Watch the recording to learn how Council leaders helped make Giving Day 2026 our best yet. See how Giving Day Champions drive participation, momentum, and generosity across Cornell.
Adam Murtland
Welcome to the Council Member Portal! This portal is your gateway to exclusive resources, updates, and opportunities to connect with other members. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable to our community, and we look forward to fostering even stronger connections and collaborations. Thank you for being an integral part of the Cornell University Council.
Trending
- Watch the recording of Trustee Talk 2026, our annual candidate forum hosted by Corey Ryan Earle ’07 on February 10th.
- Learn more about the Volunteer Summit and book your hotel.
Each year every council member:
- Gives to Cornell
- Nominates Cornell volunteers
- Attends the Trustee-Council Annual Meeting
- Votes in the Alumni Trustee Election
- Continues volunteering in other Cornell activities
- Utilizes information provided through Cornell matters to advocate for Cornell
More ways to engage
- Be a Cornell ambassador for Cornell
- Serve on a Council Working Group
- Share knowledge via CUeLINKS
- Connect with fellow council members on Facebook and LinkedIn
- Continue volunteering in your other Cornell activities
If this is your first year
- Review council website
- Complete your new member profile
- Attend the online information session and connect with your mentor. Watch for an email with details in June
If this is your fourth year
- Prepare for your hiatus by actively participating in the continuous engagement program
Be an Effective Advocate for Cornell
You have already demonstrated yourself to be a strong ambassador for Cornell. As a member of Council, you are strongly encouraged to become an even better informed and more effective champion for the University.
Stay Informed With These Resources
Sign Up for Cornell Matters
Now is the time to speak up and advocate for all the good that’s made possible by Cornell. Stay informed about the impact of Cornell’s research, the threats to research in higher education, and the actions Cornell is taking. Sign Up Today
Seek Engagement Opportunities
Being an ambassador means finding opportunities to engage across a range of interested audiences and using our networks to amplify Cornell’s messaging priorities.
- Share Cornell emails with your networks
- Participate in social media activities
- Attend affinity group events
- Attend regional club event
- Stay informed of college and unit activities
- Build relationships with business & community groups
- Engage in informal conversations with friends and family
Frequently Asked Questions
What if you’re asked a question and don’t know the answer?
You are not expected to be an expert on all things Cornell. You can offer to do some research and follow up or refer the questioner to an appropriate Cornell information source.
What’s the best way to convey feedback or observations to the University?
We would love to hear your input. If you want to share a comment or question with Cornell, contact Cornell Volunteer Programs at ovp@cornell.edu.
What should you do if approached by the news media or others seeking official information about Cornell?
Council members are not creators of information about Cornell and are not legal representatives of the University. Please refer media inquiries to University Media Relations.
Other Helpful Links
Members are encouraged to join a Council working group. A brief survey will be sent at the beginning of the term year to gather your interests and identify the working group that best aligns with your interest(s).
Development
The Development Working Group is responsible for making sure that every member of Council is contributing to the University at a level that is comfortable to them.
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
The Diversity and Inclusion Working Group focuses on making sure that all of our members feel like they belong.
Engagement
Members of the Cornell University Council Engagement Working Group educate Council members about their role as influencers, encouraging alumni, parents and friends to engage or re-engage with the University. The committee members will leverage their networks to help support the university’s campaign engagement goals. In addition this committee helps to distribute a Council newsletter twice a year and promote TCAM attendance.
Membership
Open to CUC Administrative Board members only
The Cornell University Council Membership Working Group reviews, votes on, and determines a final candidate slate for new, returning, and life members to be invited to Cornell University Council. The Membership Committee work takes place from late fall through early spring, after which the slate of Council members is presented to the CUC Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees for approval in May.
Mentoring
Mentoring committee members will support the development and progression of mentoring for new Cornell University Council (CUC) members. Members will support CUC members in their fourth year to continue their engagement with Cornell. In addition, members will encourage Council members to join CUVolunteer and CUeLINKS.
Nominating
Open to CUC Administrative Board members only
The Cornell University Council Nominating Working Group reviews, votes on, and recommends an annual slate of candidates to be invited as new elected members to the CUC Administrative Board. Current Council members are considered who are currently serving in their second term or greater on Council. The Nominating Committee work takes place each spring.
The Trustee-Council Annual Meeting (TCAM) website is your go-to source to explore event details, schedules, and FAQs.
University Alumni Events
Homecoming
- October 16-17, 2025
Reunion
- June 4-7, 2026
- June 10-13, 2027
- June 8-11, 2028
- June 7-10, 2029
Council Events
Council Conversation
-February 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET
TCAM
- October 14-17, 2026
- October 20-23, 2027
- October 18-21, 2028
Cornell Volunteer Summit
- October 14-17, 2026
Open Nominations
University Wide Calendar of Events
Athletics Schedule
Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development Events Calendar
The Administrative Board has recently focused its efforts on deepening engagement with Life Members. This page will serve as a hub for updates, initiatives, and opportunities designed to strengthen your connection to the Council and Cornell. Check back regularly for the latest developments.
Council Conversation: Council Takes Action, Be A Giving Day Champion!
Watch Now
Link to presentation
Libraries, Democracy and the Rise of AI – January 21, 2026
Watch Now
Link to presentation
75 Years of Leadership: A History of the Cornell University Council – September 17, 2025
Watch Now
Link to presentation
Link to Corey's presentation
Cornell University Council New Member/Info Session – June 2025
Watch Now
Link to presentation
Your Giving Journey: A Closer Look at Development – January 28, 2025
Watch Now
Link to presentation
Link to Wordclouds
Committee Updates Fall 2024 – September 14, 2024
Watch Now
Link to presentation
Cornell University Council New Member/Info Session – June 2024
Watch Now
Link to presentation
CUeLinks Overview for CUC – January 30, 2024
Watch Now
Link to presentation
Why Giving Matters – January 10, 2023
Watch Now
Committee Updates Fall 2022– September 14, 2022
Watch Now
Link to presentation
