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Commencement planning resource for families, students, faculty, staff, and volunteers

Ceremony Details

Congratulations to our December graduates and proud Cornell families and guests!
We’ll be celebrating on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. EST, in Barton Hall at the University’s 21st Annual Recognition Ceremony for December Graduates. A very special event enjoyed by students and guests.

Students planning to participate must register and order cap & gown as noted in the Student section.

The University Ceremony in Barton Hall recognizes students earning graduate and undergraduate degrees in December. Approximately 700 students participate.

The doors open at 8:30 a.m.
The event begins at 10:00 a.m.
The event ends at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The ceremony begins with a formal procession of students, faculty, and administrators, all wearing academic regalia.
The university provost and president will speak. All degrees are conferred enmasse by the college deans and the president.

Students arrive at Barton Hall wearing cap & gown and report to their college sign to assemble for the procession by college.
Please do NOT bring backpacks or large bags as all will be screened at the entrances to Barton Hall and we do not have a secure location to store them during the event. Refer to the Safety and Bag Screening section for more details.

Guests please allow extra time to enter through bag screening at the entrances. We discourage you from bringing large bags to the event.

Live-stream of event
The event will be live-streamed and captioned for those unable to attend. It will be recorded and remain archived for viewing later as well.
Click here to watch the event on Sunday, December 17 at 10:00 am EST.