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Student & Campus Life

Becoming Big Red: Cornell Family Orientation

Red Box with Arrows and text Becoming Big Red Cornell Family Orientation

Becoming Big Red: Cornell Family Orientation

Family Orientation at Cornell University is more than just an event—it's an essential journey that marks the beginning of an exciting adventure for both students and their families.  Family Orientation is designed to immerse you in the Cornell experience, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and connected.

 

Family Orientation includes communication during the summer before a student's arrival on campus through our Becoming Big Red Newsletter and Conversations webinar series. Newsletters will be sent out regularly beginning in May, and will be complemented by our Conversation Series. In-person sessions will be hosted during new student move-in before classes. 

  • Family Orientation: August 18, 2026
    • We encourage families to plan to stay both days, if you are able, moving in one day and participating in Family Orientation the other. Family Orientation will conclude on August 18 with New Student Convocation. We invite families to attend with their students.
    • New Student Convocation: Join us on Tuesday, August 18 in Schoellkopf Stadium for New Student Convocation—the formal welcome to Cornell University for new students and their families. Hear from President Kotlikoff, Dean of Students Marla Love, and the Deans of the Colleges and Schools as we celebrate the start of your student’s Cornell journey. Time and more details will be announced in mid-Spring.
    • Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
  • First-Year Student Move-In: August 17
  • Transfer Student Move-in: August 18
    • Students will receive their housing assignments in mid-June, which will determine which day they will be assigned to move in.
  • New Student Orientation: August 18-23
    • 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).