Slope Day

The main event! Gates open at 11:30am and the concert will wrap up around 4:30pm. Read this website for rules, restrictions, and what to expect from Slope Day.

Slope Fest

Be sure to stop by Slope Fest on Ho Plaza! Slope Fest will include FREE food, drinks, carnival games, prizes, music, and more. Pepsi is giving out Bubbly, Gatorlyte, tea, and chips. Between the Main Stage performances, there will be performances from student groups (see above line-up). Note: you must have your Slope Day wristband to participate in Slope Fest.

Alternative Slope Day

Alternative Slope Day is an opportunity for folks to get off campus on Slope Day and try something new. The Campus Activities office works with Cornell Outdoor Education to offer free spots to the Hoffman Challenge Course. The ropes course and other activities are all "challenge by choice".

We will announce sign ups for Alt Slope Day as we get closer to Slope Day.

Slope Day BreakFEST

Start the day with breakfast! Stop by the Slope Day BreakFest (7:30 – 10:30am) in front of the Schwartz Center in Collegetown or the many dining halls that are open. 

2025 Line-up: Main Stage

Headliner: KEHLANI | A force in contemporary R&B, Kehlani’s music is known for its raw emotion, poetic lyricism, and smooth, progressive sound. The Bay Area-born, multi-Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum artist has amassed more than 5 billion streams, earning 20+ gold and platinum RIAA certifications while collaborating with industry powerhouses like Post Malone, Cardi B, Justin Bieber and Eminem. Her latest album, CRASH, continues to dominate the charts, earning a Grammy nod for Best Progressive R&B Album, while her hit single “After Hours” racked up more than 170 million streams. Simultaneously, she featured on Jordan Adetunji’s global breakout “Kehlani,” notching her third 2025 Grammy nomination for “Best Melodic Rap Performance.” Selling out legendary venues like Barclays Center, Chase Center, and The Forum, Kehlani continues to redefine the genre - and now - she is also making history as the first female artist to headline Slope Day since 2009. Don’t miss this momentous performance at Slope Day 2025!

Special guest: LOUIS THE CHILD | Known for their uplifting and innovative approach to dance-pop, Louis the Child’s playground set is ready to electrify the Slope! The Chicago duo, Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennet, have built a reputation for infectious beats and feel-good energy, accumulating more than 1.9 billion artist streams. With chart-topping hits like “Better Not” and “It’s Strange,”, and performances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and their own sold-out Brooklyn Mirage takeovers, Louis The Child continues to push the boundaries of what dance-pop can be.

Slope Day Programming Board

The Slope Day Programming Board is a student organization made up of students helping plan Slope Day behind the scenes with Campus Activities staff year round. They help coordinate the artist selection from the fall student survey to seeking talent, the attractions on Slope Fest, and any other student component of the day! Follow on Instagram and considering joining Slope Day Programming Board!

Slope Day, a Cornell Tradition

There is a long history of a spring-time gathering here at Cornell University. While this event has taken many shapes over the past century, one common thread persists: celebration. Today, the event we affectionately call "Slope Day" inherits a proud century-long tradition as a year-end gathering and celebration of the Cornell Community.

From The Beginning...

1901 The first recorded "Spring Day" takes place. Spring Day was a celebration of the end of winter and imminent warm weather. This tradition continued for the next half century. Over the years, Spring Day was comprised of events ranging from variety shows to circuses. One year there was a mock bullfight; another year students, staff, faculty and guests enjoyed the Fraternity Float parade. While many of these events took place at and were centered around the University's open spaces (including Libe Slope), there were many activities that took place indoors, as well as off campus.

1960 Protests and unrest plagued the University. There was little time and place for any celebration during these years. In addition to nationwide protests and civic discord, many minimum legal drinking age restrictions were lifted. During this time many states began lowering their minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from their post-prohibition high of twenty one.

