Health Promoting Campus

Cornell University's commitment: People. Places. Planet.

Supporting Wellbeing Through Connection

Your ability to flourish in college extends well beyond the classroom. It begins with the feeling that you belong—that you are known, valued, and connected to people and communities that value your authentic selves and help you find your footing. 

Meaningful social connection is closely tied to wellbeing, resilience, and academic success.

This fall, Cornell is hosting several new events designed to create intentional opportunities for you to connect with peers, all funded by a generous gift from the Cornell Class of 1965. 

Big Red Connect  

Big Red Connect wordmark

This initiative invites students to engage in opportunities to connect with peers across the university. Participants will be “matched” via email and can choose how and when to meet, whether for coffee, conversation, or another shared activity. This low-pressure and flexible program offers a simple way to meet new people and build connections across campus each month.

Fall 2026

  • The first 200 students to sign up here will receive a $5 coffee coupon to meet up with someone new!

Big Red Table 

Big Red Table wordmark

New Student Orientation Dinners

A welcome dinner bringing together first-year students for an evening of good food, real conversation, and the kind of connections that last.

August (two dates)

  • Thursday: August 20 | Toni Morrison Multipurpose Room  (Registration is Full)
  • Saturday: August 22 | Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room  (Registration is Full)

Graduate/Professional Student Orientation Dinner

A welcome dinner for new graduate and professional students—hosted at the Big Red Barn, the campus hub designed for this community. Menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. (Capacity: 40 students.)

August 

Monthly dinner series (fall 2026)

Facilitated meals—hosted each month of the academic year in different areas across campus—help students come together over a shared meal to meet new people, swap stories, and build the kind of connections that make campus feel like home. All menus include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. (Capacity: 25 students per dinner)

September

October

  • Date: Monday, October 26 signup | Time: 6-7:30pm | Location: Toni Morrison Multipurpose Room | Menu: Harvest Dinner with roasted vegetables  

November

December

Learn more

For more information about these Big Red wellbeing events, email: bigredconnect@cornell.edu