Meet Balch Hall ~ Wake Up in a Cornell Landmark

CAU Summer 2026 will be headquartered in the iconic Balch Hall. Fresh from a full interior renovation, Balch blends classic character with modern comfort. Traditional Cornell charm, steps from the action. Because your CAU Summer should feel distinctly Cornell from the moment you unpack.

Save the date for CAU Summer 2026

Week One: July 5 - 11  |  Week Two: July 12 - 18

Take a riveting one-week CAU Summer course in your favorite subject taught by leading Cornell faculty on campus. Alumni, family, and friends are welcome.

CAU Summer

You. On campus. Learning with Cornell faculty.

Next summer, claim a week (or two) that is fully yours. CAU Summer invites you to Cornell’s vibrant campus for flexible, one-week courses taught by dynamic Cornell faculty across a wide range of energizing topics.

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Big Ideas. Great Conversations. Zero Boredom.

Use your vacation time for THIS. Courses ranging from medicinal plants and ancient philosophy, to acting and the history of medical technology. Feel the thrill of learning again. 

Everyone is welcome

Expect to be inspired. Expect bold conversations that turn into lifelong friendships. Expect fun that rewires your imagination for what comes next. Alumni, family, and friends welcome!

From Natural History to the History of Medical Technology

"The quality of the courses offered and especially of the faculty are exemplary. Extremely well-thought-out." ~Bebe Barbour '71

Balch Hall courtyard

Stay with CAU in Balch Hall

Prefer flexibility? You’re welcome to commute from nearby and join us for each day’s full slate of experiences.

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Study the brain, fine-tune your golf game, draft your memoir

"Having the opportunity to learn from and interact with premier educators in their field is a fairly rare experience outside of formal education." ~David Momot '84

Balch Hall Lounge

As a Balch Hall resident...

Enjoy catered evening social hours, healthful breakfast offerings with gourmet coffee, and the effortless camaraderie that comes from returning each night to a beautifully refreshed, club-like setting.

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Course Roster drops January 30, 2026

Whether you're a Cornell alum, parent, or completely new to Cornell, CAU Summer is a great way to meet people who share your passion for learning.

Balch Hall interior

Exclusive Access to Specially Curated Programming

Balch Hall residents enjoy exclusive access to specially curated programming available only to our on-campus community, adding a layer of richness and delight to your week, transforming your stay into something truly extraordinary.

CAU Summer 2026

Why not stay for two weeks?

With experiential 2-week tracks in a variety of subjects, staying for two weeks is your chance to deepen your learning.

From Ornithology to Falconry. Bird lovers, we see you.

"It's really a privilege to spend much time together as a small group with such distinguished professors."
~ Charles Camisa, MD '73

Get on our list for updates

Courses fill fast! Stay tuned to our emails for course roster updates and registration details.

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11 new courses + the ones you've had your eye on.

Ever-invigorated course offerings. Faculty that fire you up. The next generation of tradition.

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Explore a new passion

“I would recommend it without hesitation.”
~ Rita Sloan, MD

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Use code "CAU" for 10% off your Statler Hotel stay

Week One Statler Hotel discount: 10% off with code CAU

Week Two Statler Hotel discount: 10% off with code CAU

Expectations for our alumni community

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For extraordinary journeys with alumni, family, and friends, that do not include Cornell faculty, please visit Cornell Alumni Travel.

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