FAQs

Questions? We have answers…

Here are frequently asked questions about student employment opportunities offered by Cornell. Visit our Federal Work Study page for specific questions about this program.

In this Q&A:

General Employment Questions:

Student Address Questions:


What jobs are available?

  • Student Employment jobs can be found on the Student Job and Internships page as well as in Workday. Beginning July 1, 2023, students will be able to search for and apply to jobs in Workday. Positions, responsibilities, and wages vary. Check out the wages and classifications page to get a better idea of the types of jobs offered.

Am I guaranteed a job?

  • Cornell does not place students in jobs and no job at Cornell is guaranteed. Students are responsible for conducting a job search. Although Cornell is an "at will" employer, meaning any job can be terminated with or without cause at any time, our employers strive to retain student employees that are skilled, hard-working, and dedicated.

When can you work?

  • Jobs are available for the duration of the year. Students are responsible for deciding how many hours they can work based on their class schedule and extracurricular activities, but are encouraged to work no more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Students are not permitted to work during scheduled class times.

What and how are students paid for the work they perform?

  • The Cornell Student Job and Wage Classification System governs student positions and wages. Hourly employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit by submitting their hours worked through the Workday time collection system.  All wages are considered taxable income. Student employees are eligible for raises based on merit and may receive a pay increase with an increase in corresponding job responsibilities.

How do I accept, reduce, or decline my Federal Work Study award?

  • You need to actively accept, reduce, or decline offers for Federal Work Study (FWS) through your Student Center. For instructions on how to accept/decline FWS, please review this tutorial. FWS cannot be earned and your employer will not be able to confirm your federal work study eligibility until this has been completed.

Is "Employment Earnings Expectation" in my package the same as Federal Work Study?

  • Employment Earnings Expectation (EEE) and Federal Work Study (FWS) are not the same. FWS reimburses employers for a portion of the student employee's wages. The student's employer is responsible for paying 100% of the student's wages.

How do I request a Social Security Number (SSN)?

  • Social Security numbers (SSNs) are required for all employees (citizens and noncitizens) working in the United States.
  • Please visit the Office of Global Learning's International Services website for guidance on applying for an SSN.
  • Once you have obtained your Social Security Number, please update this information in person or by fax (607-255-6262) with the Office of the University Registrar, in order to accurately process year-end tax documents in compliance with legal requirements.
    • Please note: Cornell University will never ask for anyone to send Social Security information via email.

How do I complete my I-9 Form for Employment Eligibility Verification?

  • The Department of Homeland Security requires that all new employees complete the Form I-9 within 72 hours of the first day of work.  You must present original, unexpired documents to verify your identity and employment authorization to work in the United States.
  • Once you have been hired and your employer has created your Workday profile, you can sign-in using your NetID and password.
    • On your Workday dashboard, select the Inbox icon in the upper right-hand corner; this is where you will find your action items.
    • Follow the prompts in your Workday Inbox to complete Section 1 of the Form I-9.
    • To complete Section 2, you must contact your employing department to schedule a time to meet in person.

Can students work remotely?

  • Students can work in person or remotely, if approved by their employer. They're required to demonstrate professionalism and comply with all Cornell University policies. Some remote work options will require prior approval by the Department Chair or Dean.

What address is stored in Workday and how can it be updated?

  • Students cannot update their address directly in Workday.  Peoplesoft is the data of record for student address information and can be updated by the student via Student Essentials.  Workday pulls the 'Local Residential' address from Student Essentials on a nightly basis and updates both the Home Address and the Work Address fields in Workday.

What address should be used in Workday?

  • Students should update their 'Local Residential' address in Student Essentials as the address where they currently reside (typically an Ithaca, NY address).  This is the address where students will be taxed for their Cornell student employment job and as such, this is the address that will display on their W-2.

Shouldn't my Home Address in Workday be my actual home address (vs my Ithaca address)?

  • If Workday reflected your home address (ex. California), taxes would be incorrectly reported to California, instead of New York.  As a result, when you receive your W-2 at year end, you would be required to pay taxes to California even though you did not actually earn wages in that state.  By having your local address as Ithaca, NY, for example, you will only be taxed in NY.

Which address is used for my paycheck?

  • The only address that Workday pulls from Peoplesoft is the Local Residential address. If the Local Residential address is listed as your local residence (which is advised) your paycheck will go to this address.
  • If you wish to have your final paycheck sent to a different location (for example your parent's address) then you can update your 'Local Residential' address in Student Essentials accordingly.
    • This change must occur before your final check is created (typically 5 days before payday).