Celebrating Bowers graduates.
Commencement Weekend marks a milestone in our students' academic journeys, bringing together graduates, families, and friends to honor years of dedication, growth, and success.
One weekend. Multiple ceremonies.
Commencement weekend is a time to recognize the unique accomplishments of our graduates as they prepare to make their mark on the world. Celebrations include Cornell Commencement, Cornell’s Ph.D. event, and three Bowers department graduate recognition ceremonies.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
At our department ceremony, graduates traverse the stage and are individually recognized by name.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Time: 4:30 - 6:45 p.m.
- Location: Barton Hall
- Doors Open: 3:15 p.m. | Graduates must arrive by 4:00 p.m.
- Ticketing: No tickets are required. Graduates may invite unlimited guests.
- Attire: Graduates wear regalia (cap and gown); Order Regalia.
- Livestream Option: The ceremony will be broadcast live for guests unable to travel. The link will be available on this page two to three days prior to the event.
Eligibility and How to Register
- Recognized Degree Programs: Computer Science Ph.D., M.S., M.Eng, B.A., and B.S. degree students with graduation dates of December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026 are invited to participate.
- How to Register: Eligible students will receive a personalized registration form in late March or early April.
At our department ceremony, graduates traverse the stage and are individually recognized by name.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Ceremony: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Barton Hall
- Doors Open: 12:00 p.m. | Graduates must arrive by 12:30 p.m.
- Ticketing: No tickets are required. Graduates may invite unlimited guests.
- Attire: Graduates wear regalia (cap and gown); Order Regalia.
- Livestream Option: The ceremony will be broadcast live for guests unable to travel. The link will be available on this page two to three days prior to the event.
Eligibility and How to Register
- Recognized Degree Programs: Information Science Ph.D., MPS, B.A., and B.S. degree students with graduation dates of December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026 are invited to participate.
- How to Register: Eligible students will receive a personalized registration form in late March or early April.
At our department ceremony, graduates traverse the stage and are individually recognized by name.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Ceremony: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Graduates must arrive by 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Barton Hall
- Doors Open: 8:30 a.m.
- Ticketing: No tickets are required. Graduates may invite unlimited guests.
- Attire: Graduates wear regalia (cap and gown); Order Regalia.
- Livestream Option: The ceremony will be broadcast live for guests unable to travel. The link will be available on this page two to three days prior to the event.
Eligibility and How to Register
- Recognized Degree Programs: Statistics and Data Science Ph.D., MPS, B.A., and B.S. degree students with graduation dates of December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026 are invited to participate.
- How to Register: Eligible students will receive a personalized registration form in late March or early April.
Bowers Ph.D. candidates will be recognized by name and given their hoods on stage at our department graduate recognition ceremonies.
The university also holds a campus-wide ceremony to welcome Ph.D. candidates into the academy of scholars. We encourage Bowers Ph.D. candidates to attend both events.
Learn more about the University Ph.D. Ceremony.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Cornell’s Commencement Ceremony recognizes the entire community of Cornell graduates across all degree programs. It is when degrees are officially conferred. We encourage you to join your Cornell Bowers classmates and faculty in the procession so we can celebrate this momentous occasion together.
The university has split the May 2026 Commencement into two ceremonies. Bowers has been assigned to the afternoon event. At this event, graduates are recognized by college; they do not traverse the stage. Bowers graduates are welcome to participate with Bowers or their admitting college.
Event Details
Location: Schoellkopf Field
Ticketing: Guest tickets are required. Graduates must register their participation in order to receive guest ticket information
Attire: Graduates wear regalia (cap and gown); Order Regalia.
Timing:
- Stadium opens to guests: 12:30 p.m.
- Graduates assemble on the Arts Quad: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
- Line up behind the Bowers banner.
- Procession to stadium: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- Commencement Ceremony: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
How to Register
Graduates must complete the University’s Commencement Ceremony registration form.
Additional Information
Visit the May Commencement Ceremonies webpage.
Information for graduates, family, and friends.
Whether you’re making the trip to campus from the Ithaca area or halfway around the world, we know there can be a lot of logistics involved. Visit the Cornell May Commencement Weekend website for information about disability accommodations and accessibility, guest travel, lodging, international guest visas, and more.
Review the May Commencement Weekend parking & directions information page for details about parking lot and road closures, plus free park-n-ride bus locations. Use the Cornell Campus Map to find your way on campus.
If you have guests with mobility challenges, limited stamina, and/or who might need other accommodations, we encourage you to review the University's Commencement accessibility planning information.
Guests should pack snacks, particularly on Saturday when the day can be quite long if you are attending both the University Commencement Ceremony and our Bowers Department of Computer Science Graduate Recognition Ceremony.
Ithaca weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack for heat, rain, or cool weather, and bring comfortable shoes for walking on our campus and famous hills. Note that Barton Hall is not air conditioned, and there is limited shade in Schoellkopf Stadium. Please plan accordingly.
Looking for something to do between events when your graduate is busy? Find plenty of local activities, events, restaurants, and more at visitithaca.com