1979 Cornell Dining sponsored a barbeque on Libe Slope on the last day of classes and Spring Fest was born. This so-known "Great Feast" started in the afternoon, and was centered on a big chicken barbeque and live music. New York State's MLDA of eighteen made it possible for alcohol to be served at Spring Fest, as most Cornell students were over eighteen by the end of the school year.

1984 The federal government passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984, mandating that all states had two years to increase their MLDA to 21 or lose Federal-aid highway funding. New York changed their MLDA because of this act, and so the university's alcohol policy was changed to reflect the change in state law.

1987 Robert Cray band performed at Spring Fest, sponsored by the Cornell Concert Commission.

1988 Spring Fest was cancelled! After too many students admitted to Gannett the year before, the university decided to not hire a musical act.

1989 In the face of these legal changes and the public sentiment that precipitated it, it was no longer feasible for the university to allow the event. Students formed the Springfest Coordinating Committee to promote safe drinking habits and to provide alcohol-free activities as an alternative to drinking.

Slope Day, as it came to be called, became an informal gathering of students on university property. During that time, the focus of Slope Day shifted from food, music and celebration to widespread and uncontrolled alcohol consumption.

1993 An organization, known as SOS, was created in order for students, staff, and faculty to provide a "positive presence" on Slope Day. Now known as the Slope Day Volunteer Committee, these volunteers operate as a subcommittee of the Slope Day Programming Board, and fulfill vital roles in the event from working to ensure the safety of those attending, to manning the gates, fence, and checkpoints, distributing water, and keeping the Slope clean. Without student and staff volunteers in their brightly colored t-shirts, Slope Day couldn't happen!

1999 Student opinion surrounding the future of the event began to shift, as evidenced by the creation of SlopeFest, a non-alcoholic activity-based event featuring carnival-type games and rides, live music, free giveaways, and other attractions. SlopeFest, taking place on West Campus, was meant to accompany Slope Day and accommodate students during times when they weren't drinking as well as provide an alcohol-free environment for students desiring one.

2001 Hunter R. Rawlings III, then president of Cornell University, issued a charge to the President's Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs to assemble a group of staff, faculty and students to critically assess and address the role that alcohol and other drugs (AOD) played on Slope Day. This group became known as the Slope Day Steering Committee.

2002 The Steering Committee began to undertake corrective measures to address the alcohol related issues surrounding Slope Day, including moving the concert back onto the slope.

2003 A new and improved Slope Day was created by a Steering Committee of students, faculty, and staff. Live entertainment (Rusted Root and Fat Joe) brought to the Slope, catered food and alcohol service from Cornell Dining, and giveaways became a part of the celebration as well. A student-administration partnership was created, one where students would take the lead in planning and organizing programming and direction for the day. The Slope Day Programming Board was created and funded by the Student Assembly to organize the event and bring bigger and better entertainment to the day.

2004 The celebration continued, with performances by Kanye West and OAR, the return of SlopeFest, and record crowds in attendance.

2005 The Slope Day Programming Board brought The Starting Line, The Game and Snoop Dogg. The bands played for record crowds and Slope Day was a huge success!

2006 Once again, Slope Day was a lot of fun for all, featuring Ben Folds and Talib Kweli with special guest Acceptance. SlopeFest was moved from West Campus to Ho Plaza.

2007 T.I. with special guests TV on the Radio and Catch 22 took the stage and slope by storm. New additions to SlopeFest made it a larger hit than ever before. Prizes were raffled off to winners of certain carnival games before the music began.

2008 Gym Class Heroes brought local flair to the Slope with energetic openers Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Hot Hot Heat. Even the rain could not keep students from celebrating the end of the semester. Libe Slope became greener with Cornell Dining's switch to biodegradable products (including corn plastic cups).

2009 The Pussycat Dolls took command of the stage as the first all-female act for Slope Day. Openers the Apples in Stereo and Asher Roth pumped the crowds for the main act as neither the threat of rain nor recession could prevent this Slope Day from being enjoyed by the huge audience that attended.

