Congratulations, December 2024 graduates! We are so proud of 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 late February 2025 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.
If you did not pre-order a cap & gown please refer to cap and gown for details of how to obtain a “walk-in” order at distribution during the week before the event.
You may attend by getting an outfit from the vendor in Barton Hall, Sunday 9-9:30 am. Allow extra time to get your outfit and lineup at your college sign by 9:45 am.
The Registration form is now closed. If you did not register please come to Barton Hall Sunday morning. You may still attend the event. We do not need to know your name as you’ll walk with your college and be recognized as a college. Review further information in the topice below in this section.
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 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! |
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 20, 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 21, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Monday, December 23, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
The Graduate School will hold a private hooding reception for new Ph.D. graduates at Statler Hall, Carrier Ballroom immediately following the December Recognition ceremony. Ph.D. graduates 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 graduate program. Graduates and their advisors do need to enter a separate RSVP to attend this special event.Dean Boor will perform the hooding of our new graduates. Alternatively, graduates may invite their advisors or committee members to attend and perform the hooding.Graduates should wear their appropriate cap, gown, and hood.Faculty members may wear their regalia, but it is not required.A light buffet brunch will be served, and up to 6 guests are welcome to attend with the graduate.
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 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.Sunday morning’s weather is expected to be very cold, below 10 degrees. 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.