Join Elaine L. Westbrooks, the Carl A. Kroch University Librarian and Vice Provost, for a conversation on the ways AI is reshaping how we access information. Learn about AI's impact on libraries, and on a democratic society where informed participation and transparency is a key pillar of how we live and work. This special conversation is exclusive to Council members.
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.
Updated on 01/27/2025
Each year every council member:
- Gives to Cornell
- Nominates Cornell volunteers
- Attends 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
- Advocate for Cornell
- Serve on a 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
Working Groups
Make the most of your time on Council by volunteering to serve on a Council Working Group. To sign up or for more information about the following groups contact ovp@cornell.edu.
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.
Working Group Updates
Coming soon
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
Many of us are Council members because of our other Cornell leadership roles. Being an ambassador means finding opportunities to engage across a range of interested audiences and using our networks to amplify Cornell’s messaging priorities.\
- Sharing Cornell emails with your networks
- Social media activities
- Affinity group events
- Regional club events - Zincks, Student Send off, etc.
- College and Unit activities
- Talks with business & community groups
- 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 the Office of 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
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
Open Nominations
- Cornell University Council
- Interim CUVolunteer Page
University Wide Calendar of Events
Athletics Schedule
Alumni Event Schedule
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.
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