2010 In the Campus Consciousness Tour, Drake headlined with a message of sustainability to a welcoming crowd. The audience was warmed up by the beautiful weather and by openers Francis and the Lights and k-os.

2011 Grammy Award winning hip-hop artist Nelly made sure Slope Day wasn't just a dream for Cornellians. Excellent weather and openers Ra Ra Riot and The Cool Kids brought everyone out to the Slope early to spend time with friends and celebrate the end of another great year.

2012 International star Taio Cruz lit up the Slope like it was dynamite. Supporting artists Neon Trees and The Wailers brought record early crowds out to enjoy the perfect weather and celebrate with the Cornell community.

2013 Hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar headlined Slope Day. Supporting artists included DJ 5 & A Dime and Hoodie Allen.

2014 Ludacris headlined Slope Day with performances by Matt and Kim and 3Lau.

2015 Slope Day was headlined by Chance the Rapper with supporting performances by artists Salva and Magic!

2016 Cash Cash and Walk The Moon took the stage, supported by R-City.

2017 Misterwives and Big Gigantic performed at Slope Day in 2017, supported by Brasstracks + S'Natra.

2018 Galantis, Young Bombs, and Dreezy rocked Slope Day 2018.

2019 Steve Aoki headlined Slope Day with supporting performances from Cousin Stizz and Ezi.

2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Slope Day, in collaboration with Cornell Concert Commission and Multicultural Concert Funding Advisory Board, held its first Virtual Slope Day festival spanning over two days. Performances include Swae Lee, Rico Nasty, KYLE, and Matoma.

2021 Virtual Slope Day returned as a two-day event. On night 1, Last Dinosaurs headlined with supporting artists from PREP and MICHELLE. One night 2, there were performances from Ari Lennox, who was the first solo female artist to headline Slope Day, and rap artists Smino and EARTHGANG.

2022 A return to an in-person Slope Day! Aminé headlined Slope Day with supporting performances from Loud Luxury, Luna Li, and Cornell student group After Six. Slope Fest hosted a second stage on Ho Plaza between main stage performances with a DJ, and student groups The Spencer Nachman Band and The Fuse.

2023 Coin headlined Slope Day with supporting performances from Snakehips and Coco & Clair Clair. This year we introduced a new student artist set: student DJ Leong Su Yean '26.

2024 A Boogie Wit a Hoodie headlined Slope Day with supporting artist Flo Rida.

What are wristbands?

Wristbands are required by ALL attendees to enter the Slope Day gates - they are your entry ticket. The wristbands are a cloth material that can withstand showers, getting wet, etc. You can reserve your ticket starting April 11, and can pick up your wristband starting the Sunday before Slope Day. Each student only gets one wristband, and will be placed on your wrist by a staff member when you receive it. Losing your wristband or giving your wristband to another person will result in you not able to attend Slope Day. There are no replacements.

Who can receive wristbands and attend Slope Day? (Students, staff, faculty, alumni. No Outside Guests)

Undergraduate students

• You must reserve your wristband prior to picking it up in-person. Reservations start April 11th at 12pm. You must bring your Cornell ID to pick up your wristband. Wristbands and access to the event are free. You can only reserve one (1) wristband for yourself.

• Wristbands are free for undergraduate students as Slope Day is covered in the undergraduate Student Activity Fees.

• Skip the long food ticket lines and purchase your meal tickets early! Order your food tickets using the GET app from the Slope Day Store using BRBs and CornellCard during pre-sales (April 21 - May 2). You can purchase 5 meal tickets for $10, up to two purchases per student. You can pick up your meal tickets when you pick up your wristband mid-May. 

Graduate/Professional students - $55

• Graduate/Professional students can purchase their wristbands online starting April 11th at 12pm. You must bring your Cornell ID and Vivenu QR code to pick up your wristband. Wristbands and access to the event are $55. You can only purchase one (1) wristband for yourself (this cost also includes five $2 food tickets, total $10).

