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Getting Started

Welcome to Weill Cornell. Please click on each heading below for more details about the steps needed to get started in your new position or you may download a checklist.

  • Obtaining a CWID and email account
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      You should receive a CWID when you complete paperwork with Human Resources through either the Information Management Services or Immigration Division.

      An email address can be requested through your supervisor once you receive a CWID.

      If you are not required to visit Human Resources to complete paperwork, please contact Information Technology Services (ITS) at (212) 746-6333.

  • Enroll in the Health Benefits Program
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      If you are a Postdoctoral Trainee (Postdoctoral Associates, Fellows or Visiting Fellow involved in research) paid through the Weill Cornell Medical College and not by an external funding agency, you are eligible for health and wellness benefits.

      Your benefits will become active the first day of the month following your start date. If your appointment begins on the first day of the month, you will be eligible for benefits immediately. Academic appointees have thirty-one (31) days from their documented start date to make benefits elections. You should receive a folder that contains specific plan documentation when you complete your New Hire paperwork with Human Resources. If you do not receive this information, please contact the Benefits Office at (646) 962-9247, Option 2.

      All benefit elections must be completed online. You will receive information on how to enroll within two weeks of your start with the College. If you do not receive this information, please contact the Benefits Office.

      A summary of the benefits offered and how to enroll will be given at Academic Orientation, facilitated by the Human Resources Department. To view a brief overview of the benefits offered by WCMC, feel free to visit our online training module

  • Attend a Postdoctoral Trainee Orientation Session
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      New Postdoctoral Trainees (Postdoctoral Associates, Fellows and Visiting Fellows involved in research) are invited to attend an Academic Orientation session.

      Topics covered include the Postdoctoral Association, employee benefits, and required laboratory safety training. You will also be provided with important resources and contacts that will build a strong foundation for your time at the Weill Cornell Medical College.

      If you would like to register for the training, please visit the Human Resources Scheduling System and open an account. You will then be free to enroll in an upcoming training.

      If you have any questions regarding Academic Orientation, please contact Guy Mazza at gum2004@med.cornell.edu, or at (212) 746-2806.

  • Get informed about paying Federal, New York State, and New York City taxes.
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      Postdoctoral trainees should consult their local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office regarding the interpretation of current codes, information about changes to the code, and the proper steps that they should take to insure that they are meeting their tax obligations.

      Weill Cornell Medical College faculty and staff are not authorized to give tax advice.  Here are some helpful websites regarding taxes:

      o  Federal taxes: IRS website
      o  State and City taxes: New York State, Department of Taxation and Finance
      o  National Postdoctoral Association's Beginner's Guide to Income Taxation for International Postdocs
      o  Weill Cornell Medical College 's Immigration Office: (see last step below)

  • Complete your regulatory compliance requirements
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      Visit the Regulatory Compliance section of the OPA website and complete the checklist to determine the courses and paperwork required for you to be in compliance with Federal, State, City and Institutional regulatory requirements.

  • Join the Postdoctoral Trainee email listserve and LinkedIn Group
  • Familiarize yourself with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website
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      The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) website has information specifically tailored to postdoctoral trainees.  You will find resources for making the most out of your postdoctoral training and for progressing your career. 

  • If you are an international postdoctoral trainee, check-in with the Immigration Office
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      You must register with the Weill Cornell Medical College Immigration Office immediately upon your arrival.  The Immigration Office is located in Olin Hall, room 217, at 445 East 69 Street.  The contact information for the Immigration Office staff is:

      Jeanie Huang, Manager, Immigration
      jch2003@med.cornell.edu
      212-746-1033

      Eric S. Palazzo, Immigration Coordinator
      esp2006@med.cornell.edu
      212-746-2191

      The Immigration Office will help you obtain a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification, determine your tax status, and determine your requirements for health and/or evacuation insurance.  Please note that a representative of the Weill Cornell Medical College Immigration Office will be available to answer questions at Postdoctoral Trainee Orientation Sessions. 

      Visit the For International Scholars section of this website.

  • Bookmark this webpage in your browser
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      This page contains important phone numbers for requesting assistance and reporting a problem.

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