Community Events for Incoming Students
The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center will provide connection opportunities for all incoming students. Registration is not required for any event; just attend.
2026 Big Red Barn New Student Orientation Programs
New Student Ice Cream Social (Co-Sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly and the Graduate School)
Thursday, August 20, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Big Red Barn
Did you know that Cornell makes its own ice cream? Join the Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center and the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) for an ice cream social welcoming incoming graduate and professional students. Meet fellow new students, connect with members of the GPSA executive board, and discover the community waiting for you at the Barn.
New Student Mixer
Friday, August 21, 3 – 4 p.m., Big Red Barn
Come gather at the Big Red Barn, meet fellow new graduate students, and get to know people from programs across Cornell’s campus. Open to new graduate students only. Light snacks will be provided.
Grad Student Orientation TGIF (Tell Grads it’s Friday)
Friday, August 21, 4:30 – 7 p.m., Big Red Barn
Kick off the semester with fellow graduate and professional students at the Big Red Barn’s Orientation Tell Grads It’s Friday (TGIF), the Big Red Barn’s weekly signature event. Stop by for a welcoming community gathering, meet new people, learn about Big Red Barn programs and resources, and start building connections across Cornell’s graduate and professional student community.