• To receive your wristband, you must:

  1. You must reserve your wristband on CampusGroups prior to picking it up in-person.

  2. You must purchase your ticket on Vivenu and show staff your confirmation QR code when you pick up your wristband.

Note: Graduate/Professional students must pay an entrance fee because their GPSA student activity fees do not pay into the overall Slope Day planning, whereas undergraduate student activity fees do.

Cornell Alumni - $75

• We work closely with Alumni Affairs & Development to offer tickets to Cornell alumni! Alumni can purchase their wristbands online starting April 11th at 12pm. Limited to one (1) wristband per person. Alumni cannot bring non-Cornell friends or family to the concert. Tickets are $75 and include 5, $2 food tickets.

• You must purchase your ticket on Vivenu and pick up your wristband day-of on the Arts Quad. You will be asked to show proof of being an alum when you pick up your wristband.

Staff & Faculty - $55

• Staff & faculty can purchase their wristbands online starting April 11th at 12pm. You must bring your Cornell ID and Vivenu QR code to pick up your wristband. Wristbands and access to the event are $55. You can only purchase one (1) wristband for yourself (this cost also includes five $2 food tickets, total $10).

• To receive your wristband, you must:

  • You must reserve your wristband on CampusGroups prior to picking it up in-person.

  • You must purchase your ticket on Vivenu and show staff your confirmation QR code when you pick up your wristband.

Outside guests (Non-Cornell affiliated guests)

• Outside guests are not invited to Slope Day this year and will not be able to receive a wristband. This includes friends, family, and others in the community who are not affiliated with Cornell. Attendees must be Cornell-affiliated. There are no exceptions.

Wristband Distribution Schedule & Locations

Wristband locations are for ALL attendee types unless otherwise stated.

Sunday May 4

• Wristband Kick-off Event! Sunday 5/5 | Times 2-5pm | Willard Straight Hall Browsing Library & Ho Plaza. Celebrate at our kick-off event with music, ice cream, and other giveaways! Bring your Cornell ID. Graduate students, professional students, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu.

Monday May 5

• Willard Straight Hall Browsing Library 11am-10pm. Bring your Cornell ID.Graduate students, professional students, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu.
• Robert Purcell Community Center RPCC 12-10pm. Undergrad only. Bring your Cornell ID.

Tuesday May 6

• Willard Straight Hall Browsing Library 11am-10pm. Bring your Cornell ID. Graduate students, professional students, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu.
• Robert Purcell Community Center RPCC 12-10pm. Undergrad only. Bring your Cornell ID.

Wednesday May 7 (Day of)

• Arts Quad tent 10:30am-2pm. Bring your Cornell ID. Graduate students, professional students, and alumni must bring their QR code confirmation from Vivenu.

Once I get my wristband, can I take it off?

Nope! Not until after Slope Day. The wristbands are a cloth material that can withstand showers, getting wet, etc. Taking off your wristband will shred it, deeming it unusable and irreplaceable. 

I lost my wristband! What can I do?

Students only get one wristband. If you lose your wristband or give yours to another person, you will not receive a replacement and will not be able to attend Slope Day.

Food Available on Slope Day

Before gates open: Start the day with breakfast! Stop by the "Slope Day BreakFest" (7:30 – 10:30am) in front of the Schwartz Center in Collegetown or the many campus eateries that are open.

At the Slope: There are many food places open at Slope Day! Below is the menu for paid food opportunities. Food tickets are available for purchase in WSH parking lot and on Ho Plaza with BRBs and credit cards. But – you can skip ticket lines by purchasing meal tickets prior to Slope Day. Details below:

Slope Day Food

Station 1 Fair Food (WSH Parking Lot)

• All Beef Hot Dog on Roll – 1 ticket (beef, gluten, sesame, soy)
• Chili Cheese Beef Hot Dog on Roll – 2 tickets (beef, gluten, milk, sesame, soy)
• Bavarian Pretzels with Cheese Sauce – 2 tickets (gluten, milk, soy, vegetarian)
• Ivy Curly Fries – 2 tickets (gluten, soy, fried in shared oil, vegan)
• Vegan Veggie Dog – 1 ticket (gluten, sesame, soy, wheat, vegan)
• Risley's Sun Butter & Jelly on Gluten-Free Bread – 1 ticket (vegan)

