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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation

Red Banner with photos of families and text Becoming Big Red Family Orientation

Creating Cornell Family Connections from the Very Start

Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation at Cornell University is more than just an event—it is the beginning of your family’s connection to the Cornell community. This experience is designed to ensure you feel informed, supported, and connected as your student begins their journey.

 

Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation includes communication throughout the summer before your student’s arrival through our Becoming Big Red Newsletter and Conversations webinar series. Newsletters begin in May and are complemented by our Conversation Series, offering timely information and opportunities to engage with campus partners. 

The in-person Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation experience takes place during New Student Move-In and is designed to help families navigate the transition to Cornell with greater confidence. On Tuesday, August 18, families will have the opportunity to engage with campus partners, learn about resources and support services, and gain a better understanding of how to support their student while encouraging independence and growth.

August 18, 2026: Family Orientation 
Family Orientation will take place on Tuesday, August 18, and will conclude with New Student Convocation, the formal welcome to Cornell University for new students and their families. Join us in Schoellkopf Stadium as you hear from President Michael I. Kotlikoff, Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi, Dean of Students Marla Love, and the Deans of the Colleges and Schools as we celebrate the start of your student’s Cornell journey. The ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm, with doors opening at 5:00 pm. Families are invited to attend with their students.

To make the most of the experience, we encourage families to plan to be in Ithaca for both Monday and Tuesday, if possible—helping their student move in and participating in Family Orientation on Tuesday.

Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

August 17: First-Year Student Move-In
All first-year students will move in on Monday, August 17, unless they are participating in a pre-orientation program or have been approved for early move-in.

August 18: Transfer Student Move-In
Transfer students will move in on the morning of Tuesday, August 18.

Note: Students will receive their housing assignments in mid-June.

August 18-23: Becoming Big Red: New Student Orientation
Detailed scheduling information and orientation schedules will be released in mid-June.

Are you a new student's parent or family member and not receiving our emails? You can sign up or update your information to receive our communications to families on our Cornell Family Contact form (you will need your student's NetID to sign up).