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Welcome, CAU Summer 2026 Participants!

Details about your course and the program will continue to be added to this page leading up to the start of your CAU Summer experience.
Please bookmark this page for future reference.

 

Finding the info you need

Plan Your Route To Class

  •   Check your course information below for location details.

      Then refer to the Campus Map to learn more, and see parking details.

      Shuttles for dorm residents will be available to all class locations. If you're a commuter who would like to request mobility support, see your options here and be sure to request by June 12.

      Need a ride to class? Or an accessible parking space on Central Campus?   Explore transportation options.

For Balch Hall Residents

  • Where is Balch Hall?

    Check out the Campus Map to see where Balch Hall is in relation to classroom buildings.

  • Download Your Balch Hall Guide

    The information within this guide--including packing suggestions--will help you prepare for your stay. Click here to get the guide.

  • 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.

  • What's it like to stay in the dorm?

    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 features temperature controlled rooms and common spaces.

The CAU Summer Social Lounge: Where Community Gathers

  • With generous support from Orbridge

    We are grateful to our dedicated travel partner, Orbridge for their generous sponsorship of the CAU Summer Social Lounge. From additional programming to an inspiring ambiance, their support helps create an enhanced and welcoming space for connection, conversation, and community at the heart of the CAU Summer experience.

  • Balch Hall social lounge

    CAU Social Lounge Hours

    • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Balch Hall Residents only
    • 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.  Balch Hall residents + Commuters with the Social Lounge Package

    Whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new ones, the CAU Social Lounge in Balch Hall is your go-to hub for camaraderie, conversation, and unwinding after a full day of learning and exploration. Stop by during select evening hours for adult beverages, enjoy a rotating selection of nibbles and treats, or simply settle into the inviting space and soak up the community vibe. Additionally, you can look forward to select special events in the lounge throughout each week! Included with all Balch Hall stays, the CAU Social Lounge is just one more reason to love the full CAU experience.

    Commuters: You can add the Social Lounge Package to your registration via the "manage your registration" link in your registration confirmation email. The Social Lounge package provides you with access to the Social Lounge during the evening hours from 7:00pm - 9:30pm, Monday through Friday and includes special events that happen in the lounge during that time such as performances, talks, and presentations.

    Adults only in this lounge, please.

  • For Dorm Residents Only

    Staying in the Dorms? We’d Love to Get to Know You!
    If you’ve chosen to stay on campus during CAU Summer, thank you—you’re part of a small group about to enjoy a uniquely immersive Cornell experience.
    Take a moment to fill out our short dorm survey so we can learn more about you and make your experience even more memorable.

     

Coffee & Connection: Mid-Morning at CAU Summer

  • With generous support from Odysseys Unlimited

    We are grateful to our dedicated travel partner, Odysseys Unlimited, for generously sponsoring the CAU Summer Curated Coffee Breaks. Their support helps elevate these daily mid-morning gatherings with enhanced refreshments, gourmet coffee, and an energizing atmosphere—creating an even more welcoming space for you to connect with fellow lifelong learners and faculty.

  • People enjoying coffee together
    ☕ Curated Coffee Breaks: Your Daily Moment to Gather & Recharge

    Each morning, step out of the classroom and into one of CAU Summer’s most beloved rituals—our curated mid-morning coffee breaks. Thoughtfully designed as a pause between ideas, these moments invite you to recharge, reconnect, and savor.

    Gather in shared spaces throughout the classroom buildings, where the hum of conversation meets the aroma of freshly brewed gourmet coffee and an inviting selection of teas. These breaks are more than just a refresh—they’re a chance to mingle across courses, exchange insights, and spark unexpected conversations with fellow participants and faculty alike.

    You’ll find an abundant spread waiting for you: savory, protein-rich bites to keep you energized, gluten-free pastries crafted with care, and fresh seasonal fruit that feels like a small indulgence. Whether you linger with your course group or wander into new circles, these coffee breaks become a daily rhythm of connection, curiosity, and community.