Station 2 Barbeque (WSH Parking Lot) (*Gluten-free buns available upon request)

• Pulled Pork on a Brioche Roll with Sweet and Tangy Barbeque Sauce and Coleslaw* – 2 tickets (egg, gluten, milk, soy, pork)
• Carolina Gold, Pulled Chicken with Bread and Butter Pickles on a Brioche Roll* – 2 tickets (egg, gluten, milk, soy, pork)
• Syracuse Salt Potatoes with Butter – 1 ticket (milk, vegetarian)
• Vegan Veggie Dog – 1 ticket (gluten, sesame, soy, wheat, vegan)
• Risley's Sun Butter & Jelly on Gluten-Free Bread – 1 ticket (vegan)

Station 3 Street Food (WSH Parking Lot) (*Corn tortillas available for gluten-free tacos)

• Beef Tacos* – Shredded Pepper Jack and Cheddar Cheese with Lettuce and Taco Sauce – 2 tickets (gluten, milk, soy)
• Tofu Tacos* – Roasted Poblano Aioli, Red Cabbage in Lime Vinaigrette, Fresh Tomato Salsa – 2 tickets (gluten, soy, vegetarian)
• Street Corn with Mexican Spices and Cotija Cheese – 1 ticket (egg, milk, soy, vegetarian)
• Risley's Sun Butter & Jelly on Gluten-Free Bread – 1 ticket (vegan)

Station 4 Sandwiches (Ho Plaza - Slope Fest)

• Buffalo Chicken Grinder – Fried Chicken, Buffalo Sauce, Shredded Lettuce, & Creamy Ranch – 2 tickets (egg, gluten, milk, soy)
• Cheesesteak – Thinly-sliced Beef, Sautéed Peppers, & Onion and Cheddar Cheese Sauce – 2 tickets (gluten, milk, soy)
• Sausage with Pepper and Onions Sub – Sweet Italian Pork Sausage with Peppers and Onions – 2 tickets (gluten, pork)
• Ice Cream Sandwich – 1 ticket (gluten, milk, soy, coconut, vegetarian)
• Vegan Veggie Dog – 1 ticket (gluten, sesame, soy, wheat, vegan)
• Risley's Sun Butter & Jelly on Gluten-Free Bread – 1 ticket (vegan)

Station 5 Kosher Pita Wrap Tent (WSH Parking Lot)

• Chicken Shawarma – 3 tickets
• Kosher Falafel – 3 tickets

Halal meals:
Halal meals are available upon request on Slope Day! These meals will be at the Street Food Tent in the Willard Straight Hall lot. Slope Day food tickets can be used to purchase Halal Meals. Vegan and vegetarian items at all of our Slope Day food stations will be available with Slope Day food tickets. 

If you have a food allergy, please notify us at the food tent.
Cornell Dining makes every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those with food allergies. Every effort is made to instruct our food production staff on the severity of food allergies, and to label items with possible allergen-containing ingredients. However, there is always a risk of cross contact. There is also a possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time, without notice. If allergen information changes, this information will be posted at the point of service.

Food Ticket Pre-sale

Skip the lines and get back to the music sooner! Purchase your food tickets in person beforehand while you pick up your wristband. When you purchase your food tickets in person, you can use BRBs, MealChoice, and credit card.

In person at Okenshields, Straight from the Market and Bear Necessities

         •        Runs 4/21–Slope Day

NEW option! (GET app)

         •        Purchase your food tickets using the GET app from the Slope Day Store using BRBs and CornellCard. Students who use this method will be able to pick up the physical food tickets they purchased on the app when they obtain their wristbands. ($2 per food ticket, get as many tickets as you like). Food Ticket Pre-Sale on GET app ends on May 2nd.

