Family Orientation Schedule

All new students are required to attend Orientation in August from Friday, August 18, through Wednesday, August 23. While families are not required to attend Orientation, many families who accompany their students spend time on campus and in the community on Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19, making arrangements to depart by mid-day on Sunday, August 20. On Friday and Saturday there are optional information sessions and tours that are intended specifically for the parents and families of new students. Many of the schools and colleges also plan events for families who are on campus.

Download a PDF of the Family Orientation Schedule here.

Friday, August 18 | Saturday, August 19

Friday, August 18

Residence Halls open at 8:00am. All students moving into a residence hall on North Campus are given a designated move-in time based on their last name to help with traffic flow (you will receive additional information in the mail with your housing assignment).

Last name beginning with A-G: Move in 11:00am - 2:00pm
Last name beginning with H-O: Move in 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Last name beginning with P-Z: Move in 8:00am - 11:00am

Student and staff volunteers in red shirts will be on hand to help. All students moving into a residence hall on West Campus or into Collegetown can move in anytime between 8:00am and 6:00pm. Please note, any trucks over 14’ long will not be permitted on campus on Friday. Any trucks with a 14’ bed or longer will be allowed to drop off their loads on Saturday, however, there will not be volunteers available that day to assist you. Early move-in is not available.

8:00am - 4:00pm • Campus Services Event • Barton Hall
Come see what else Cornell has to offer! While students are attending registration, families and friends are invited to attend this information extravaganza in nearby Barton Hall. New students will be guided to the event upon completing registration. This is a wonderful opportunity for new Cornell students and their families to learn about the wealth of programs and services offered at the University. Seating and concessions are also available if you need a break on a busy move-in day!

8:30am - 5:00pm • The Cornell Store Computer Event • The Cornell Store, Ho Plaza
All students are invited to evaluate or purchase computer hardware and software at academic discounts. Delivery service to on-campus residences will be available for computer purchases. Hosted by The Technology Connection, an authorized campus distributor for technology products from Apple, Dell, Red Barn, and IBM. Sponsored by the Cornell Store.

11:00am - 11:30am • Chimes Concert Series • McGraw Tower
Do you wonder where those beautiful songs are coming from that you hear all around campus? It’s the magnificent tunes produced by the Cornell Chimesmasters. Come see how the chimes work and listen to a concert! Meet us at the base of the McGraw Tower. Be prepared; there are 161 steps to the top and no elevator. OSC in partnership with the Cornell Chimesmasters.

11:00am - 12:30pm • Willard Straight Hall (WSH) Student Union Welcome Reception and Building Tour • WSH
Who was Willard Straight and why was a building named after him? The student union is a building for students, run by students! Although a historical landmark, WSH is progressing into cutting edge technology such as Netprinting from anywhere on campus, wireless computer access throughout the building, online reservations for space, a superior ceramics studio, and a digital darkroom in the near future. We are home to Student Activities, Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, Student Support, and the Dean of Students. Come find out what we have to offer and why we are called “The Living Room” of the campus! Sponsored by Student Activities, The Office of the Dean of Students.

1:00pm - 2:00pm • Career Services Already? • RPCC Multipurpose Room
Find out about programs that assist students in clarifying their career interests, and how they obtain internships to help them explore their options. OSC in partnership with University Career Services.

1:00pm - 2:00pm • Tour of Herbert F. Johnson Museum • Meet in the Lobby
Check out the international art collection of Cornell’s very own world-class art museum. See one of the most spectacular views on campus as you enjoy a variety of artistic masterpieces. This could be the day the Johnson becomes your favorite place for a break on campus. OSC in partnership with the Johnson Museum of Art.

2:00pm - 3:00pm • Money Matters • Lewis Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall
This informative presentation will address topics ranging from bursar bills, the CornellCard, and Big Red Bucks to general financial aid questions. OSC in partnership with the University Bursar, Campus Life, and the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.

2:00pm - 3:00pm • Navigating New Waters: The Emotional and Social Lives of Cornell Students • Kaufman Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall
Starting college brings new challenges, both inside and outside of the classroom. From academic stress to alcohol, students sometimes struggle with changes in their social and emotional world. Learn about student mental health, the supportive role parents can play, and the network of student support services on campus.

