Your go-to resource for successfully planning and executing Student Organization programming at Cornell Law School while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. The Dean of Students Office provides support and guidance to help you navigate the process, ensuring that your events are well-organized and meet the needs of your organization and the student body.
Law Student Event Planning
Step 1: Complete 25Live Reservation Request and the Dean of Students Student Event Form
To ensure that the Dean of Students can review your event request, please remember that all events and meetings must be registered through 25Live, per university policy. Additionally, the Student Event Information Form needs to be completed at least 7 days in advance.
If this requirement is not met, your event may not be reviewed or approved by the law school or the university.
Please remember that event and room requests are not considered to be approved until a final email confirmation has been sent. Some events may require additional approval from the University, depending on their nature, so please plan accordingly.
Step 2: Posting Events to CampusGroups
All Cornell Law School events and meetings must be placed on the CampusGroups Events Calendar. This can be done by submitting your event/meeting as an event through your organization. Click here to learn how to put events in CampusGroups.
Step 3: Submit Payment Requests in CampusGroups
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to submit a payment request.
If you are unsure at any step, you can save the Payment Request and contact the Student Business Office by emailing sobo@cornell.edu or visiting the WSH 4th floor Service Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm (closed from 12-1 pm for lunch). Please also use this same practice when submitting Payment Requests utilizing your DOS budget.
Only Treasurers and Advisors can submit Payment Requests. Previously, any officer could submit them. If another officer needs access, the Treasurer can email activities@cornell.edu to request training.
Step 4: Posting Events to Law School Calendar
Once a student event has received approval from the Dean of Students Office and the university administration, students are encouraged to promote their event by posting it on the Cornell Law School Calendar of Events. The option to do so is typically included as a question when completing your 25Live reservation request.
Key Resources for Event Planning
Cornell University Big Red Guidebook – Helpful directions and resources on how to register/re-register your organization, grow your membership, give skill-building leadership tools, plan and promote your events, access funding, reserve space, and more.
Cornell University Branding Center – When placing merchandise orders, all designs must be approved by the CU Branding Center.
- Find a list of approved Trademark Licensees vendors here.
- You may additionally seek approval from the CLS Communications Office.
Supplemental Funding
If you find your group running low on funds, consider submitting a Supplemental Funding Request Form. Funding requests will only be considered for unforeseeable events based on remaining available funds.
Student Leadership Handbook
Student leaders can review the 2023-2024 (updates coming soon) Student Leadership Handbook to access more Dean of Students Office event planning resources and student organization FAQs
Expressive Activity at Cornell
Please familiarize yourself with the information on Expressive Activity at Cornell.
Events with Alcohol, Catering, or Other Food Orders
Please review the Office of Risk Management and Insurance‘s webpage regarding events with alcohol.
- Coordinate with the Dean of Students Office regarding any events that plan to feature alcohol.
Caterer and Restaurant List
Click here to find a comprehensive list of caterers and restaurants that have pricing agreements with Cornell University.
- Please Note: You may order from other local caterers and restaurants, but your organization may incur additional costs, such as delivery fees and taxes.
Dean of Students Contact Information
For any additional information or questions, please contact Josh Haines, Cornell Law School Student Event Coordinator, at jnh87@cornell.edu, located in the Dean of Students Office, Myron Taylor Hall, Room 126
Example Event Planning Timeline
Most student organizations plan events within a 2–3 week window—this timeline reflects minimum expectations.
| 3+ Weeks Before | 2–3 Weeks Before | 1 Week Before |
| Submit the Student Event Information Form and reserve space in 25Live Submit your event in CampusGroups | Confirm space reservation Finalize catering (if applicable) Submit Payment Requests in CampusGroups. The Student Business Office requires that Payment Requests be submitted 7 business days before the date of your event Begin promotion (Social media, emails, digital screens, Scoops) | Confirm attendance estimates Reconfirm catering & A/V Send reminders |
| Day Before | Day Of Event | Post-Event |
| Final logistics check Print materials/attendance sheets | Arrive early Test classroom tech Execute event | Submit reimbursements (if applicable) Reflect & document outcomes |
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