Central Campus (in-person only)

         •        Sun, May 4: WSH Wristband Kick-Off Event 2 – 5pm

         •        Mon, May 5: WSH Browsing Library 11 am – 8pm

         •        Tues, May 6: WSH Browsing Library 11 am – 8pm

North Campus (in-person only)

         •        Mon, May 5: RPCC Service Center 12  – 8pm

         •        Tues, May 6: RPCC Service Center 12  – 8pm

Note: Halal meals will be available with Slope Day food tickets.

Beer Tent (21+ years old)

Beer and hard cider are available for purchase on Libe Slope to those who are 21 years of age or older. 

Attendees can purchase a beer bracelet (limited to one per person) which they can use for up to five beers ($2/beer) on the Slope. If you decide you do not want to use all of the punches on the bracelet for beer, you may exchange the rest of your bracelet punches for food tickets at ANY of our food stations in the WSH parking lot (NOTE – Bracelet will be removed and you will not be able to purchase additional beer bracelets). You cannot exchange a bracelet if all 5 tabs have been used.

Beer bracelets are for sale at Slope Day under the ID tent by the Willard Straight parking lot (limited to one per person). Beer can only be purchased with credit card (NO Cornell tenders such as BRBs or MealChoice).

We encourage you to also purchase food tickets while purchasing your beer bracelet, which can be purchased with any payment method (credit card, BRBs, or MealChoice) so you can eat throughout the event. 

Food can be purchased with any payment method (credit or Cornell tenders like BRBs and MealChoice). Beer bracelets may be exchanged for food tickets if the patron is finished consuming alcohol. The entire beer bracelet will be removed.

Note: Attendees who want to get a beer bracelet need to present a valid government-issued ID and students will also need to present their Cornell ID at the ID tent on the Slope. 

ACCEPTED Valid Government-Issued ID includes:

Valid New York State driver’s license or a valid driver’s license from any other state or Canada;

Valid identification issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (non-driver ID card);

Valid United States military identification; and

Valid passport or visa from the United States government or any other country.

NOT ACCEPTED ID includes (but not limited to):

Pictures or Copies of identification

Expired ID cards/passports

Driver’s license/ID cards from foreign countries/provinces etc. (except Canada)

No outside beverages are permitted.

Water - stay hydrated!

Bottled water and a water-filling station will be available around Slope Day. It is important to stay hydrated during the day!

There will be water buggies with filtered, cold water on Ho Plaza and on the Slope. You can bring a clear/transparent water bottle to the slope. You will be asked to empty it prior to entering the gates. Glass containers are NOT allowed.

There will also be a tent with bottled water on the Slope.

Slope Day Rules

Attendees

• Attendance at Slope Day and related events is limited to current Cornell students, as well as full-time faculty and staff. Cornell alumni from December 2024 and earlier are also invited to participate in Slope Day. There are no exceptions for outside guests.
• All attendees must receive a wristband prior to entering Slope Day. Information below.

Outside Food and Beverage is prohibited

• Do not bring food or drinks: Outside food or drink are not permitted within Slope Day, including alcohol. A special Slope Day menu including food and drinks are available for purchase provided by Cornell Dining. Free food and beverages are also available in Slope Fest.
• Water bottles: You can bring an EMPTY, TRANSLUCENT, and NON-GLASS water bottle to the Slope. You will be asked to dump any liquids at the gates (like at an airport!). You CANNOT bring a glass container. There are water hydration stations within Slope Day where you can refill your reusable water bottle. Additionally, everyone will be offered a free water bottle as they enter Slope Day from one of the gates.
• No open containers: Open containers of alcohol are prohibited outside the gates. For those who are 21+, beer service is available at Slope Day within the gate.
• No cash on the Slope: Plan ahead. You can purchase alcohol and food online and in-person prior to and on Slope Day. For those who are 21+, you can purchase a beer bracelet online prior to and on Slope Day. To purchase a beer bracelet, you need a government-issued ID which will be checked at the Slope.

