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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Annual Events & Traditions

Students dancing and smiling on a stage with a dj and bubbles


The Campus Activities Office hosts several signature events each year that bring the Cornell community together. Open to all students, these events are a great way to make memories, meet new people, and celebrate Cornell traditions. 

As each event approaches, check back here for detailed information, including dates, times, and locations. 

Signature Events 

Weeks of Welcome (WOW) 
Kick off the new semester with Weeks of Welcome! With so many events, meetings, workshops, and social activities happening across campus, the WOW calendar brings it all to one place. Find it by searching for the “Weeks of Welcome” tag in CampusGroups.

ClubFest 
Looking to join one of Cornell’s 1,000+ student organizations—or promote your own? ClubFest happens at the start of each semester and gives students a chance to explore Cornell’s vibrant club scene, meet current members, and find their community. ClubFest is hosted in collaboration with the Student Union Board.

Homecoming Spirit Week 
Get ready to show your Big Red pride! Leading up to Homecoming Weekend in late September, Spirit Week features daily events, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to get hyped. Don your Cornell gear and celebrate campus traditions with fellow students.   

Moonlight Breakfast 
Late-night pancakes, anyone? Held at the end of each semester in Okenshields Dining Hall from 8–10 PM, Moonlight Breakfast offers free breakfast food for dinner—no meal swipes needed. Take a break from studying and treat yourself! 

Slope Day 
One of Cornell’s oldest and most beloved traditions, Slope Day takes place the day after the last day of classes in May. Join the celebration on Libe Slope with live music, food, giveaways, and great end-of-year vibes. Slope Day is hosted in collaboration with the Slope Day Planning Board. Check out Slope Day 2025 in Photos here.

Senior Days 
Graduating undergraduate students are invited to celebrate their accomplishments and make lasting memories with friends during the week leading up to Commencement. Senior Days features a wide range of fun and meaningful activities—past highlights have included sunset lake cruises, canoeing on Beebe Lake, clocktower climbs, comedy shows, and more. This week of events is hosted in collaboration with Class Councils and the Senior Convocation Committee.  

Senior Convocation 
Held on the Thursday of Senior Days, this student-led tradition honors the undergraduate graduating class. The event features a student speaker, performances, remarks from university leadership, and a special keynote guest. Hosted in collaboration with the Senior Convocation Committee. Read about the 2025 Convocation with keynote speaker Misty Copeland here.

Traditions 

Chimes
The bells of Cornell, referred to as “the Chimes,” are the heartbeat of campus life, marking the hours and chiming daily concerts. They ring out from high up in McGraw Tower.

The bells are played by student and alumni “chimesmasters," and this group is overseen by staff in Campus Activities. Daily concerts are performed during the school year and a reduced schedule during the summer and semester breaks, as well as a variety of specialty concerts. Each spring, a rigorous ten-week competition is held for anyone interested in becoming a chimesmaster. 

Touchdown
"Touchdown the Big Red Bear" serves as the mascot of Cornell University, thanks to the Big Red Bears student-run organization that makes him come to life. They manage his appearances at university, athletic, and local events - more than 140 every semester! This group is not advised by Campus Activities, but Touchdown is a student organization that collaborates on many events run by this office.