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Cornell University Student Employee Requirements, Rights & Responsibilities
(as adapted slightly by the Johnson School)

If you are registered full-time, in good standing at Cornell University and attending classes, you are eligible to work as a student employee.

Individuals who are not eligible to work as student employees -- have graduated, have withdrawn, are on a University or medical leave of absence, have a Bursar hold, a Dean's hold, a Judicial Advisor hold or a medical hold, or are registered part-time. When your status as a student at Cornell changes, all active jobs are terminated or put on a leave of absence.

However, a job is not just a paycheck…as an employee you have responsibilities and requirements to assure trouble free employment for both you and your employer.   You also have rights.

As a student employee at Cornell, you are required to:

  • Be registered full-time*, actively attending classes and in good standing with the University. 
  • Provide documentation that proves your identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Federal regulations require employers to hire only persons who may legally work in the U.S.:  Citizens and nationals of the U.S. and aliens authorized to work.   To comply with this law, you must complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form within 3 business days of being hired.  Most Cornell departments require a completed I-9 before allowing you to start working.

You may not work until you have completed the I-9 form and been appointed to the payroll; if you are not appointed to the payroll, there is no official record of your employment and you may not be covered by Workers’ Compensation if injured while working.

The most common documents used to prove identity and employment eligibility are: 1) a U.S. Passport or a unexpired foreign passport with I-551 stamp or attached INS Form I-94 indicating employment authorization OR 2) a driver’s license and a valid social security card or birth certificate.  You may also use other documents; refer to the I-9 form for a listing of acceptable documents.  Original documents are required; copies are not accepted as proof. For additional information on acceptable documentation, please visit the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Foreign national students with F-1 visas should complete their I-9 forms with their payroll representative in their respective college.  Foreign national students holding visas other than F-1 must complete their I-9 forms at the International Students and Scholars Office in B50 Caldwell Hall.

*Individuals who have graduated, have withdrawn, are on a University or medical leave of absence, have a Bursar hold, a Dean's hold, a Judicial Advisor hold or a medical hold, or are registered part-time are not eligible to work as student employees.

As a student employee at Cornell, your responsibilities include:

  • Reporting to work on time and completing your scheduled shift.
  • Working your full schedule as agreed upon when hired: this may include working the days surrounding or during study and exam weeks, fall and spring breaks and University holidays/vacations.
  • Asking permission from your supervisor, in a timely manner, for planned or unexpected absences. (Tardiness, unexcused or excessive absences are grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal from the job.)
  • Following department rules concerning appropriate dress, use of office equipment and supplies, use of phones and computers, etc.
  • Completing job duties as assigned and requested, and not conducting personal business (homework, e-mail, phone calls, web use, etc.) unless first approved by your supervisor.
  • Entering your time in COLTS on a daily** basis.
  • Entering your time in COLTS, and advising your supervisor so that he/she can go into COLTS and approve your hours prior to the bi-weekly payroll deadline.
  • Picking up your paycheck/advices on payday; otherwise, your check will be returned to the University Payroll Office at East Hill Plaza. All employees, students alike, are encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit. 
  • Treating your coworkers and supervisors with respect and consideration.

**Adherence to University payroll deadlines and procedures is imperative towards obtaining a paycheck. Do not bank your hours. If you fail to submit your hours on a bi-weekly basis, you will find it very difficult to get paid at the last minute as you prepare to leave campus for semester breaks or holidays.

As a student employee at Cornell University, you have the right to:

  • Be appointed to the payroll in a timely manner once all paperwork is completed and submitted to the appropriate areas.
  • Be paid biweekly, providing you completed and submitted your time into COLTS prior to the payroll deadline.
  • Be given a written copy of your job description, which details your exact responsibilities and job expectations.
  • Be given a written copy of departmental and supervisor expectations.
  • Be given a work schedule that includes requirements (if any) for working during breaks, vacations, holidays and study/exam weeks.
  • Be informed about your work performance verbally and in writing.
  • Be given an explanation if you are terminated.
  • Utilize staff in Student Employment Services and the Ombudsman’s Office for assistance with resolving work related problems.
  • Training and information about job-related health and safety issues.
  • Use your Cornell jobs as references for future employment and with credit institutions.
  • Be treated fairly and equitably by your supervisor(s).

Questions about Student Employment Policies . . .Should be directed to your supervisor, or to Student Employment Staff in 203 Day Hall, X5-9051.

Finally, keep in mind that Cornell University is an "at will" employer and as such, has the right to terminate any employee with or without cause at any time; this includes student employees as well as staff.


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Last Modified: May 6, 2008

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