F.A.Q.'s
Welcome to the Cornell University Library
[Information for Endowed Nonacademic, Regular, 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 schedule an appointment with the University Onboarding Center before or on your first day of employment. This meeting is conducted by representatives from the Office of Human Resources and is held at East Hill Plaza. You will be given the opportunity to obtain your university photo ID as well as sign up for many of your benefits, including health insurance and transportation options. Your health insurance coverage normally begins on your first day of employment. Human Resources will also give a broad overview of the other services, benefits, and perks the University offers to its 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 (hourly) staff are paid bi-weekly on Thursdays one week after the end of the pay period. Exempt (salaried) 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?
Employees with regular appointments will receive their photo ID at the onboarding appointment. Temporary employees will go to the Office of the University Registrar in B07 Day Hall to receive their photo ID. ID cards processed by the University Registrar cannot be issued until the faculty or staff appointment is active in the Human Resources system, which means not before the first day of one's appointment.
What about parking/transportation?
Cornell provides many transportation options. Employees with regular appointments may select their transportation option at the onboarding appointment. Temporary employees are eligible for limited bus privileges, or may choose to purchase a parking permit at the Transportation Office, 116 Maple Ave. For complete information or if you have any questions, please contact the Transportation 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, 213 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?
All time is tracked in kronos, a web-based time collection system. Your supervisor will show you how to access your timecard and how to record time worked. It may take a few days before your appointment is processed in the system, so please make note of your hours worked so you can enter them correctly when you can get on-line.
Any hours spent on vacation, sick leave, personal leave, or leave with pay should be recorded with the appropriate leave code.
It is recommended that time be recorded on a daily basis. Your timecard is a legal document that must accurately report your time worked.
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?
Staff at the onboarding appointment will be able to provide brief summaries to mos tquestions. More detailed information will be made available to you at your Welcome to Cornell meeting. All Cornell policies are also on the Office of Human Resources website for review. You are encouraged to check with your supervisor, Library Human Resources, or the Office of Human Resources 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.