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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.