Entrance:

• All attendees are subject to search: Travel light to reduce wait times at gates. Leave backpacks, bags, purses, and other larger bags and items at home.
  • Clear/transparent bags are allowed. The maximum size allowed is 8 inches x 8 inches. Think: drawstring, shoulder bag, fanny pack. They will be searched.

• Security Detection System: For your safety and convenience, Slope Day will employ a Security Detection System at all entry points. This advanced technology ensures a swift and seamless screening process, allowing you to enter with ease while we maintain a secure environment. No need to remove phones, keys, or bags as you pass through the detection system.

• What to bring with you to the Slope:
  • Phone
  • Cornell ID*
  • Wristband*
  • Pre-purchased food tickets
  • Empty, translucent, and non-glass water bottle
  • For those 21+ and purchasing a beer bracelet, bring a government-issued photo ID (license or passport) to the ID Tent
• Not allowed within the gates:
• Outside alcohol, flasks, BORGs, full size containers of sunscreen, illegal drugs or substances, weapons, glass containers, coolers, outside food or drink, large bags, professional audio, photo, or video recording devices (i.e. cameras with detachable lenses and/or flashes), selfie sticks, amplified sound, floaties, lawn chairs, etc. Security has the authority to refuse entry if they deem any items a concern for the health and safety of attendees.
• You can be asked to leave: Slope Day staff reserves the right to eject attendees or refuse to serve attendees alcohol.
• Attendees may leave the Slope and return throughout the day as long as they keep on the valid wristband.

Accessibility/ADA

Accessibility Requests: Please reach out to slopeday@cornell.edu with any questions or requests. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and inclusive Slope Day experience for all attendees.

Hearing: If you are in need of an ASL interpreter at Slope Day, please contact slopeday@cornell.edu as soon as possible so we can coordinate. We must know by April 25th, 2025 to coordinate accommodations.

Sensory Supportive Space: The sensory space is a relaxing environment located in the Willard Straight Hall International Lounge. This space is designed to accommodate those who can benefit from a brief reprieve of Slope Day activities. This space is accessible only through the WSH South entrance (near the Cornell Health gate).

Mobility Disabilities: We encourage patrons with mobility disabilities to utilize personal forms of transportation, including wheelchairs and scooters. Crutches, walkers and canes are also permitted. Please note that we will not be renting assisted mobility devices onsite. Folks should use Morrill Gate to enter Slope Day.

Accessible Routes: Slope Day is navigable for people with mobility disabilities. Please be advised that the venue’s terrain is grass, paved walkways, and a slope. Guests will need to traverse throughout the festival grounds independently or with the assistance of a companion. Slope Day does not provide transportation services. Folks should use Morrill Gate to enter Slope Day.

Parking: ADA Parking will be available for attendees with a valid Accessible Parking placard, permit or license plate. Accessible parking is available on Central Ave at the top of the Slope. Folks should use Morrill Gate to enter Slope Day.

Communication Access: If you are looking for American Sign Language interpreters at Slope Day, please email slopeday@cornell.edu by April 25, 2025 so we can coordinate.

Service Animals: Service animals are permitted throughout the festival. Service animals must remain under the control of its owner at all times. NO emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals are allowed.

Concessions: All concessions are accessible and located throughout the venue. If assistance is required, please confer with a staff member or event volunteer.

Medical: There is a fully-equipped medical site staffed by trained personnel located at the Slope to manage any issue. Check the Festival Map for exact locations.

Dietary Needs: Slope Day will have food stations that provide gluten-free dietary options. A full menu is located on this website. For those with special dietary needs beyond the offered festival food service, please contact us at slopeday@cornell.edu for further information.

