Staff Volunteer Opportunities

As we continue supporting our students, there are several exciting opportunities to give back to the Cornell community and ensure that our students, student’s families, and summer guests all have the best possible experience on campus. Volunteering is also a fun way to connect with new people on campus or to get involved as a group and help give back. With Commencement and Reunion finalized, and Move-In not far behind, please consider saving the dates and signing up as a volunteer. Use the links below to learn more about each of these opportunities and to sign up for a date and time to help contribute to these meaningful events.

Commencement

May 24-26, 2024

We cannot support our students and their guests without your help! There are a variety of roles to fill at any of the three Commencement events. Whether you prefer to walk, sit, or be indoors or out, we’re happy to help find an enjoyable role perfect for you.

Learn more about the benefits of volunteering and sign up to help here.

Reunion

June 6-9, 2024

Over 7,000 Cornellians and their families return to Ithaca every June for their class Reunion. The 2024 reunion runs from June 6 to 9 and is packed full of programming, including class meals, Cornell lectures, family-friendly activities, dance parties, and more.

To make this event a success, we rely on volunteers to help Conference and Event Services to staff our Reunion housing check-in desks. This is a fun experience where you meet great alumni and interact with staff from across campus. We will welcome back the Diverse Alumni Groups for the first time since the pandemic and will need more staffing at check-in locations!

Housing check-in hours are:

• Thursday, June 6:  10:30 am – 10:30 pm and
• Friday, June 7:  7:30 am – 10:30 pm.

We are looking to find volunteers for 4-hour shifts, 8-hour shifts, or partial shifts.  

Please visit the CampusGroups event to review event the details and expectations. Scroll down the page until you see the agenda with the list of years and locations. You will need to click on “Register” for each one to see what’s still open

Contact Wendy Franzese with questions.

Move-In

August 19-24, 2024

As we welcome thousands of new and returning residential students for the beginning of the academic year, we rely on participation from hundreds of staff and faculty from across the institution, as well as Cornell alumni, families, friends and student groups.

Registration is open now! Sign up today for specific timeslots from Aug. 19-24. 

Move-In Hosts are the first to welcome students and families to campus, helping them navigate their way around, and answering any questions they may have. You'll have lots of opportunities to meet and interact with students and their families – as well as colleagues from across campus. Please note, Move-in Hosts are not asked to physically unload vehicles or transport student belongings into the residence halls.

Please take a moment to review the move-in volunteer shifts and register today. If you want to work as a group, please contact ceshelp@cornell.edu with your team name, number of team members, and preferred shift(s) and we will try to accommodate. 

Staff and faculty who work to support move-in shifts will receive Awardco points, $25 for volunteering for one day, $50 for volunteering for two days, or $75 for volunteering for three or more days. Students will receive community service hours and verification upon request. All volunteers will also receive branded apparel to help identify them to campus guests, a free meal pass, and access to necessary supplies such as sunscreen, water, etc.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from CampusGroups with your list of shifts. A Zoom training session is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, 1-2:30pm. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend.

Thank You

As always, thank you for taking the time to contribute to the success of these events. These are opportunities to help make an impact on the experiences of new students, graduating students, and Cornell alumni alike. Your time and effort truly make a difference in ensuring that these events are as fun, memorable, and meaningful as possible.