  • reusable coffee cup on stack of books
    🌿 Bring Your Cup, Boost Your Course

    This year, your daily coffee break comes with a purpose.

    As you prepare for CAU Summer, we encourage you to bring your favorite reusable coffee cup—and to carry it with you to class each day so you’re ready to enjoy the curated coffee breaks between sessions.

    CAU will provide each participant with a reusable cup upon arrival, but it’s always helpful (and fun) to have more than one on hand—whether for convenience or simply because you have a favorite you love to use.

    And here’s where it gets interesting: the course that uses the fewest disposable cups during its coffee breaks will win a special prize for their professor. A small, shared habit becomes a collective win—for your course, your faculty member, and the environment.

    So bring your cup, keep it close, and let’s see which course leads the way.

Courses: Week One (July 5 - 11)

Courses: Week Two (July 12 - 18)

Weekly Schedule: Activities

  • CAU Summer
    Sunday Arrival + Check-In (Both Weeks)

    CAU Summer Headquarters
    Balch Hall
    600 Thurston Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850

    Signs for CAU will be visible as you get closer to Balch Hall.
    Pull up along Cradit Farm Drive to drop your luggage.
    The CAU Team will direct you on where to park for this afternoon. (You do not need a parking permit upon arrival since Cornell will not issue parking tickets on Sunday.)  
    After you park, follow the signs to CAU check-in.
    The CAU Team will be available to assist Balch Hall residents with luggage.

    Early arrivals? For any early or late arrival accommodations please inquire with Conference and Event Services at ceshelp@cornell.edu

    Arriving Late? Please let us know in advance by emailing cauinfo@cornell.edu 

    Arriving after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday?
    Late arrivals will be able to pick up a name badge and other information at the CAU Hospitality Desk at Balch Hall. Late arriving residential participants will need to pick up their hall/elevator, suite, and room keys on the first floor of Robert Purcell Community Center. The RPCC service desk’s phone number is 607.255.6214.

      Arriving after 9:00 p.m. on Sunday?
    If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, plan ahead and let CAU know in advance so we can help. Contact cauinfo@cornell.edu ahead of time to make arrangements.

  • Sunday
    Sunday (Both Weeks)

    2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Check-in for participants staying at Balch 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 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 p.m. Group Dinner at Toni Morrison Dining Hall (open to all, optional, pay-as-you-go) 

    7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social CAU Social Lounge, Balch Hall (open to all) 

    9:30 p.m. Social Lounge service ends 

  • Monday
    Monday (Both Weeks)

    6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Special programming for Balch Hall residents. More info coming soon!

    7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Balch Hall continental breakfast service for residents

    8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch Hall to on-campus classes

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Class in session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch break/free time (Lunch is on your own, although some courses choose to eat together.)

    1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Class in Session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    3:30 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from your on-campus classes back to Balch Hall

    4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Books & Conversation: A Literary Salon for Lifelong Learners, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    • Get together with avid readers for thoughtful conversation, new literary discoveries, and the opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for books and ideas. Interested in participating? Consider bringing one or two books that you have especially enjoyed and would be happy to pass along to another reader. Books may be new or gently used, fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic. Participation in the exchange is entirely optional—you're welcome to come simply for the conversation and recommendations.

    4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    • Balch Hall residents only: Stay tuned for special content during this time.

    5:45 p.m. Gather at Balch to walk together to Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all)

    6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Join the community for a pay-as-you-go dinner at Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all) 

    7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)

    7:00 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch to the Keynote Address at Klarman Hall KG70: Rhodes Rawlings Auditorium

    7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Monday Evening Keynote Address, Klarman Hall KG70: Rhodes Rawlings Auditorium

    • Week One Keynote Address, Monday, July 6, Klarman Hall KG70: Rhodes Rawlings Auditorium  
      • From the Telegraph to Zoom: Cornell University & Technological Change
        • Featuring Corey Ryan Earle '07, Visiting Lecturer in American Studies, University Historian
        • Join Cornell Historian Corey Ryan Earle '07 for a lighthearted look at how Cornell has navigated technological change over the past 160 years. Learn how technology has changed Cornell and how Cornell has had an impact on technology.
    • Week Two Keynote Address, Monday, July 13, Klarman Hall KG70: Rhodes Rawlings Auditorium 
      • Plants Are (Almost) Everything
        • Featuring: Ari Novy, Ph.D., The Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director, Cornell Botanic Gardens
        • Join Cornell Botanic Gardens Executive Director Dr. Ari Novy to explore how botanic gardens nurture a healthier planet. Discover how these important green spaces are also hubs for groundbreaking research on medicinal, native, and food plants that can sustain us for generations to come.

