Foundations of our Workplace
Being a leader at Cornell necessitates an understanding of the context in which you work.
Cornell University
There are several key characteristics that make up the environment and culture of Cornell.
- The University's Core Values. In fall 2019, the university adopted a set of core values that will serve as the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive atmosphere for all on our campuses. Learn more at cornell.edu/values.
- The Land Grant Mission. As New York state’s land-grant institution, Cornell University is charged with advancing the lives and livelihoods of the state’s citizens through teaching, research and public service. Learn more at landgrant.cornell.edu.
- Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' Land Acknowledgment for the Ithaca Campus. Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' (the Cayuga Nation). The Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign Nations with a historic and contemporary presence on this land. The Confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell University, New York state, and the United States of America. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' dispossession, and honor the ongoing connection of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' people, past and present, to these lands and waters.
Learn more about the Land Acknowledgment here.
- Cornell's Funding Model. Endowment funds are invested to keep the long-term principal amount intact to provide a stable flow of operating revenues. Endowment funds mostly come from donors, which are usually designated or restricted for a specific purpose. State and federal appropriations are funds we receive to primarily support operations in contract colleges; which include the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Human Ecology, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Total Rewards. Cornell understands that different individuals have different needs and concerns when it comes to salary, benefits, and rewards. That's why we’ve created a program that is comprehensive and flexible to meet our employees needs, whether that’s for family growth and protection, getting the most value for their salary deductions, or planning for the short-term and long-term future. Learn more at our Total Rewards webpage.
- Job Families and Pay Structure. Cornell has approximately 700 staff job profiles that are organized into 15 job families (for example, academic support, finance, IT, student support, health) across 9 pay bands (A through I). Each staff position is placed into a job profile classification within this structure based on the required qualifications and complexity of work. Cornell is proud to offer competitive salaries, based on a combination of education, skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to the position being filled, as well as pay equity and related market data. Learn more on the Classification & Compensation webpage.
- Health-Promoting Campus and the Okanagan Charter. Cornell University formally adopted the Okanagan Charter to become a Health-Promoting Campus, working to transform the health and sustainability of our current and future societies, strengthen communities, and contribute to the well-being of people, places, and the planet. Learn more about the Okanagan Charter.
Employment Policies
Information and guidance about workplace policies at Cornell, including Employment Policies and Pay Practices & Guidelines.