ILR Commencement

Link to Livestream

Sunday, May 25, 2025

9:00am: ILR graduates and guests arrive in Barton Hall
9:45am: ILR graduates must be lined up in Barton Hall
10:00am - 11:30am: ILR ceremony, Barton Hall

Please review the Cornell University Commencement website for information on University Commencement Weekend events.

Student and Guest Information for ILR Events

ILR Event Parking & Accessibility Planning

The roads on central campus will be open on Sunday, providing easy access to parking in Hoy Garage, Kite Hill, C-Lot, Forest Home Lot and other parking locations on campus. Guests who are unable to walk long distances may be dropped off in front of Barton Hall at the Garden Avenue entrance. The Garden Avenue entrance does not require stairs to enter the building. Guests do not need to request accessible seating for the ILR ceremony, but guests will need to make accommodations for the University Commencement Ceremony on Saturday.

Visit Parking & Directions and Accessibility Planning to request accessible seating and parking for the University Commencement Ceremony.

Sign Language and Assisted Listening Devices

Sign language interpreters (ASL) will be located at the front left of the stage in Barton Hall. Seating in this area has been reserved for guests who need viewing access to these interpreters, along with the rest of their party. For directions to this seating area, please speak with a volunteer in a red vest when you arrive in Barton Hall. They will direct your party to this area.

Assisted listening devices are also available upon request. When you arrive in Barton Hall, speak with a volunteer in a red vest and let them know you need an assisted listening device. They will direct you to the sound station for assistance.

Seating

General seating for the ILR ceremony is open to all guests and does not require reservations. There are no limitations on how many guests students can invite to the ILR ceremony. 

Photos

All guests must remain in their seats throughout the ceremony. Professional photos will be taken of graduates as they cross the stage and will be sent to the student's Cornell email address following the ceremony. Students can save 20% on photos by pre-registering through GradImages. Proofs of graduation photos will be emailed to all graduates within a week after the ceremony.

Dress Code

All students must wear their cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. There is no dress code for guests.

Bags

Students are not allowed to carry any bags/purses/backpacks with them during the ceremony. If students arrive with any of these items, they will be asked to leave them with family and friends.

Refreshments

Water coolers will be available for guests to access water before, during, and afternoon the ILR ceremony. However, other refreshments will not be available in Barton prior to the ILR Reception. Students and guests can visit other eateries on campus to access refreshments before the ILR event.

Severe Weather Plan

Both the ILR Ceremony and Reception are being held indoors and will continue as planned.