Ph.D. Hooding Photos Prior to Recognition Ceremony
2026-05-22 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Atrium, Corson-Mudd Hall, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
The Graduate School invites Ph.D. graduates and their advisors to the Corson-Mudd Hall atrium for the opportunity to have a professional photographer capture posed photos acting out the ceremonial hooding prior to the formal Ph.D. Recognition ceremony on May 22, 2026. Photos will be shared with the graduates free of charge in the days following Commencement weekend.
Photographers and photo backdrops will be available between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of Corson-Mudd Hall, on Tower Rd. Photographers will capture posed photos of Ph.D. candidates and their advisors acting out the ceremonial hooding, in which a faculty member places the hood over the shoulders of the graduate to signify their success in completing their graduate program.
Hundreds of Ph.D. candidates will be recognized at the event, so please plan to arrive early to avoid a last-minute rush to take your photos. The photographers and backdrops will not be available following the formal Ph.D. Recognition Ceremony.
Graduates are free to invite their advisors or another committee member to perform the hooding. In addition, Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education, Thomas A. Lewis, will be available from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to hood graduates whose advisors are unable to attend. Graduates should wear their appropriate cap, gown, and hood. Faculty members may wear their regalia, but it is not required.
Graduates and their advisors do not need to RSVP to take advantage of this opportunity. However, candidates must register to attend the ceremony in Barton Hall.
Please contact the Graduate School with any questions about this event: gradschool@cornell.edu