3:00pm - 4:00pm • Just for Families • Uris Auditorium
Led by Christine Schelhas-Miller, author of Don’t Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years, this program will help you anticipate changes and adjust along with your child. Using humorous dialogues from her book she will answer the following questions: What is your role as a parent now? What kind of support can you offer from afar? After the program,
Dr. Schelhas-Miller will sign copies of her book at the Cornell Store.

3:00pm - 4:00pm • Student Disability Services Reception • RPCC 105 • First Floor Conference Room
Come and meet the staff of Student Disability Services. Share in some conversation and light refreshments as we discuss resources available for students with documented disabilities, successful strategies for supporting your student in college, developing self-advocacy skills, and the accommodation process at Cornell. Sponsored by SDS in the Center for Learning and Teaching.

4:00pm - 5:00pm • President’s Welcome Reception • Tent on Rawlings Green
Meet President David J. Skorton and other administrators and faculty members at this casual reception. Look for the big tent on North Campus. OSC in partnership with the Office of the President.

5:00pm - 5:30pm • Chimes Concert Series • McGraw Tower

7:30pm - 9:00pm • Cornell Parenting 101 • Appel Multipurpose Room
Join Vice President of Student and Academic Services Susan H. Murphy to learn about Cornell’s commitment in supporting your new Cornellian. Vice President Murphy will discuss the academic, social, and health support systems on campus, and answer your questions. The evening kicks off with a dessert social hosted by parents of the Cornell University Parents Committee.

7:30pm • Free Movie Screening • Days of Heaven • Willard Straight Theatre • WSH
Cornell Cinema presents a FREE screening of a new print of the classic American film Days of Heaven (1978) by Terrence Malick, starring Richard Gere and Sam Shephard, with award-winning cinematography by Nestor Almendros. The screening will take place in the beautiful Willard Straight Theatre and will be preceded by a brief presentation about Cornell Cinema and the role it plays in undergraduates’ lives. For more info visit cinema.cornell.edu or call 255-3522.

8:00pm - 9:00pm • For Parents of Transfer Students only! Transfer Center Parent Reception • Tent outside Transfer Center
Drop your students off at their first floor meeting and have a chance to mingle with other parents. Meet the Transfer Center staff and discover how the transfer experience is completely different from the traditional First-Year experience.

ACADEMIC MEETINGS

College of Human Ecology
6:00pm - 7:30pm: For Human Ecology Parents Only: Reception and College Presentation • MVR Hall West Atrium
Please join us for informal conversation with Dean Lisa Staiano-Coico and others as we welcome you with hors d’oeuvres and a selection of local wines, beers, and soft drinks.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
6:00pm - 8:00pm • For CALS Parents Only • Trillium Dining Hall
Informal reception with Dean Susan Henry, faculty, and staff to relax and enjoy a selection of local products produced by the College and alumni, including wine, beer, soft drinks, cheese, fruit, ice cream, and fresh produce.

Saturday, August 19

UNIVERSITY SPONSORED EVENTS

7:45am • Alumni Families and Legacy Reception • Tent on Rawlings Green
Family members who are Cornell alumni, their entering Cornellian, and students who have any Cornell ancestors are all cordially invited for juice, coffee, and pastries before the President’s Convocation. Sponsored by Alumni Affairs and Development.

9:00am - 10:00am • President’s Convocation • Barton Hall
Join your student for this official welcome from President David J. Skorton, the student body president, and other key student leaders.

9:00am - 5:00pm • Cornell Store Computer Event

10:00am - 7:00pm • Dump-&-Run Sale • Helen Newman Gym
All proceeds go to charity. RAs will be giving students discount coupons.

11:00am - 11:30am • Chimes Concert Series • McGraw Tower

12:30pm - 1:30pm • Sage Chapel Tour • Sage Chapel
Did you know there was a tomb in Sage Chapel? Come learn the history and take in the beautiful architecture of one of the oldest buildings at Cornell. Sponsored by the OSC and Cornell United Religious Work, Office of the Dean of Students.

1:00pm - 2:00pm • Student Employment at Cornell • Lewis Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall
Find out about on-campus jobs, off-campus jobs, and community service volunteer opportunities. Come and learn about the benefits of working, and see how you can balance work and the rest of your life. OSC in partnership with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.

