The 1970 Intergovernmental Personnel Act allows the appointment of individuals who are employed by Cornell to positions in a variety of federal agencies on a temporary basis, usually for one or two years. These individuals continue to be Cornell employees, but the federal government compensates the University for any salary and benefits expended. Cornell must agree to return such individuals to their previous status at the end of the appointment. Employees of federal agencies may come to Cornell under the same program.
The Act was established for the mutual benefit of educational institutions and the federal agencies. Those on leave gain valuable experience that they bring back to their home institutions, while the agencies have the benefit of new approaches and insights in their areas of responsibilities.
The Act is not for the purpose of affording individuals new job or career opportunities. Accordingly, it is Cornell policy not to make such arrangements for those who have student or postdoctoral associate status. Using the same criteria, research associates are eligible only if it is envisioned that their continuing careers are to be at Cornell. If a research associate is paid by a federal contract, there is also the problem of stability of funding and the guarantee of a position on the return of the individual. Since these individuals retain their appointments and will continue to be paid by the Medical College, it is necessary to submit the materials required for a leave of absence with salary. (See Leaves of Absence, Application Process.) The approval of the department chair and the Dean is required since there must be a guarantee of employment when the individual returns to Cornell.
For the purposes of computing credit toward sabbatical leave, such leaves are considered as leaves of absence.
Agreements with the federal agencies involved are signed by the Senior Associate Dean (Research). The Senior Associate Dean should be consulted when such arrangements are contemplated.