Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Events Committee

Grad Ball 2006 Frequently Asked Questions…

What is the Grad Ball?

It’s a party for grad students!

Let’s face it: there’s not a lot to do in Ithaca. As grad student, it’s the routine of the lab, the department lecture series, and of course the Chapter House … But once a year, we shake things up a little, and put on a huge party for all graduate and professional students at Cornell. It’s a chance for us to get out of our labs, our departments and schools, and celebrate our year at Cornell together. It’s the chance to meet new people, dance to live music, even dress up a little. It’s the best time you’ve had all year — it’s the GRAD BALL!

Do I have to dress up?

This is Ithaca, so the defintion of ‘getting dressed up’ is pretty flexible. That means no jeans. That said, if you’ve been waiting all year (or for the last four years!) to bring out that fabulous bridesmaid’s dress or tuxedo from the back corner of your closet, this is your chance! Ties, jackets, leisure suits, little black dresses, strapless gowns, high heels - dress to impress, and anything goes. Have fun with it - it’s only once a year!!

Do I have to bring a date?

Spouses, significant others, boyfriends and girlfriends both local and outside Cornell are welcome. But you don’t have to bring a date. Grad Ball is a great event to go to with a group of friends: it’s your chance to meet new people and have a blast!

I don’t know how to dance.

That’s okay! This isn’t a Strictly Ballroom event!! The band will play a variety of music, from swing to latin to jazz to funk, so you’re sure to hear something that gets you moving. We are also opening several floors of the Johnson Museum so that we can offer a variety of music and spaces for grads to hang out and chat, take a break from the dance floor, or hit the bar.

Is food or drink provided?

There will be lots of little nibblies and appetizers on the two main floors. Your ticket also includes TWO DRINKS TICKETS to the bar, which will include wine, beer, and other drink selections. After that, it’s a cash bar ($3–4 a drink) so you might want to bring a little extra and ID just in case.

Where is the Ball this year?

At the fabulous Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, just off the Arts Quad on the Slope at the North-West corner of campus. If you’ve never been there before, now’s your chance! We have several floors of the Museum booked just for this event - it’s going to be fabulous!

Do I really have to leave my lab/library/office?

Yes, you do. It will be good for you, we promise.

Is this one of those old-fashioned snobby cotillion things with girls in big dresses and guys in top hats?

Er, no. This is a chance for grad students across the campus to get together and celebrate their year at Cornell. Snobs and cotillions are not invited. :) However, if you have a top hat or a hoop skirt, now is definitely the time to bring it out…