F.A.Q.'s
Welcome to the Cornell University Library
[Information for Endowed Nonacademic Employees]
As a new employee, you probably have many questions ranging from parking to health care. If you have additional questions after reading this document and the "Summary of Benefits and Privileges" brochure, we will be happy to assist you in Library Human Resources.
As a new employee, you will receive a New Employee Orientation binder and you will be invited to attend a Welcome to Cornell session.
Welcome To Cornell - This meeting is conducted by representatives from the Office of Human Resources. It is held in Robert Purcell Community Center. It is from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You will be given the opportunity to sign up for many of your benefits, including health insurance. However, your health insurance coverage normally begins on your first day of employment. Human Resources will also give an overview of the services and benefits the University offers employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cornell workweek and when will I be paid?
The standard workweek begins Thursday at midnight and ends the following Wednesday at 11:59 PM. Non-exempt staff are paid bi-weekly on Thursdays one week after the end of the pay period. Exempt staff are paid semi-monthly on the 15th and the last day of every month. The date you receive your first check depends on your start date and when your appointment papers are processed. Most new employees receive their first check within three weeks of employment.
When will I receive my Staff ID Card?
Once you have completed your I-9 and your paperwork is processed with Records, you can go to 130 Day Hall to receive your ID card. It usually takes 1-2 days after you start.
What about parking/transportation?
A parking permit may be obtained at the Traffic Office, 116 Maple Ave. Your appointment letter will be accepted as proof that you are a Cornell employee. Once you receive your staff ID card, you can obtain an OmniRide bus pass. For complete information or if you have any questions, please contact the Traffic Office directly at 255-4600.
When can I take vacation time?
Accrued vacation time may be used after six months of employment with your supervisor’s approval. A Vacation Usage Consent form must be signed by you and your supervisor before the vacation is taken, and forwarded to Library Human Resources. If you use vacation time and then do not complete one year of service, vacation pay received will be deducted from your last paycheck.
How do I accrue family health care and personal leave?
Both family health care and personal leave time are part of your accrued sick leave. You may utilize up to 3 days each fiscal year for personal time and 3 days each fiscal year for family health care. An employee's total accrued sick leave (including health care and personal leave) is approximately 12 days per year. You may not take more than 3 personal days (with supervisory approval) and three health care days in any given fiscal year. You must have accrued sick leave to utilize personal or family health care.
Am I paid if I am unable to work because of illness and do not have any sick time accrued?
Employees may not use more sick leave than has been accumulated. If you are sick and do not have sufficient accrued time to cover the sick leave period, you must take the sick leave time either as leave without pay or as vacation time (as long as you have accrued vacation time and are eligible to take it). If you are sick but have been employed more than 6 months, but less than one year, you can use vacation time to cover your absence. A Vacation Consent Usage form (can be obtained in Library HR, 235 Olin Library) must be signed by you and your supervisor, and forwarded to Library Human Resources. Supervisors must approve vacation time and/or leave without pay.
Is it true that I can take a Cornell course for free?
Yes, you are eligible to enroll for 4 credits per semester tuition free in on-campus academic courses. Your supervisor needs to approve your request. Admission to courses depends upon space availability. Courses may be audited or taken for credit. There are additional training opportunities available to you through the Library Learning Opportunities Calendar.
I am a non-exempt employee; I understand I need to complete a time card. Where do I get one and how do I complete it?
Time is tracked in COLTS (Cornell On-Line Time System). Your supervisor will train you how to access your timecard in COLTS and enter your time worked. You can also visit the payroll COLTS Tutorial website. It may take a few days before all of your information is entered into they system, so please make note of your hours worked so you can enter them correctly when you can get on line. Your COLTS time card is a legal document that must accurately state your time worked.
Any hours spent on vacation, sick leave, personal leave, or leave with pay should be recorded in the appropriate column.
After the time card is complete both you and your supervisor must approve it. Each department has its own deadlines so be sure to check with your supervisor for yours.
Where can I find out additional information on benefits or policies?
More detailed information will be made available to you at your Welcome to Cornell meetings and in the New Employee Orientation binder provided by Library Human Resources. All Cornell policies are on the Office of Human Resources website for you to review. You should check with your supervisor, Library Human Resources, or the Office of Human Resource in Day Hall, whenever you have a question or concern.
While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material we have presented, the legal documents, policies, or certificates pertaining to the various benefits prevail in the event of any discrepancy. This paper des not constitute a legal document. The policies summarized here are not conditions of employment and are subject to change. The language is not intended to create a contract between the University and Library employees.