Light up your brain: medicinal plants, ancient philosophy, acting, neuroscience, ornithology, Roman technology, golf, and more!
CAU Summer is your chance to plug into Cornell’s campus at its most alive—two vibrant weeks where you choose a one-week burst of learning or stay for the full immersive experience. Think inspiring mornings with Cornell faculty, hands-on explorations that pull you into the field or studio, and afternoons that stretch into outdoor adventures, conversations, and discovery. It’s learning without limits, community without pretense, and summer the way it should feel: invigorating.
If you love learning, you’ll fit right in! CAU Summer welcomes Cornell alumni, family, friends, and curious newcomers alike. Participants come from across the country and around the world, bringing a wide range of perspectives (and often returning year after year). If you’re 18 or older and excited to dive into an immersive learning experience, you’re welcome here.
Make CAU Summer your own—starting with where you stay. Settle into Balch Hall, our on-campus residence, where learning, community, and late-night conversations are just steps away. Prefer a hotel experience? The Statler Hotel offers comfort and convenience right on Cornell’s campus. Or design your days your way by commuting from home or nearby accommodations. However you choose to stay, you’ll be fully immersed in the energy of campus and the freedom to shape your ideal CAU Summer.
Every participant pays a Course Price which covers one week of instruction in your course of choice | any course-specific costs | any meals or snacks that are part of the curriculum | class trips | afternoon tours | evening lectures | Sunday Orientation Reception | daily catered coffee breaks delivered to your classroom | Friday Farewell Reception & Banquet at Cornell’s Statler Hotel | TCAT bus pass | one-week parking pass (Does not include housing or most meals.)
Participants who choose to reside in Balch Hall unlock an immersive, concierge-supported CAU Summer experience with built-in community and daily comforts. Learn more here.
Courses are offered across four pricing tiers—Ultra Premium, Premium, Plus, and Classic—each designed with a different level of depth, access, and price point. Across all tiers, you’ll find everything from seminar-style discussions and hands-on workshops to outdoor experiences that take full advantage of Cornell University resources and the Finger Lakes as your classroom.
Ultra Premium and Premium courses take learning up a notch. These immersive experiences often unfold in distinctive settings and may feature multiple faculty members, coaches, or special guests—creating a dynamic, high-touch learning environment. Beyond the classroom, Premium courses unlock memorable extras: private tours, special dinners, hands-on tastings of fine wines or specialty foods, or even a course-only picnic. Think deeper dives, richer conversations, and learning that spills delightfully into the real world.
Plus courses strike the sweet spot between depth and discovery. With elements like specialty tools or exclusive settings, these courses go beyond the classroom to offer immersive, hands-on learning. The result? More time to explore, practice, and connect with the material—leaving you inspired, informed, and ready to go further.
Classic courses are the beating heart of CAU Summer. Set in an engaging classroom environment, these courses deliver lively discussions, interactive moments, and thoughtful deep dives into subjects that truly matter. Expect an open, welcoming atmosphere where faculty invite conversation, encourage curiosity, and offer meaningful, personalized attention. It’s rigorous learning—with room to think, question, and connect.
Since all courses run simultaneously, each participant selects one immersive course for the week. Feeling inspired to learn even more? Stay for two weeks and experience a whole new adventure.
The course selection varies per week. When you register for both weeks, you get to learn more, deepen your relationships, and enjoy independent excursions and adventures between sessions. When you stay for two weeks, you can choose to take related courses or mix it up from week to week.
CAU Summer courses are non-credit and designed purely for personal enrichment. While many faculty share optional resources or reading lists, some courses—such as Memoir Writing—include light, relevant assignments that enhance the experience. For full details about course expectations check out the Course Roster.
As a registered participant, you’ll receive access to the CAU Summer Info Portal later this spring—your go-to hub for everything related to your course. There, you can stay up to date on key details, download suggested readings, and get prepared for the week ahead. A few weeks before you arrive on campus, you’ll also be invited to a Zoom gathering with your fellow participants to meet your course faculty and start connecting before the learning begins. Register first and then stay tuned for details on how to access the CAU Summer Info Portal: coming soon!
Most courses follow a relaxed, predictable rhythm: 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday—leaving space to recharge in between. Wednesday afternoons are wide open, perfect for exploring Ithaca, enjoying personal time, or jumping into our new Wednesday afternoon Makers’ Workshops. Some courses may vary slightly from this schedule. You willreceive a detailed, course-specific schedule before the program begins so you can plan your free time with confidence.
Courses do not meet on Wednesday afternoons, affectionately referred to as "Spring Break," so you can take advantage of the other learning opportunities and optional excursions available on and off campus.
