Plants as Medicine?
"The entire course, from the content to the instructor to the field experiences to the classmates, exceeded my expectations."
~2025 participant in Plant Medicine: Exploring Nature's Healing Potential
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.
Less than 50 spots remain in available courses each week.
Claim your spot!
Course Roster 2026
"The quality of the courses offered and especially of the faculty are exemplary. Extremely well-thought-out." ~Bebe Barbour '71
You. On campus. Learning with Cornell faculty.
This July, 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.
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 generously sponsored by Orbridge.
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!
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. You can also commute to the program!
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
Course Roster
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore a new passion
“I would recommend it without hesitation.”
~ Rita Sloan, MD
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
We are committed to ensuring that CAU and Cornell Alumni Travel tours provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. You can find the expectations that are applicable to all attendees of Cornell University alumni events, both on and off campus, by visiting the link below.
Explore more
For extraordinary journeys with alumni, family, and friends, that do not include Cornell faculty, please visit Cornell Alumni Travel.
Explore trips
