Family Weekend: Oct. 17-19, 2025
Every fall, Family Weekend provides a chance for families to visit students for a fun-filled weekend on the Cortland campus. This is a great time to experience college through their student's eyes, and for students to show them why they love Cortland.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Enjoy a meal with University President Erik J. Bitterbaum.
- Cheer on the Red Dragon athletic teams.
- Explore campus and partake in local fall activities.
The weekend is designed to help you discover what SUNY Cortland has to offer and learn about the organizations, people and places that have become home to your student.
Registration for Family Weekend 2025 has now closed. Families are still welcome to come to campus and enjoy the activities that do not have limited attendance. There is no need to pre-register for anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does my family check-in and pick up tickets for the brunch and planetarium?
Family Weekend check-in will be open on Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. in Corey Union, Room 209 (Lobby Level).
Can my Cortland student check-in and pick up our tickets?
Yes, SUNY Cortland students whose families are pre-registered may pick up their tickets during regular check-in hours. Be sure to pick up the updated schedule for changes that may have occurred.
Where is my family permitted to park during Family Weekend?
After 4 p.m. on Friday through 11 p.m. Sunday, all parking lots are open and parking is free except for restricted areas including the Child Care lot (which won't open/free up until 5:30 p.m. on Friday), metered areas, service vehicle spots, and fire lanes. After 11 p.m. on Sunday all vehicles must be parked in the appropriate parking lot with a valid permit for that particular lot. There is no parking on Neubig Road from 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. anytime. Overnight guests may park in the commuter lots.
What is the appropriate attire for the Presidents' Brunch?
The attire for the brunch is casual. Many families will be attending the athletic events and other activities afterward. Please feel free to dress for whatever activities your family is participating in that day.
Can my family use the Student Life Center fitness facility?
Yes, families that have pre-registered for Family Weekend will be able to use the Student Life Center (SLC) free of charge. There are no tickets to pick up. You will be asked to complete a waiver when you arrive at the SLC.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
For additional information and questions, please email campusactivities@cortland.edu or call the Campus Activities Office at 607-753-2322 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4 p.m.)
We look forward to seeing you and your family!
Information on lodging in the Cortland area can be found through the restaurants and lodging information page.
Friday, Oct. 17
6 a.m. - midnight Student Life Center open
Student Life Center
Free access to the fitness center including pool, track, and workout equipment. Please let front desk staff know you are a parent of a SUNY Cortland student and complete the guest waiver daily.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Campus Store open
Neubig Hall
Opportunity to purchase Cortland apparel, school supplies, and more.
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Dowd Gallery open
Dowd Fine Arts Center; Free admission.
Check out the selected works in the campus art gallery.
4 - 7 p.m. Check-In
Corey Union, Room 209
Welcome! Check-in and pick up your Family Weekend packet containing your pre-paid tickets and updated event schedule.
6:30 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Ithaca
Park Center, Corey Gymnasium; Free admission.
7 p.m. Student Activities Board Comedy Night
Corey Union Function Room; Free admission.
Two comedians. One hilarious night. Join us for an evening of laughs. Gather your friends and family and head on over to the Function Room on the third floor of Corey Union. Free appetizers and beverages will be available.
Saturday, Oct. 18
8 a.m. - midnight Student Life Center open
Student Life Center
Free access to the fitness center including pool, track, and workout equipment. Please let front desk staff know you are a parent of a SUNY Cortland student and complete the guest waiver daily.
9 – 11 a.m. Check-In
Corey Union, Room 209
Welcome! Check-in and pick up your Family Weekend packet containing your pre-paid tickets and updated event schedule.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Campus Store opens
Neubig Hall
Opportunity to purchase Cortland apparel, school supplies, and more.
11 a.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Stevens
Park Center, Corey Gymnasium; Free Admission.
11 a.m. Presidents’ Brunch As of 10/2/25, this event is sold out.
Corey Union Function Room
Join us for a morning brunch, a popular tradition with families and students, with remarks by University President Erik J. Bitterbaum and Student Government President Parker Arenas as well as performances by A Capella groups. Enjoy scrambled eggs w/ cheese, scones, bacon, home fries, chicken & biscuits, french toast w/ syrup, cut fruit, mini cannoli, coffee, and orange juice.
General Admission (adults and SUNY Cortland students, children 6 and up) - $20. Advance registration required. Purchase general admission to the President's Brunch. Note: This event is limited to 300 participants.
1 p.m. Football vs. Alfred University
Stadium Complex Grady Field
SUNY Cortland students admitted free with their Cortland ID card. All others can purchase tickets to the football game. The game is not anticipated to sell out.
1 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Morrisville
Holloway Field; Free admission.
1 p.m. Women's Ice Hockey vs. Nazareth (Exhibition Game)
Park Center Alumni Arena; Free Admission
2 - 5 p.m. Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard is open for Apple Picking
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard, 2708 Lords Hill Road (Rte. 80), Lafayette, NY.
Take a drive and experience apple picking firsthand. The apple orchard is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the last wagon departing at 5 p.m.
3 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Bard
Park Center, Corey Gymnasium; Free Admission
3 - 5 p.m. Planetarium Shows As of 10/2, there are no more seats available.
Bowers Hall
Planetarium Director and Physics Lecturer, Sean Nolan will present planetarium shows every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission but seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Reserve your spot at a planetarium show.
8 p.m. Total Trivia!
Corey Union Function Room
Calling all trivia buffs, the competition is on! This fast-paced trivia game includes multiple-choice questions covering a wide variety of topics. From movies, pop culture, sports, geography, math, history, science, food, and more, there's a category for everyone!
Players are competing for points and leaderboard spots - score the most points at the end of each round and you win! in Total Trivia, every audience member participates! There are four rounds to each game and multiple chances to win $200 in cash prizes!
Sunday, Oct. 19
8 a.m. - midnight Student Life Center open
Student Life Center
Free access to the fitness center including pool, track, and workout equipment. Please let front desk staff know you are a parent of a SUNY Cortland student and complete the guest waiver daily.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Campus Store open
Neubig Hall
Opportunity to purchase Cortland apparel, school supplies, and more.
Local Family Fun
- 281 Bowling
- CortLanes Bowling
- Crown City Cinemas
- Greek Peak Adventure Center
- Hi-Lanes Bowling
- Homer Center for the Arts
- Mini Golf / A&W Restaurant