Add a creative twist to your week by opting into our Wednesday Afternoon Seminars during registration. Week One head to the ILR Archives for a deep dive into history or go out on the lake for a sailing experience. In Week Two, discover the magic of cyanotypes, creating botanical-inspired prints using this classic photographic process, head to the ILR Archives for a different chapter of the past, or try out canoeing on Beebe Lake. The Wednesday Afternoon Seminar is your perfect midweek change-up—hands-on, playful, and deeply satisfying. Opt in during registration! ($50 off for Balch Hall residents. Discount applied at checkout.)
Wondering when to arrive on Sunday, July 5th and/or Sunday July 12th? Here's an overview of your first day at the program:
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Check-in for participants staying at Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall at CAU’s Hospitality Desk on the first floor of Balch Hall
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Check-in for commuter participants at CAU’s Hospitality Desk on the first floor of Balch Hall.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. During check-in, the CAU Social Lounge located on the first floor of Balch Hall (room 125/127) will be open for light refreshments.
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception and Orientation at Toni Morrison Hall, 1st Floor, Multipurpose Room (open to dorm residents and commuters)
6:00 – 7:00 Group Dinner at Toni Morrison Dining Hall (open to all, optional, pay-as-you-go)
8:00 – 9:30 Ice Cream Social CAU Social Lounge, Balch Hall (open to dorm residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)
9:30 p.m. Social Lounge service ends
This year, you can register for your course and your Balch Hall dorm room in one easy online platform.
Built in the 1920s, Balch Hall is one of Cornell’s most distinctive residence halls—think ivy-covered stone walls, mullioned windows, and hidden courtyard gardens straight out of a campus novel. Step inside, though, and you’ll find a fully renovated interior, blending classic Gothic charm with fresh, modern comfort. The CAU Summer Welcome Desk and Social Lounge are located on the ground floor, making Balch an easy hub for the week. You can easily book your Balch Hall stay during the course registration process.
Wake up in a bright, modern room, wander across sunlit quads, linger after class, join a spontaneous dinner, and let one moment roll into the next. Staying on campus doesn’t just simplify your week—it elevates it. Opting to stay in Balch Hall ensures your CAU Summer experience will remind you of your college-student days, only So. Much. Better.
Begin each morning with a bright, abundant breakfast spread featuring a range of healthful offerings—with a selection of gourmet tea and coffee—just steps from your room. Spend your days immersed in your chosen course, with all class-related materials, excursions, and special sessions effortlessly built in.
Every afternoon invites a personalized pause—shape it exactly the way you feel. Feeling frisky? Join a campus expedition and uncover the architectural stories woven through Cornell’s history. Or head to nearby Helen Newman gym for a revitalizing workout with your included gym membership. Craving something more mellow? Meet up with a fellow Balchie for a crisp glass of wine and an easy, unhurried conversation before heading out to a local eatery for dinner. Throughout your week, partake of exclusive offerings and content only available to Balch Hall Residents.
Balch Hall becomes your own private club—an inviting haven where evenings feel effortlessly refined. As the day winds down, drift into the lounge for relaxed refreshment: think artful charcuterie boards, beautiful cakes, seasonal nibbles, and an array of sweet and savory bites that change by the night. Allow us to pour you a glass, grab something irresistible from the spread, and ease into the lively, come-as-you-are vibe of a Balch evening—where great conversations spark fast and the night is full of possibility.
Please note: Balch Hall does not offer private, in-room bathrooms. Bathrooms are shared and designated by gender. Some floors feature larger communal bathrooms with multiple lockable stalls, showers, and sinks, while other floors offer smaller bathroom layouts, including fully lockable single-occupancy restrooms.
Balch Hall Dorm Room pricing depends on the type of room you select.
For those staying in the residence hall, a $500 concierge fee applies, supporting the enhanced services, dedicated staff presence, and special amenities that distinguish the Balch Hall experience.
As a Balch Hall resident, your package includes:
As a Balch Hall resident, your price does not include:
You can learn more and customize your experience during registration.
Commuting is a popular—and much-loved—way to experience CAU Summer. Whether you’re staying at the Statler Hotel, traveling in from home, or booking local accommodations, commuting offers full access to the academic experience with added flexibility built in.
What makes commuting especially appealing is the freedom it offers. Design your days exactly as you wish: head into town for dinner, meet friends between sessions, explore campus on your own schedule, or linger after class for a lecture that catches your interest. You can attend just your course or enhance your week with optional add-ons like the CAU Social Lounge, the Wednesday Afternoon Seminars, and pay-as-you-go group meals at Cornell’s award-winning Toni Morrison Dining Hall.
You’ll be fully part of the CAU Summer community—on your own terms.
Getting around is easy. Commuters receive a complimentary parking pass for A Lot and a free TCAT bus pass, making travel between campus, downtown Ithaca, and your accommodations simple and convenient.
Ithaca offers a wide range of places to stay, including hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals. For ideas and inspiration, we recommend Visit Ithaca, a helpful resource for finding the right fit.
