Orientation Events
Orientation Events for Graduate Students (PDF)
Monday, August 22
Graduate School Welcome Event (Barton Hall)
Graduate School Registration and Campus Resources Fair
8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Representatives from various campus offices, organizations, and student groups share information about their programs, activities, and other valuable resources that will help you succeed in Graduate School. Cornell ID’s will be available for pick up.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Cornell University President, David Skorton, and Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, Barbara Knuth, welcome new graduate and professional students. Dr. Wai-Kwong Wong of Gannett Health Services and your Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) officers will provide valuable and timely information for students in all graduate fields.
Breakout Sessions for Ph.D. and Research Master’s Degree Students
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
New students in research master’s and Ph.D. programs will hear from panels of returning graduate students and Graduate Student Services Representatives, who will answer questions about the first-year adjustment to Cornell and Ithaca, successful mentoring and advising relationships, and other topics of interest.
Cornell Campus Tours for Graduate and Professional Students - 3:00 p.m.
Meet outside The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center
Let our graduate student tour guides give you a tour of Cornell’s campus. Designed especially for graduate and professional students, this tour will provide a proper introduction to what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.
GPSA Ice Cream Social - 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center
Unwind at the end of the day with ice cream from Cornell’s very own Dairy Bar. All new graduate and professional students, spouses, partners, and family members are invited to attend this annual event sponsored by your student government, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA).
Tuesday, August 23
Language and International Studies Fair - 12:00 noon-3:00 p.m.
Uris Hall Terrace and 1st Floor
Find out about Cornell’s numerous language and international programs, and discover the manyoptions on campus and abroad. You can meet language teachers and representatives from the Einaudi Center, Cornell Abroad, the Language Resource Center, the Language houses, international programs, and various area studies programs focusing on Africa, Europe, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia, andSoutheast Asia.
Cornell Campus Tours for Graduate and Professional Students - 3:00 p.m.
Meet outside The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center.
Let our graduate student tour guides give you a tour of Cornell’s campus. Designed especially for graduate and professional students, this tour will provide a proper introduction to what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.
Ithaca by Night - 6:30 p.m.
Meet outside The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center.
This popular annual Orientation event offers you a first taste of the Ithaca nightlife. Returning graduate students volunteer to lead groups of new students to dinner at a variety of Ithaca’s best restaurants. Dinner is self-pay; good company is priceless!
Wednesday, August 24
Picnic on the Plaza -12:15 p.m.
Ho Plaza (Rain location: Willard Straight Hall)
Worried about where to eat on the first day of classes? Join us for lunch outside on Ho Plaza with friends, faculty, and the rest of the Cornell community! We will have wings, pizza, and sandwiches; Cornell Orchards will supply freshly picked apples; and you may even get a hug from the Big Red Bear. It’s a great way to get in the “Big Red” spirit for the 2011-2012 year. You won’t want to miss this event!
Thursday, August 25
International Coffee Hour Mixer - 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center
Meet new friends over light refreshments and world music. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the variety of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds represented at Cornell. Every Thursday while classes are in session, join us for International Coffee Hour from 3:30pm-5:30pm in the Big Red Barn. All are welcome!
Flicks across CU - Time TBA
Willard Straight Hall Cinema
Start the weekend early with a night at the movies! Join your fellow Cornellians at the Willard Straight Hall for two FREE showings of hit films as well as lots of FREE popcorn and snacks!
Friday, August 26
TGIF (Tell Grads It’s Friday) - 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center
This Friday—and every Friday throughout the academic year—TGIF is the time to unwind with fellow graduate students, faculty, staff, and their guests. This popular weekly event features free snacks, soft drinks, and $1 beer.
Bowling- 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Helen Newman Hall Bowling Center, Cornell University
Graduate and Professional Students, their families, and friends are invited to a fun night of bowling at Cornell’s Helen Newman Hall Bowling Center. Learn to bowl, perfect your form, or simply enjoy this opportunity to meet other new graduate and professional students. Please bring your Cornell ID.
Casino Night - 10:00 p.m.
Willard Straight Hall
Join us for an evening of awesome prizes, live music, meeting people, free food, and casino-style games. Try your luck at blackjack, craps, roulette, and bingo! You can also chill out and keep up with the beats of the DJ in the Memorial Room or relax with the soothing melodies of the piano in the Browsing Library, depending on your mood. There will be fresh snacks, mocktails, and even a chocolate fountain. Don’t miss it!
Saturday, August 27
Garden Highlights Tour - 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet in front of the Nevin Welcome Center in the Botanical Garden
Enjoy a guided tour through the Botanical garden and discover the beauty and diversity of our numerous theme gardens. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Street Fair - 10:00 p.m.
Ho Plaza (Rain location: Willard Straight Hall)
Join over 3,000 Cornellians for Street Fair, a spectacular night event on Ho Plaza that will feature plenty of fun, dance, music, and food! Ho Plaza will be transformed into a carnival-style site of festivity with multicolored lights, games, and fun for everyone! We’ve got free popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and more! You haven’t experienced Cornell until you’ve experienced Street Fair.
Sunday, August 28
Club Fest - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Barton Hall
Club Fest is an annual event that showcases student organizations on campus. Come learn all there is to know about clubs at Cornell. There will be student group performances, free popcorn, free water, and information about Cornell’s student organizations.
Arboretum Highlights Tour - 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet near the ponds in the F.R. Newman Arboretum.
Enjoy a guided tour through the F.R. Newman Arboretum while visiting some of our stunning tree and shrub collections and diverse ornamental garden plantings. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Thursday, September 1
Pre-Opening Reception for Graduate Students Only - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum
Enjoy the fall breezes and beautiful views from the Johnson Museum of Art's sculpture court at this pre-opening reception just for graduate students. Meet students from other departments, enjoy some free wine (while supplies last!) with a light snack, and check out the new exhibitions before the crowds arrive for our public opening reception from 5-7pm. Please be prepared topresent your Cornell ID and drivers license. Cosponsored by the Big Red Barn.
Underrepresented Graduate Student Reception and Orientation - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Physical Sciences Atrium
New graduate and professional students are invited to meet returning students, faculty and staff, and learn about programming for the coming year. This reception welcomes underrepresented students from all fields, and it’s a good way to meet new friends and to network.