Alcohol & Other Drugs

The majority of Cornellians drink alcohol in moderation or not at all and many students enjoy Slope Day and have fun without alcohol. That said, some students choose to engage in alcohol consumption as part of their Slope Day experience and beer is available for purchase for those who are 21 + years old with a government ID. If you drink alcohol, know the legal risks of underage drinking and consider ways to reduce the risk of AOD-related illness or injury by thinking ahead.

• AOD Rules & Policies:
  • Enforcement is stepped up on Slope Day.
  • The legal drinking age is 21 and it is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. It is also illegal to create or possess altered government or university documents to bypass the legal drinking age.
  • Cannabis use is prohibited on Cornell’s campus.
  • It is also illegal and prohibited by the university for an individual to manufacture, possess, use, dispense, sell, or distribute controlled substances or other illegal drugs (as defined by state and federal law).
  • Cornell’s Student Code of Conduct applies every day of the year.
• Do The Right Thing:
  • The Good Samaritan protocol & law helps protect the people involved in calling for help and the person(s) needing medical assistance from judicial and/or legal consequences when you call for help. If you see someone who requires medical attention due to an alcohol or other drug related emergency, do the right thing and call 9-1-1 or get assistance from a Slope Day volunteer.
• If you drink alcohol, plan ahead for safety and follow these harm-reduction tips:
  • Stick to the buzz… pace and limit the number of alcoholic drinks for the day.
  • Stick to beer and avoid hard alcohol, which is the cause of nearly all alcohol emergencies
  • Stay hydrated and well-fed throughout the day (don't forget to eat breakfast!)
  • You must be 21+ to drink legally. Keep in mind that enforcement will be stepped up on Slope Day.
• If you use cannabis, plan ahead for safety and follow these harm-reduction tips:
  • Start low: Start with a small amount of THC (no more than 2.5 mg) and see how it affects you (especially if using at a different time than usual).
  • Go slow: You may not feel the full effects for 2 – 4 hours; wait at least two hours before using more.

  • Avoid mixing with other substances

  • You must be 21+ to use cannabis legally and remember that cannabis use is prohibited on Cornell’s campus regardless of age, because it is still illegal at the federal level. Keep in mind that enforcement will be stepped up on Slope Day.

Weather (Severe Weather Guidelines)

Plan ahead by checking the weather for Slope Day. In case of inclement weather, please see the Cornell University Severe Weather Guidelines.

Consider the weather as you are planning what to wear. Apply sunscreen ahead of time as you cannot bring your own in. Sunscreen will also be available at the entrance gates and the first aid tent.

COVID-19

For information about current COVID-19 public health guidelines, please visit health.cornell.edu/covid. 

Volunteers will receive...

As a thank you for your support, each volunteer will receive:

• Free meal tickets (if 4 or more hours are worked)
• Free Slope Day T-Shirt
• Other free giveaways (optional clear bag and other fun gifts)
• Students: Entry into prize raffles, including a SONY headphones
• Graduate/Professional students: will receive their wristband fee back

✨For Staff Volunteers: HR and Payroll Information

HR and Payroll Information

For Staff Members who Volunteer: A supervisor must approve a staff member’s request to be released from regular duties in order to be reassigned as a volunteer at Slope Day. Given the reassignment, hours spent at Slope Day that coincide with the staff member’s regularly scheduled work hours will be considered time worked and should be recorded in Workday as Regular time. Hours spent volunteering at Slope Day that fall outside of scheduled work hours (and thus are not a reassignment of duties) are unpaid and should not be recorded in Workday.

For Staff Members Required to Work: Nonexempt staff members who are required to work the Slope Day event must be paid for all hours worked during the event, even if such hours do not coincide with their regularly scheduled work hours. Such time should be recorded in Workday as Regular time. If you are unsure whether your assignment at Slope Day is a voluntary one (see above paragraph), or a required assignment, please contact either your supervisor, or your college/unit Human Resources representative for clarification. If additional information is needed, you may contact the Division of Human Resources at 255-6894.

For Exempt Staff Members: Exempt staff members who provide assistance during Slope Day in either capacity above will receive their usual compensation.