2:00pm - 4:00pm • A Taste of Faith • Robert Purcell First Floor TV Lounge
Explore the many religious traditions active at Cornell while feasting on cuisine popular among these communities. OSC in partnership with Cornell United Religious Work, Office of the Dean of Students.

2:00pm - 3:00pm • Meeting with Lee Laoshi • Wendy Purcell Lounge, RPCC
Popularly known by students as Lee Laoshi, Frances Yufen Lee Mehta, Department of Asian Studies, will host this special meeting for needs of Asian students and parents. This will be a great chance to find out about the dynamic Asian activities at Cornell. Sponsored by Frances Yufen Lee Mehta, Alice Cook House Fellow.

2:00pm - 3:30pm • Willard Straight Hall (WSH) Student Union Welcome Reception and Building Tour • WSH

2:30pm - 3:30pm • Money Matters • Kaufman Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall

4:00pm - 6:00pm • Office of Minority Educational Affairs/COSEP Open House, • Room G10 Biotech Bldg

3:30pm - 4:30pm • Peak Performance for the Rest of Your Life: Everything Students and Parents Should Know About Sleep... But Are Too Tired to Ask! • Statler Auditorium
A special faculty lecture presented by Dr. James Maas, Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow, Professor and past chairman of the Department of Psychology.

4:30 PM - 7:00 PM • Say Goodbye Tonight
This is a good time for you to bid your student farewell over dinner at an establishment of your choice.

6:30pm - 7:30pm • Cornell Chorus and Glee Club Concert • Sage Chapel
These student-governed, faculty-directed vocal ensembles will perform a diverse selection of premiere women’s and men’s choral repertoire, as well as a rousing set of Cornell Songs.

7:30pm - 9:00pm • Families, Are You Ready For This? • Auditorium, RPCC
The talented John Simon will use his music to examine relationships, transitions, love and family. Not only are new students making a transition right now, families are too! After dinner and your farewells, meet other families and ease your transition with this upbeat and uplifting presentation. Sponsored by the OSC and Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service, Office of the Dean of Students.

ACADEMIC MEETINGS

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
10:30am - 12:15pm • Parents’ Introduction to CALS • Bach Auditorium, Malott Hall
3:30pm - 4:15pm • Biology Major Parent Briefing • Call Alumni Auditorium, Kennedy Hall

College of Architecture, Art, & Planning
10:30am • Dean’s Convocation • AAP Tent on the Arts Quad
11:15am • Dean’s Reception • John Hartell Gallery, Sibley Dome

College of Arts & Sciences
10:30am - 11:15am • Dean’s Convocation • “The Tent” on the Arts Quad
1:00pm - 2:30pm • Parent’s Briefing • “The Tent” on the Arts Quad
3:30pm - 4:15pm • Biology Major Parent Briefing • Call Alumni Auditorium, Kennedy Hall
4:00pm • Office of Minority Educational Affairs/COSEP Open House • G10 Conference Room, Biotech

College of Engineering
10:15am • Welcome for New Engineering Students and Families • Barton Hall
10:30am - 11:45am • Informational Briefing for Families of First-Year Students • Barton Hall
2:00pm - 3:00pm • Engineering Major Presentations • See Engineering Schedule of Events for locations
3:00pm - 4:00pm • Engineering Dean’s Welcome Reception for New Students, Families, and Faculty • Duffield Atrium

School of Hotel Administration
10:30am - 11:15am • Dean’s Welcome and Introduction of the Faculty • Auditorium, Statler Hall
11:15am - 12:00pm • Achieving Success as a “Hotelie” • Auditorium, Statler Hall
12:00pm • Dean’s Reception • Ballroom, Statler Hotel
12:30, 12:45, and 1:00pm • Tours of the Statler Hotel and the School of Hotel Administration

College of Human Ecology
10:30am • Multicultural/EOP Orientation for Students and Parents • 280 MVR Hall
1:00pm • Dean’s Welcome • Alumni Auditorium, Kennedy Hall
2:00pm • Department Briefings • Guided departure from Kennedy Hall to MVR Hall for meetings with department faculty

School of Industrial and Labor Relations
10:30am • ILR Dean’s Welcome • G-1 Auditorium, Uris Hall