Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Newsletter and Conversations
Welcome to the Cornell Family! Whether you're new to Cornell or starting another Big Red journey with us, your student's college experience will be exciting and challenging as they learn to navigate their new environment. Our Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Newsletter and Conversations will provide valuable information throughout the summer to help you assist your student in preparing to attend Cornell.
2026 Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Newsletters
The Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Newsletter will be sent out every other week from late May to early August 2026. All newsletters will be linked on this page after they are sent. Topics will cover housing and dining, student billing and logistics, health and wellness, academic success, and more.
Are you the parent or family member of a new student and not receiving our emails? You can sign up or update your information to get our communications to families on the Cornell Family Contact form (you will need your student's NetID).
May 26 | Welcome and What to Expect this Summer
June 1 | Living On-Campus
June 8 | Dining On-Campus
June 15 | Supporting Your Cornell Student's Transition
June 22 | Cornell Essentials: Bills, Books, and Getting Around
June 29 | Academic and Student Success
July 6 | Health & Well-being at Cornell
July 13 | Student Support & Safety on Campus
July 20 | Cornell Career Services
July 27 | Get Ready for Move-in and Orientation
August 3 | Beyond the Classroom
August 10 | Final Reminders
2026 Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Conversations
Our Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Conversations are opportunities to learn more about the offices and resources available to support your student during their time at Cornell. These engaging discussions will be held as a live webinar, allowing you to interact directly with experts and gain invaluable insights. Can't attend the live session? No worries! Recordings will be available within 1-2 business days after each session, so you can catch up and stay informed at your convenience.
All sessions will take place at 12:00 pm ET, unless noted otherwise. Click the link for each session below to register. Submit questions here.
May 28 | Welcome and What to Expect this Summer | REGISTER
Join us for our first Becoming Big Red Conversation with Kevin Perry, the Jack and Rilla Neafsey Director of the Tatkon Center for New Students. Learn more about what you and your student can expect this summer as they prepare to attend Cornell. We will discuss important deadlines, orientation and more.
June 11 | Living and Dining On-Campus | REGISTER
Come join our Living & Dining at Cornell Conversation with Housing, Residential Life, and Cornell Dining representatives. Gain insights into on-campus living, get an overview of the move-in process, learn about essential items to bring (and what to leave behind), and discover dining options for your student.
June 18 | Partnering for Success: Supporting Your Cornell Student's Transition | REGISTER
Join Lindsey Bray, Director of the Office of Parent & Family Programs, for a session packed with strategies and insights to support your student's transition to Cornell. Get expert guidance on important summer conversations, discover ways to maintain meaningful connections with your student, and learn how to stay informed about campus life and resources. This invaluable session will help you prepare for your new role as a Cornell parent or family member.
June 25 | Cornell Essentials: Bills, Books, and Getting Around | REGISTER
Dive into Cornell essentials with our expert panel featuring representatives from the Bursar's office, Parking and Transportation, and the Cornell Store. Learn everything you need to know about student bills, campus transportation, and accessing academic materials. Ensure a smooth transition for your student!
July 9 | Health and Well-being at Cornell | REGISTER
Join us for an informative session about student health and wellness at Cornell! Our expert panel of staff from Cornell Health and the Student Health Benefits office will discuss comprehensive health services, counseling resources, disability support, and the Student Health Plan. Learn how Cornell supports your student's physical and mental well-being through our extensive network of care providers and services.
July 16 | Student Support and Safety On-Campus | REGISTER
Your student's safety is our top priority! Meet with representatives from key campus safety and support offices to learn about Cornell's comprehensive security measures, conduct guidelines, and crisis support systems. This essential session will give you peace of mind about your student's well-being on campus.
July 23 | Learn from the Experts: Panel of Parents and Family Members of Cornell Students | REGISTER
Get invaluable insights from current Cornell families! This engaging panel discussion features experienced Cornell families sharing their wisdom about supporting students through transition, maintaining communication, managing move-in, and budgeting. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from those who've been in your shoes!
July 30 | Know Before You Come to Campus: Move-in and Orientation | REGISTER
Get ready for Move-in and Orientation! Join campus leaders to learn everything you need to know about move-in day, Family Orientation activities, and your student's New Student Orientation experience. Our experienced panel will guide you through what to expect and how to prepare for this exciting transition.
August 6 | From Home to the Hill: Transition, Campus Life & Finding your Place | REGISTER
We invite all of our new students and their families to join us for our final Becoming Big Red conversation as we prepare you for the transition to campus life! With our Vice President for Student and Campus Life, Ryan Lombardi, our expert panel of campus leaders will guide you through what to expect in these exciting first weeks. We'll cover the importance of orientation, ways to get involved on campus, and essential student support services. Learn about the student and family experience, campus climate, and how our dedicated team is here to support your Cornell journey. This comprehensive session will ensure both you and your student feel prepared and excited for the transition ahead.
Families of First-Generation Students
July 22 at 6:00 pm ET | First at Cornell: Supporting your First-Generation Student | REGISTER
Calling all first-generation families! Join us for a session on how to support your first-generation student with our distinguished panel of first-gen faculty, staff, and current students for an inspiring discussion about navigating the Cornell experience. Get practical advice about college transition, family communication, and student success from those who understand your unique journey.
Families of International Students
July 15 | Supporting your International Student as they get ready to come to Cornell | REGISTER
Join us for a special session designed for our international families! Our expert panel of Global Learning and Student Support staff will guide you through essential information to help prepare your student for their Cornell journey. Learn about orientation programming, life in Ithaca, immigration considerations, academic expectations, and strategies for supporting your student from afar. This comprehensive session will address common concerns about culture shock, visiting your student, and maintaining strong family connections across distances. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to ensure both you and your student feel confident about the transition to Cornell.
2026 Becoming Big Red: Family Orientation Connection Chats
Join us for a Becoming Big Red Connection Chat! This virtual space allows families to chat with a student or our staff to ask questions or connect. Links will be emailed to registered attendees the day before the session. Please note the room is limited to 100 people.
June 26, 1:00 pm ET/12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT/10:00 am PT | REGISTER
July 24 12:00 pm ET/11:00 am CT/10:00 am MT/9:00 am PT | REGISTER