Effective June 29, 2026
Vacation Policy
Students are expected to inform the PI or the rotation advisor of all proposed and planned absences in advance so that the flow of experimental work can be planned. Attending scientific meetings and days explicitly taken off for study and preparation for examinations do not count as vacation days.
Students are granted 2-3 weeks (10-15 business days) of vacation per academic year upon the final agreement with thesis advisor(s).
Any absences from class need be arranged in advance and approved by the course instructor or course director.
In the event of an unanticipated absence, students should make every effort to communicate with the PI, Program Directors and/or Graduate School as soon as possible. Any unexplained absence will constitute lack of satisfactory progress in the Program and can result in academic probation.
It is important to read the Code of Legislation of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences for Graduate School guidelines and policy (especially sections 9 - 15). This document can be found on the WCGSMS (Student Forms).
Holidays
Students should abide by the holiday policy of their lab’s institution and Weill Cornell Graduate School Academic Calendar.
Sick Policy
Students who are unable to work in the laboratory due to illness may take up to 2 weeks (10 business days) per year. Students must inform their mentor of the need for sick time in writing as soon as reasonably possible. Those who require more than 10 business days per year of sick leave must provide a doctor’s note to the PI and may be asked to discuss with Program Directors to consider a leave of absence.
In the event of an unanticipated absence, students should make every effort to communicate with the PI, Program Directors and/or Graduate School as soon as possible. Any unexplained absence will constitute lack of satisfactory progress in the Program and can result in academic probation.
Extended time off and Leave of Absence
Individual circumstances may dictate the need for additional time off (family circumstances, etc). The student must work with the mentor to establish a mutually agreed upon experimental plan to ensure timely completion of thesis work. This plan must be approved by the Program Director before this additional time is allowed. Parental leave is per WCM Graduate School policy. Extended absences may require a leave of absence and need to be discussed with the thesis advisor, Program Directors, and the Dean.
Lab hours
When not in class or seminars, students are expected to be in lab each day for a full working day (eight hours or different working hours with the final approval of thesis advisor(s)). Some experiments will require longer hours or attendance on weekends. Please discuss with your thesis advisor acceptable lab attendance and experimental timeline to ensure timely progression to degree.