Cornell is one of the few institutions in the nation to allow students to directly elect representatives to its highest governing body. In alternating years with the undergraduate student body, a graduate or professional student will be elected by fellow students to serve as a full voting member on the Board of Trustees.

Election Calendar

Printable full election calendar

Monday, August 24, 2026: 

• Registration materials provided online. 
• Call for candidates sent to all registered Graduate and Professional Students.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

• Optional: Information Session for Candidates, 4:30-5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Monday, August 31, 2026

• Candidate registrations and petition forms due by 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

• Petition appeals due 24 hours after candidates are notified. Appeals are determined by the Committee for Campus-Constituency-Elected Trustees.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

• Mandatory candidate education session, 4:30 p.m.
• Campaigning begins immediately after the education session.

Monday, September 14, 2026

• Mandatory candidate meeting with University Counsel, 4:00 p.m. The meeting location will be provided separately to all qualified candidates.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

• Candidate forum (time and location to be provided).

Thursday, September 17, 2026

• Campaigning ends, 11:59 p.m.

Friday, September 18, 2026

• Voting opens, 12:01 a.m. All registered Graduate and Professional students will receive an electronic ballot via Cornell email.

Thursday, September 24, 2026

• Voting closes, 11:59 p.m.
• Candidate expense reports due to Office of the Assemblies, 11:59 p.m.
  • Candidate expense report form

Friday, September 25, 2026

• Challenges due by 11:59 p.m. (24 hours after close of voting).
  • Challenge form

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

• CCCET meets to determine challenges

October 1, 2026

• Election results announced.

Information for Candidates

Each person who wishes to be a candidate in this election must complete the following requirements:

1. Read the Committee for Campus-Constituency-Elected Trustees (CCCET) Election Procedures.
2. OPTIONAL: Attend the information session on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (via Zoom).
3. Complete the Online Registration Form by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026. Be prepared to provide:
   • a candidate statement (1500 character-limit)
   • describe relevant experiences, community involvement, and special interests 
   • a photo of yourself
4. Gather 40 valid, distinct signature using the online Petition Form by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026
   • Instructions to create and sign petitions.
   • We recommend you collect at least 45-50 signatures.
   • Any registered Cornell graduate or professional student may sign your petition form (even if they are not eligible to run for student-elected Trustee).
   • Any registered Cornell graduate or professional student may sign more than one petitioner’s petition for candidacy.
   • There is no limit to the number of signatures you may submit.
   • Submit your petitions by the registration deadline of 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026..

After completing the registration requirements, candidates must also do the following as part of the election process:

1. Attend the mandatory campaigning meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (Location to be provided).
2. Attend the mandatory meeting with the University Counsel on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Note: The location for this meeting will provided separately to registered candidates.
3. Participate in the Trustee Candidate Debate/Forum on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

View the full Student-Elected Trustee Election Calendar.
More information is available online.

If you have questions about this form or require any assistance or accommodation to complete it, please contact the Office of the Assemblies at trustee-elections@cornell.edu.