    8:30 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Keynote Address to Balch Hall

    9:30 p.m. Social Lounge service ends

  • Tuesday
    Tuesday (Both Weeks)

    6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Special programming for Balch Hall residents. More info coming soon!

    7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Balch Hall continental breakfast service for residents

    8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch Hall to on-campus classes

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Class in session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch break/free time (Lunch is on your own, although some courses choose to eat together.)

    1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Class in Session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    3:30 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from your on-campus classes back to Balch Hall

    4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Crosswords & Camaraderie: A Collaborative Puzzle Hour, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    • Whether you're a seasoned cruciverbalist or simply enjoy a good mental challenge, join fellow puzzle enthusiasts for an hour of collaborative clue-solving, lively conversation, and the satisfaction of filling in those elusive squares together.

    4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pickle Ball Meetup, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    • Enjoy an hour of friendly recreation and camaraderie on Cornell's nearby pickleball courts. Whether you're a regular player or simply looking for an active way to connect with fellow CAU participants, join us for casual games, fresh air, and good company. Equipment will be provided. Participants should have a basic familiarity with the game, as formal instruction will not be offered.

    4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    • Balch Hall residents only: Stay tuned for special content during this time.

    4:oo p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Behind-the-scenes tours —Open to All (Sign up for these tours through the concierge on your arrival day):

    • WEEK ONE: Tuesday, July 7th
      Cornell Bowers: Computing and Information Science
    • WEEK TWO: Tuesday, July 14th
      Willard Straight Hall: A Century of Life

    5:45 p.m. Gather at Balch to walk together to Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all)

    6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Join the community for a pay-as-you-go dinner at Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all) 

    7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)

    • WEEK ONE: 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7th
      Special performance: Pins & Needles Selections from a musical review with historical roots in the American labor movement, blending satire, politics, and song.
    • WEEK TWO: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14th
      Guided Beebe Lake Nature Walk with Cole Gilbert, Professor of Entomology

    9:30 p.m. Social Lounge service ends

  • Wednesday
    Wednesday (Both Weeks)

    6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Special programming for Balch Hall residents. More info coming soon!

    7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Balch Hall continental breakfast service for residents

    8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch Hall to on-campus classes

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Class in session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    12:00 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from your on-campus classes back to Balch Hall

    12:00 p.m. Spring Break: No class on Wednesday afternoon. Many participants use this time to explore the surrounding Finger Lakes region.

    1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Optional Wednesday Afternoon Seminars

    • Wednesday, July 8 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wednesday Afternoon Seminars (for those who registered)
      • Behind the Scenes at Cornell's Labor & Management Archives: The Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives is the largest archive in the U.S. dedicated to preserving both labor and management history. Explore the history of the American workplace with Archivist Steven Calco. More info coming soon!

      • Sailing on Cayuga Lake: Spend your afternoon learning sailing basics with instructors at Cornell's Merrill Family Sailing Center. More info coming soon!

    • Wednesday, July 15 | 1:30–3:30 Wednesday Afternoon Seminars (for those who registered)
      • History Detectives: Investigating Labor Conflicts at the Kheel Center: Dive into this interactive, hands-on exploration of twentieth century U.S. labor relations with Archivist Steven Calco. More info coming soon!
      • Botanical Blue Prints, Cyanotype Makers Workshop: Learn how to use plants to create cyanotype images inspired by the current exhibition, Plant Based: Botanical Innovation from Paper to Poison in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections. More info coming soon!