Your course tuition covers the full academic experience, while the commuter option is intentionally streamlined. It does not include housing, most meals, Social Lounge access, or Red Runner transportation. However, you may choose to add the CAU Social Lounge during registration to join Balch Hall residents for relaxed, club-like evening gatherings. Specialized central or accessible campus parking permits are also not included.
In short, commuting lets you experience CAU Summer your way—flexible, customizable, and entirely your own.
Course pricing will become available when registration opens on January 30th.
If you are not staying in Balch Hall, you are considered a "Commuter." (If you are planning to stay in Balch Hall, go here.)
As a Commuter, your course price includes:
If you are a Commuter, your course price does not include:
You can learn more and customize your experience during registration.
When you purchase the CAU Summer Social Lounge Add-On during registration, you’ll enjoy full access to the CAU Social Lounge each evening:
The Social Lounge offers a relaxed, club-like setting to unwind after a full day of classes and connect with fellow CAU participants. Each evening includes a curated spread of charcuterie, fresh fruit, and dessert selections, along with a variety of adult beverage options.
The lounge is located on the first floor of Balch Hall and features comfortable seating, ramp entrances, and an accessible bathroom, ensuring an inviting and inclusive space for all participants.
For commuters, the Social Lounge Add-On provides a welcoming place to linger on campus, build community, and be part of the CAU Summer evening experience.
Except for the Sunday Orientation Reception, the Friday Farewell Reception & Banquet at Cornell’s Statler Hotel, and some course-specific meals, meals are not included in the base program fee to allow flexibility. You can join pay-as-you-go hosted group meals at Toni Morrison Dining Hall or dine on your own at various locations on or near campus.
Cornell has one of the finest dining programs in the Ivy League. CAU Summer participants can enjoy meals at a variety of campus eateries. Go here for a list of on campus eateries with summer hours. You can sort the list by checking the box "open today" and "nearest first." You can pay by credit card at all Cornell eateries.
Ithaca is accessible by car, bus, or flights to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.
Which course you register will determine your comfort with having or not having a car. For instance, if you take the Sailing course which is held at the Merrill Sailing Center on Cayuga Lake, you will need a car to get to class. In general, many people prefer to have access to a car throughout the program in order to be able to explore the surrounding area as well as campus locations.
Your program fee includes a week-long parking pass for A Lot. No passes are needed on Saturdays and Sundays. You will also receive a TCAT bus pass. The bus makes stops at all campus parking lots as well as throughout campus.
If you want to be able to park on central campus, you can park in a metered spot and pay as you go. Please visit Short-term Parking Options to learn more about the system used for metered parking on central campus. No passes are needed on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you need an accessible parking pass, please visit Facilities and Campus Services to learn more. In general, most classroom buildings have several accessible spaces nearby. A pass is required. You can purchase the pass on Monday morning after 7:00 a.m. No passes are needed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Yes! You will be provided with a free week-long bus pass to ride the TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) which provides bus service to all parts of the Cornell campus and downtown Ithaca. The TCAT map of routes, schedule, and instructions are available here: TCAT bus Information
If you need to make a support request, have questions, want to discuss your particular mobility needs, please email cauinfo@cornell.edu or call 607-255-6062 and leave a message with your contact info so we can get back to you. We encourage you to reach out as early as possible so we can best meet your needs. Transportation requests must be received by June 20 at the latest.
Your program fee includes a one-week Gym & Pool pass for campus pools. There are a number of options for safe and legal swimming in the Ithaca area. Please note that swimming in the gorges is prohibited. Note: All campus fitness centers require you to show a photo ID and your one-week CAU Gym & Pool pass to participate.
With four summer locations around campus, Cornell Fitness Center provides an extensive variety of cardio and weight equipment and group exercise classes. Note: All campus fitness centers require you to show a photo ID and your one-week CAU Gym & Pool pass to participate.
Cornell's main campus is in Ithaca, New York, one of the best college towns in the country. Located at the south end of Cayuga Lake in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region, Ithaca offers a breathtaking landscape of deep gorges and thundering waterfalls, rolling hills with farms and forests, and a lively community with shops, art galleries, and great places to eat (including the world-famous Moosewood Restaurant). For information about things to do in the area—music, dance, cinema, sports, hiking, swimming, shopping, and more—check out these resources:
CAU participants must be at least 18 years old. Ithaca area options for youth are available via google search.
Registration is open!
To cancel your any aspect of your enrollment, refer to instructions in your confirmation email.
For assistance with cancellation, contact ceshelp@cornell.edu
For Statler Hotel cancellations, call 607-254-2500.
CAU Summer 2026 Cancellation Refund Schedule:
If a course is canceled, you’ll be offered the option to switch to another course or receive a full refund.
CAU is unable to accommodate requests for refunds outside of the stated refund schedule.
We encourage you to purchase the insurance of your choice to protect your investment in CAU Summer programming.
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