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Workday Update This Weekend (September 20-21, 2024): Please note that Workday will be unavailable during a scheduled update from 5pm, Friday, September 20, through the duration of the weekend or until the transition is complete. Job applications and other Workday functions will be unavailable during this time. Please plan any tasks accordingly. Time tracking clock users will still be able to punch in and out; web users can record time once system is back online.

Working at Cornell

Employment Policy & Practice

Workplace policies, procedures, and guidance at Cornell.

Get help with policy questions:

Employment Policy Index

Start with the Employment Policy Index to find policy and other supporting documents that are specifically for Cornell employees.

Also see:

  • University Policy Office: university-wide policies; e.g., Business Expenses, Information Security, Standards of Ethical Conduct
  • Union Contracts: for members of bargaining units; e.g., Teamsters, Cornell Police Union, Building Trades Council, etc.
  • Faculty Handbook: guidance specific to Cornell university faculty.
  • Workplace Rights: information concerning state and federal regulations for employees, such as workplace posters, pay transparency, drug-free workplace statement, etc.
  • Contact your HR representative with questions regarding policy as they apply to you.
  • Contact Workforce Policy office (hrpolicyquestions@cornell.edu) with questions about workplace policy at Cornell.

How policies work at Cornell

pyramid showing policy hierarchy at Cornell: at top is policy, beneath policy is program, then procedures, then guidelines.

Policies: Official university policies are maintained by the University Policy office. Policies provide the framework, scope, limitations, and any compliance requirements for more detailed programs, procedures, and guidelines.

Programs: are maintained by the overseeing unit. For most workplace programs, this is Human Resources. Programs describe the application of the policy. 

Procedures: detail how the program is implemented.

Guidelines: provide additional details and resources.