      • Canoeing on Beebe Lake: Join Dr. Mark Holton for a leisurely, hands-on introduction to canoeing on Cornell’s iconic waterway—blending gentle instruction, local natural history, and the simple pleasure of being on the water. More info coming soon!

    4:00 - 6:00 p.m. CAU Social Lounge closed for Spring Break

    5:45 p.m. Gather at Balch Hall to walk together to Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all)

    6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Join the community for a pay-as-you-go dinner at Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all) 

    7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)

    8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Spring Break Bingo in the CAU Social Lounge, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)

    9:30 p.m. Social Lounge service ends

  • Thursday
    Thursday (Both Weeks)

    6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Special programming for Balch Hall residents. More info coming soon!

    7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Balch Hall continental breakfast service for residents

    8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch Hall to on-campus classes

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Class in session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch break/free time (Lunch is on your own, although some courses choose to eat together.)

    1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Class in Session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    3:30 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from your on-campus classes back to Balch Hall

    4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bowling Meetup at Helen Newman Lanes (open to all)

    • Join fellow CAU participants for a relaxed hour at the bowling alley, where friendly competition, lively conversation, and good company take center stage. Whether you're chasing strikes or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this informal gathering offers a fun way to connect with fellow lifelong learners. Shoes are available. Instruction will not be provided.

    4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    • Balch Hall residents only: Stay tuned for special content during this time.

    4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Behind-the-scenes tours —Open to All (Sign up for these tours through the concierge on your arrival day):

    • WEEK ONE: Thursday, July 9th
      Cornell NanoScale Facility @ Duffield Hall
    • WEEK TWO: Thursday, July 16th
      Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering

    5:45 p.m. Gather at Balch to walk together to Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all)

    6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Join the community for a pay-as-you-go dinner at Toni Morrison Dining (optional; open to all) 

    7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)

    • WEEK ONE: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 9th
      Guided Beebe Lake Nature Walk with Linda Rayor, Senior Lecturer Emerita
    • WEEK TWO: 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., Thursday, July 16th
      Special performance: Pins & Needles Selections from a musical review with historical roots in the American labor movement, blending satire, politics, and song.

    9:30 p.m. Social Lounge service ends

  • Friday
    Friday (Both Weeks)

    6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Special programming for Balch Hall residents. More info coming soon!

    7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Balch Hall continental breakfast service for residents

    8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch Hall to on-campus classes

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Class in session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch break/free time (Lunch is on your own, although some courses choose to eat together.)

    1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Class in Session: See your Course Box Schedule for variations in timing, locations, and field trip details

    3:30 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from your on-campus classes back to Balch Hall

    4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to Balch Hall residents only)

    Celebrate the culmination of your week of learning and discovery with your fellow participants and faculty this evening at the world-renowned Statler Hotel. Beginning with a lively reception featuring cocktails and conversation, the evening continues with an elegant farewell dinner in the Carrier Ballroom. This sleek and stylish venue features high ceilings, charming tones, custom lighting, and flooring that reflects the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes . Expansive windows offer stunning views of the Cornell campus, creating a bright and beautiful atmosphere for your celebration. Dinner will be expertly catered by The Statler Hotel's renowned culinary team, known for their commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu that showcases the finest local ingredients, paired with an exceptional selection of wines. Throughout the evening, attentive service will be provided by Cornell's hospitality students, ensuring a memorable conclusion to your enriching week.​ The dress code for the evening is smart casual—feel free to dress up a bit to celebrate, but no formal wear is required.

    5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Balch Hall to Statler

    • For participants planning to drive, parking is on your own. Hoy Parking garage is free to park in after 5:00 p.m. and is only a few minutes walk to the Statler.

