Congratulations, December 2025 graduates! We are so proud of you!
Please continue to review this section for updates during September and October, if you plan to participate in the University Ceremony. Thank you!
All December Graduates, members of the Class of 2025, are automatically invited to attend the University Commencement in May 2025. Information will be sent to graduates in spring about May’s events.
Please continue to review the May site for updates during the spring.
Please refer to cap and gown for details on how to obtain a cap and gown outfit later in October.
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.
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.
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.
11:30 a.m.
Ceremony concludes. Congratulations!
Diplomas are mailed in late February, early March to your home address in Student Essentials. Visit the Office of the University Registrar website for all diploma information. For questions about your student record and fulfilling degree requirements, check with your college registrar.
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.
A link will be posted here and on the home page a few days before the event.
Guests will not need tickets for entry to the event. We do encourage up to 3 guests per graduate.
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.
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.
