Welcome to Cornell! Whether you are joining us in Ithaca, at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, or at Cornell Tech in New York City, we are excited to have you as part of the Cornell postdoctoral community.
All new postdocs will receive a welcome email from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs with important information to help you get started, including an invitation to our monthly New Postdoc Welcome Meeting. Postdocs based in Ithaca are encouraged to attend in person, and a virtual option is available for those at other campuses or who are unable to attend on site.
Many of the resources throughout this website apply to all Cornell postdocs, regardless of campus location. However, some information, including benefits, campus services, safety resources, housing, family support, and other local resources, may vary by location. Be sure to explore information specific to your campus:
We encourage you to take advantage of the many resources, programs, and professional development opportunities available to Cornell postdocs. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is here to support you throughout your postdoctoral experience.
New Postdoc Welcome Meetings
The Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (DPDA) receives daily updates on newly appointed postdocs. All new postdocs subsequently receive a personalized email from the DPDA with 1) resource document, 2) invitation to the monthly welcome meeting, 3) an offer for an individual meeting if they have questions, and 4) information on the National Postdoctoral Association and the Cornell Postdoc Association.
Postdoc Onboarding Handbook
The Postdoc Onboarding Handbook is a useful resource developed by postdocs for postdocs.
Advice from Current and Former Cornell Postdocs
- Make sure you are put on your departmental list-serve when you arrive so you hear about announcements, seminars, etc.
- If there’s a chance for you to give a presentation in your department or on campus, take the opportunity to sign up. There’s never too much practice you can get and this is a great way to introduce yourself to your department.
- Settling in and making friends can be hard. Take advantage of postdoc social nights and other programming offered to postdocs (postdoc leadership class, etc.) to meet others from around campus.
Human Resources
Cornell Human Resources is a resource for information on procedures and policies with appointments, reappointments, and promotions. They operate Workday, where you can view your paystub history and update your contact information.
IDs and Building Access
When you arrive on campus, you will schedule an onboarding appointment with Cornell Human Resources. There you will receive your ID card. An HR administrator within your department will be in charge of getting you swipe access or keys to your building, office, and/or lab.
Mental Health
The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) offers free and confidential guidance and support to benefits-eligible employees and their partners to address issues that may be affecting their personal lives and/or job satisfaction or performance. This confidential resource is part of Cornell’s broad commitment to foster and support the mental health and well-being of the campus community. Urgent phone consultation is available evenings and weekends.
Cornell Wellness Program
The Cornell Wellness Program provides educational and physical fitness opportunities for faculty, staff, and their families to engage in healthy lifestyles that enhance the social and physical dimensions of life. Postdocs who are eligible and choose the Cornell Program for Healthy Living insurance package can access all Cornell Wellness services for free, including swimming pools, gyms, and day bags with sportswear.
Department of Inclusion and Belonging
The Department of Inclusion and Belonging is dedicated to creating a positive environment for Cornell’s faculty, staff, and students by assisting in the resolution of discrimination, harassment, and bias matters; providing resources in the areas of affirmative action and diversity; and by addressing work-related issues that affect the life quality of Cornell’s increasingly diverse employee population.