    6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Reception, Statler Hotel, Ballroom Foyer

    6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Farewell Banquet, Statler Hotel, Ballroom

    • Please plan to sit with your course and your faculty at this special event. Tables will be designated per course with just enough seating for each course. If your partner/guest has registered for this event and wants to sit with you because they did not take a course or prefer to sit with your course, please reach out to cauinfo@cornell.edu by June 12th.
    • If you do not plan to attend the Reception and Farewell Banquet, please let us know in advance: cauinfo@cornell.edu 

    7:45 - 8:15 p.m. Balch Hall residents only: catch the optional shuttle from Statler to Balch Hall

    8:00 - 10:00 p.m.  Social Lounge open with refreshments and munchies, Balch Hall (open to dorm residents and commuters/guests who purchased the Social Lounge package)

  • Saturday
    Saturday (Both Weeks)

    7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Balch Hall continental breakfast service for residents.

    8:30 -10:00 a.m. Assistance with luggage will be available to those in need.

    10:00 a.m. CAU Summer concludes. Check-out time for residents of Balch Hall.

Behind-The-Scenes Tours —Open to All

  • Cornell Bowers: Computing and Information Science
    Tuesday, July 7, 2026  4:00pm

    It is hard to overstate the presence of computer science at Cornell – from tandem undergraduate majors in Arts & Sciences and Engineering to the impact of this expansive program on nearly every department across campus, from design and economics, agriculture and life sciences. Established as a department in 1965, computer science was joined by computer graphics in 1974. Today, Cornell Bowers encompasses Computer Science, Information Science, Statistics and Data Science, Computational Biology and Design Tech, and enrolls over 2000 undergraduate majors. Teaching and research are housed in Gates Hall (2014) and the adjacent Computing and Information Science Building (2025). Rhodes Hall and Cornell Tech in NYC are additional facilities. Tour Gates Hall and the newly-opened CIS Building, learn about the academic reach of Cornell Bowers, and consider this design question: if this discipline exists within a screen, what architecture best supports computer learning and research?
    Sign up for this tour through the concierge on your arrival day if you are interested in attending this tour.   Meet at the entrance of Gates Hall.

  • Cornell NanoScale Facility @ Duffield Hall
    Thursday, July 9, 2026  4:00pm

    A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter – a single human hair is 60,000 – 100,000nm wide. Research and development of nanoscale materials require highly-specialized environments with vibration and particle control (clean rooms) and tools including electron microscopes. In 1977, the Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility was created with support of the National Science Foundation. From a first home in Phillips Hall, CNF moved to Knight Laboratory, built to the west of Phillips Hall. Duffield Hall opened on that site in 2004 and is now the home of CNF, offering state-of-the-art clean rooms on central campus, visible from the public spaces of the building. In a single year, CNF supports roughly 500 individual users from campus and across the nation. Tour this facility, understand the history and current work of CNF, and experience the process of suiting up and entering a clean room. Limited to 12 people, with clothing/shoe requirement.
    Sign up for this tour through the concierge on your arrival day if you are interested in attending this tour.
    Meet at CNF Main Office, 250 Duffield Hall.

    Mandatory Dress Code for CNF Lab Spaces

    Shoes
    Shoes must be closed toe shoes that fully enclose the heel and the top of the foot. Sandals, open weave shoes, or shoes that expose the top of the foot are not allowed. Additionally, the shoes must not have a high heel or deep cleats that may hold mud or other dirt in them. Socks or stockings are also required. No short socks.
    The shoes must be clean and dry when you enter the facility. During the winter months this can be a particular challenge due to the amount of snow, slush, and salt on the sidewalks around Duffield Hall. Even after drying off, these shoes will track salt and other contaminants into the facility. Therefore, during these types of weather, users need to bring a change of shoes that are not worn outside, to prevent contamination of the cleanroom with the water and salt.

    Pants
    Pants must run from the shirt to the ankles. Short style pants can be worn if all exposed skin is covered by calf high socks. Shorts and skirts/dresses are not allowed. In the summer months, wearing ‘hospital scrub’ style pants over top of shorts is a popular option. The main requirement is to have no exposed skin on the legs and foot areas.

    Shirt
    Your shirt must be at least a short sleeve shirt that is long enough to reach your pants (no bare midriffs) and it must not have a deep neckline.
    Not Allowed: Tank tops, halter tops, and spaghetti strap tops.

