January 2009 Commencement Information

The letter below was e-mailed to graduating seniors October 15, 2008:

Dear CALS January degree candidate:

We'd like to invite you and your guests to two special events in honor of your expected January 2009 graduation. 

1.  Join fellow degree candidates, guests, faculty and staff at a breakfast reception hosted by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences:

Saturday, December 20, 2008
8:00-9:30 a.m.
Terrace Restaurant, Statler Hotel
4 guests + student maximum, tickets required.

Please respond before December 12 using the link on your DUST page at https://dust.cals.cornell.edu, then come to 140 Roberts Hall to pick up your tickets.
After you respond, the link on DUST become inactive.  If you need to make changes to your RSVP, contact Pamela Torelli at plr2@cornell.edu.

Please respond on-line first, then come to 140 Roberts Hall for your tickets.

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2.  You are invited to the sixth annual University Recognition Ceremony for January degree candidates. You should have received an e-mail from the University Commencement Office about this event, and a letter was mailed to your home address. We'd like to encourage your participation. The ceremony was beautifully done last year, and greatly appreciated by students and their families.  Please join us on:

Saturday, December 20, 2008
Ceremony 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Barton Hall
Reception immediately following, also in Barton Hall, until approximately 1:30 p.m.

You must arrive at Barton Hall by 10:15 to check-in and assemble for the formal procession.

Caps and gowns and an RSVP are required. Visit http://commencement.cornell.edu/December/index.html.

There is no limit on the number of guests that may attend the ceremony in Barton, and there are no tickets.  However, you must RSVP at http://commencement.cornell.edu/December/rsvp.html

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We're also passing along a special offer from the Statler Hotel -- stay Friday night, and receive 25% off your Saturday night stay.  Stop by the Counseling and Advising Desk in 140 Roberts Hall for more information, or call the Statler Hotel Reservations department at 1-800-541-2501 or e-mail statler_reserve@cornell.edu.

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You and your family are also invited to attend the large commencement ceremony May 24, 2009.  Information will be mailed to your home address in January.

Please let us know if you have questions, and we look forward to seeing you on December 20!



Lisa Ryan, Bonnie Shelley, Pamela Torelli, and Christine Potter

Counseling and Advising
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
140 Roberts Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853
Telephone:  607-254-5386
Fax:  607-254-4613
http://www.cals.cornell.edu/advising

May Commencement Information

University Commencement Office Home Page
http://commencement.cornell.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order cap and gown?
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/capgown.html

When and where do I get my diploma?
http://author.cals.cornell.edu/cals/current/advising/commencement/upload/Receptions.pdf

What's happening Commencement weekend? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/weekend.html

What do I do on Commencement Day?
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/weekend.html#3

What about announcements? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/order.html

What about tickets? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/tickets.html

Help! I can't find a hotel room for my family! 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/travelLodge.html

Where should we park? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/parkseat.html

How do I arrange mobility impaired accommodations? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/mobility.html

What if it rains?
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/tickets.html#2

What's the easiest way to get around campus and Ithaca? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/travelLodge.html

Which campus eateries are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/dining.html

Is the ceremony televised? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/tv.html

Can I get a video of the ceremony? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/order.html#4

What else does the Campus Store have for Seniors?
http://www.store.cornell.edu/visitors.html

What is "Academic Eligibility" and "Bursar Clearance"? 
http://commencement.cornell.edu/May/eligibility.html

Is champagne allowed in during the ceremony?
To preserve the dignity of the ceremony and the safety of fellow graduates, faculty members, family members, and friends, please do not bring champagne or other alcoholic beverages to the commencement exercises. Alcohol is not permitted on the Arts Quad, in the procession, or in Schoellkopf Stadium. Anyone carrying bottles of champagne or other alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to enter the stadium. Your understanding and cooperation are vital to assure the safety of others and the dignity of the day’s activities.

Can I keep my cap and gown?
Sorry! You must return your cap and gown after the ceremony at one of the collection centers on campus by 5 p.m. on Sunday. The exact locations will be specified in the commencement program. You may keep your tassel.

What if I don't complete my requirements? 
You are still allowed (and encouraged) to participate in the ceremony, you just won't receive your diploma at the college reception. Once you complete your requirements, you will receive your diploma by mail.

How will I know if I didn't successfully complete my requirements? 
The College Registrar's Office will make every effort to contact you prior to Sunday. There will be an envelope for you at the pick up location, but there will not be a diploma in the envelope. There will be a note with further instructions on the envelope.