Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation
Creating Cornell Family Connections from the Start
Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation at Cornell University is the beginning of your family’s connection to the Cornell community. Through summer communications, live webinars, and in-person programming, Family Orientation is designed to help you feel informed, supported, and connected as your student begins their Cornell journey.
Family Orientation begins during the summer with the Becoming Big Red Newsletter and our Conversations webinar series. Newsletters began in May and are complemented by live webinars that offer timely information, helpful resources, and opportunities to hear directly from campus partners.
The in-person Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation experience will take place on Tuesday, August 18, following New Student Move-In. Families will have the opportunity to engage with campus partners, learn about resources and support services, and better understand how to support their student while encouraging independence and growth.
Family Orientation will conclude with New Student Convocation, the formal welcome to Cornell University for new students and their families. Families are invited to attend with their students in Schoellkopf Stadium as we celebrate the start of their Cornell journey. The ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:00 p.m.
To make the most of the experience, we encourage families to plan to be in Ithaca for both Monday and Tuesday, if possible. This will allow families to help their student move in on Monday and participate in Family Orientation on Tuesday.
Only one Family Orientation schedule is needed per family. Students and families will each need to create their own schedules, as student orientation programming and family orientation programming are separate.
Have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Important Dates
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.
August 18: Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation
Family Orientation programming for parents and families will take place on Tuesday, August 18.
August 18–23: Becoming Big Red: New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation programming for students will take place August 18–23. Detailed scheduling information and orientation schedules will be released in mid-June.
Note: Students will receive their housing assignments June 15.
Not receiving our emails?
Parents and family members of new students can sign up or update their information through the Cornell Family Contact form. You will need your student’s NetID to complete the form.