     

  • Willard Straight Hall: A Century of Life
    Tuesday, July 14, 2026  4:00pm

    Shortly after Willard Straight Hall opened its doors in November 1925, it was filled with students who came to eat, study, socialize and attend programmed activities ranging from dances and dinners to theater and lectures. All were welcome to a building given as a memorial to Willard Dickerman Straight ’01, who requested in his will that funds be given to make Cornell “a more human place.”  His wife, Dorothy Payne Whitney, shared his vision and managed the design of a strategically-sited building housing a great memorial hall, browsing library, game rooms, dining services, lodging and a theater. A century later, the Straight continues to serve the campus, although its function has been modified by two additional student unions, twenty-plus campus eateries, the inclusion of public spaces in new academic buildings, and our everpresent cell phones.  Take a walk through today’s Straight, reflect on its history, and meet with staff who bring the student union into present and future, managing century-old spaces and infrastructure. We will visit the dining areas (the old Ivy Room and Okenshields) and the theater, view architectural drawings and hear about student involvement in the union’s management.
    Meet in the Willard Straight Lobby.
    Sign up for this tour through the concierge on your arrival day if you are interested in attending this tour.  

  • Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering
    Thursday, July 16, 2026  4:00pm

    Biomedical engineering integrates engineering and life sciences to create medical solutions including tissue and prostheses, implantable devices, and surgical robotics. Cornell, with historically strong programs in engineering and biology, as well as veterinary and medical schools, was well-positioned to explore bioengineering as early as the 1970s. Biomedical Engineering was formally established at Cornell in 1994, and became a graduate and research department in 2004. In 2016 it expanded to offer an undergraduate degree. Endowed as the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering in 2015, the program occupies areas of Weill Hall and the newly-opened Tang Hall, a large addition to the former Thurston-Kimball complex on the Engineering Quad. Tour the labs and lecture areas of Tang Hall and hear how this quickly-growing program distinguishes itself with interdisciplinary collaborations, lab-based coursework and innovative programs with Weill Cornell Medicine.
    Meet at Tang Hall, South side of the Engineering Quad (NOT the Tang Welcome Center)
    Sign up for this tour through the concierge on your arrival day if you are interested in attending this tour.  

Logistics

  • Miscellaneous

      Laundry + linens: For Balch Hall residents, the housing staff on campus furnishes linens and towels weekly. Free self-service laundry facilities are available in the basement of Balch Hall.

      Mail: Unfortunately, Balch Hall cannot accept mail during the summer. DO NOT have mail or packages sent to the Balch residence hall. Please contact cauinfo@cornell.edu to arrange for mail delivery if necessary.

      Pets: Cornell University housing regulations do not allow pets in any residence unless they are registered Emotional Support Animals or registered Service Animals.

  • Recreation & Resources

      CAU offers a free daily fitness pass to Balch Hall residents to use the on-campus recreational facilities. This pass includes access to fitness centers, the pool, and gymnasiums at Helen Newman Hall and Noyes Fitness Center. To request a daily pass, please see the CAU Summer Concierge Team. Users will need to carry their fitness pass and a photo ID to access a fitness facility.

Requesting Support Services

  • Request Accommodations or Support Services

    At CAU Summer, we strive to create an engaging, accessible, and supportive learning environment for all participants. If you would benefit from additional support tools and services or additional transportation around campus, please let us know. We’re happy to discuss options that can enhance your experience. 

    To request support or learn more, please fill out this survey and our CAU Summer Concierge Team will be in touch. We encourage you to reach out as early as possible so we can best meet your needs. All transportation requests must be received by June 12th. 

  • What types of support services are available?

    In order to have an extraordinary time at CAU Summer, you may benefit from services like: 

    • Elevators and ramps
    • Restrooms near classroom locations
    • Classroom seating with back and arm support
    • The ability to move or stand during class

    All of these requests should be noted in your support services survey. Please complete the survey as early as possible so we can best understand your needs.

  • Does my classroom have air conditioning? What about an elevator?

    All classrooms, the Balch residence hall, the CAU Social Lounge, Kaufman Hall Auditorium, and the Statler Ballroom have air conditioning except the Raptor Barn. 

