Workplace Accommodations

All employees are expected to be available to perform the essential functions of their roles; however, no staff member should be compelled to return to campus to do work that can be accomplished remotely. If work cannot be accomplished remotely, supervisors should contact their local HR representative and consider the avenues noted in the Working During COVID-19 Guide for Employees.

Faculty and staff who are asked to return to work on-site who have an underlying medical condition, or those who are pregnant, may submit an ADA Reasonable Accommodation request, including accommodation requests for PPE, related to returning to the workplace by contacting Medical Leaves Administration at wcds@cornell.edu or calling 607 255-1177. More information and forms are available on the HR website.

Qualifying employees can pursue an accommodation to help them address their concerns related to returning to work. For guidance on the ADA Reasonable Accommodation process and other support mechanisms available to employees, please visit the Disability Accommodations webpage.

Employees who regularly care for a family member who is at higher risk for severe complications from COVID-19 may be able to work remotely or may be eligible for time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Further, staff members may be covered by NYS Paid Family Leave. More information on various leave programs is available on the Leaves and Disability webpage or by contacting Medical Leaves Administration at 255-1177 to determine the appropriate leave for an employee's situation and needs.