be very cold and snowy in December. Please dress accordingly with layers under your gowns.
The ceremony will only be canceled if Tompkins County roads are CLOSED. If canceled, it will not be rescheduled.
See: university operating status
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.