  • Shuttle Services and Transportation Policy

    CAU Summer provides limited concierge transportation for Balch participants. Participants should be able to use a stepstool and grab bar to take two steps up into our vans. If you require additional assistance entering and exiting vehicles or are unable to board a van on your own, or to request transportation to additional locations on campus, fill out this survey.

    Available shuttle services:
    • Balch Participant Shuttle Services: from Balch Hall to classroom/event location and back. Must be able to use a stepstool and grab bar to take two steps up into our vans.
      • Morning Shuttle departs Balch Hall at 8:30 a.m.
      • Afternoon Shuttle departs class buildings between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m..
      • Monday Key Note Lecture Shuttles:
        • Departs Balch Hall at 7:00 p.m.
        • Departs (location to be announced) at 8:30 p.m. to return to Balch Hall.
      • Friday Farewell Dinner Shuttle:
        • Departs Balch Hall at 5:45 - 6:15 PM to Statler Ballroom.
        • Departs Statler Ballroom at 7:45 - 8:15 p.m.
      • Other shuttles may be available as deemed necessary through program offerings (i.e., campus tours).
      • Included in program cost.
    • For Commuters (including those staying at Statler) support services are based on mobility needs and must be requested via THE SURVEY. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
    Additional mobility support:
    • If you require additional assistance entering and exiting vehicles or are unable to board a van on your own, or to request transportation to additional locations on campus, please fill out this survey. The cost for personalized transportation support via Red Runner is $400/individual needing support plus one accompanying guest.
    • These additional Red Runner transportation accommodations are available for dorm and commuter participants departing from Anna Comstock Hall Lot, the Statler, and Balch Hall. This specialized transportation is only available for program-sponsored events and does not include CAU Social Lounge or dining hall stops. Transportation requests must be received by June 12 at the latest. 
  • Class Field Trip Transportation
    • If your course includes an off-campus experience, such as a field trip, CAU will provide transportation for all participants from the classroom to the site and back.
    • If your course includes an out-of-classroom experience on campus, we will do our best to accommodate individual transportation needs with advance notice through our support services survey.
    • Transportation requests must be received by June 12th at the latest.

Parking and Getting Around

  • Parking on campus

    Participants who requested a parking pass on their registration form will receive an R Permit at check-in. This permit allows parking in many designated lots on North Campus and East Campus. Please refer to the CAU Summer 2026 Map for specific parking locations. 

    Parking on Sunday/Check-in Day: The CAU Team will direct you to parking near Balch Hall when you arrive on Sunday. On arrival day, there is open parking in most lots. Please be sure to check individual parking space signs, as some spots may have specific restrictions. Parking is free on Sundays in all spots unless designated otherwise, such as spots reserved for accessibility which can only be utilized with a special Cornell pass.

    Parking Monday - Friday: The Anna Comstock Hall parking lot  is the designated parking lot for CAU participants throughout the week.

    Park Mobile: You can drive your vehicle to class and pay to park at various Park Mobile locations around campus. Check out the Park Mobile Campus Map for locations where you can use the app.

  • Getting Around Campus

    Do you need an accessible parking space on Central Campus? Please note a special Cornell accessibility pass is required to avoid ticketing. Please contact:

    • Cornell Transportation
      Phone: 607-255-4600
      Email: transportation@cornell.edu

    For additional accommodations during CAU Summer, fill out this support services survey.

      Do you need a ride to class? Balch Hall residents can take the concierge shuttle daily, and commuters with mobility needs can request shuttle services (deadline: June 12).

    Or, you can schedule rides online with these providers:

  • Ride the TCAT Bus

    Riding the TCAT bus is an easy and reliable way to get around campus and beyond. With frequent service and multiple routes running through Cornell and across Tompkins County, TCAT connects all major campus destinations and parking lots. Balch Hall is conveniently served by two nearby bus stops, making it simple to hop on and get where you need to go—whether you're heading to class, exploring Ithaca, or connecting to other parts of the region.

    You will receive a free TCAT bus pass. Check out the bus schedule and routes.

Health Services + Emergencies

  • Health Services
    Emergency medical care is available at the Cayuga Medical Center (607-274-4011) on Route 96.

    There are several other options for walk-in or immediate care in Ithaca:

      • Cayuga Immediate Care
        • 401 Cayuga Park Lane Suite 400 (607) 319-5900. 9am-7pm
      • Guthrie Ithaca City Harbor Walk-in Care
        • 720 Willow Ave,  (607)219-4600.  7am-7pm
      • WellNow Urgent Care
        • 740 S Meadow St. (607) 319-4563. 8am-7:30pm

    Registrants are responsible for their own emergency, surgical, medical, and hospital care fees.

    Emergencies
    In the case of an emergency, you can reach the campus police at 607-255-1111 or dial 911. Be sure to tell them where you are staying or located at the time of the emergency.

Eating on Campus

  • Cornell Dining

    For meals on your own, check out this list of on-campus eateries.
    You can sort the list by checking the boxes "open today" and "nearest first." You can pay by credit card at all Cornell eateries.

  • Community Meals + On Your Own Meals

    Your course fee includes the Welcome Orientation and Reception as well as the Farewell Dinner at Statler Hotel. Some courses also have an included meal(s) as it relates to the course content, for instance Gourmet Wine & Food Pairing. 

    All other meals are pay-as-you-go/on your own. (The optional CAU section of Toni Morrison Dining Hall is a great place to gather for meals on your own.)

    This ensures you have maximum freedom to experience Cornell's vast selection of on campus eateries (pay by credit card as you go) and to try Ithaca's fun and delicious options, too! Check out this list of local Ithaca eateries.

    Field trips may include provided box lunches.

  • CAU Reserved Section at Toni Morrison Dining

    As always, there will be an optional CAU Summer seating section reserved in Toni Morrison Dining Hall. This is a great place to meet others in the program and to chance upon faculty guests who will be popping in occasionally throughout your week.

Sustainability Details

  • CAU Summer is a Platinum Sustainable Event, certified by Cornell Sustainable Campus.

    At CAU Summer 2026, sustainability will be part of every day! We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and encouraging responsible practices across all aspects of the program. Here’s what you can count on:

    Waste Reduction & Responsible Materials ♻️

    • Recycling stations available throughout campus
    • Digital materials accessible via the CAU Summer Info Portal—QR codes will be posted in dorms and classrooms
    • Participant communication is email-based—no printed materials
    • Single-use utensils and dishware are made from 100% recycled content (due to the absence of a dishwasher)
    • Efforts to minimize food waste are built into our program planning

    Hydration & Reusables 💧

    • Water bottle filling stations are located throughout campus
    • Participants are encouraged to bring and use reusable bottles
    • Bottled water will not be provided

    Sustainable Dining 🥗

    • We work with caterers that qualify for Cornell’s Sustainable Caterers rating
    • Plant-forward options are prioritized at catered events, in the Social Lounge, and at classroom coffee breaks
    • Whenever possible, we serve locally sourced food
    • We work with Friendship Donation Network for any surplus food that is safe and left over from events

    Low-Impact Transportation 🚶‍♀️

    • A TCAT bus pass is provided to all participants
    • We encourage walking, carpooling, and using the free shuttle (available for dorm residents only)

    Thank you for joining us in creating a more sustainable CAU Summer! Your choices make a meaningful difference.

Learn More About CAU Study Tours

  • Learn more about traveling with Cornell faculty

    From a Broadway-filled weekend in NYC, to an Antarctica cruise with Cornell scientists, CAU keeps learning with you. In addition to CAU Summer, CAU offers domestic and international study tours and subject-specific seminars.

Contact Us

  • CAU Summer 2023

    Cornell’s Adult University
    Cornell University Alumni Affairs and Development
    cauinfo@cornell.edu

    For registration edits please contact Conference and Events Service Help Desk at ceshelp@cornell.edu

Cornell expectations for our alumni community

  • View the expectations

    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 this link.