HR & pay
Get onboarded, set up payroll, understand your compensation, and follow the right steps for prep work contracts and event approvals.
Getting started: onboarding checklist
Before your first class session, complete the following with CIIS Human Resources, located on floor 5 at 1453 Mission St.
- Sign your faculty contract. Your contract specifies course(s), compensation rate, and appointment dates. Review it carefully and return a signed copy to HR.
- Sign your I-9 and upload required documents. Required for all instructors before your first pay period.
- Set up direct deposit. Complete your bank and payment preferences through Paychex Flex.
- Activate your CIIS email and portal access. HR provisions your CIIS email, Canvas LMS, Colleague/Ellucian, and library database access.
- Review the relevant handbook. Adjuncts: the CIIS Adjunct Handbook. Core faculty: the CIIS Faculty Handbook.
- Complete required trainings. FERPA (annually) and sexual harassment prevention (every 2 years).
Prep work contracts
Prep work contracts pay for the time spent designing a course before it runs. They are separate from your regular course contract.
New adjuncts
New adjuncts automatically receive a prep work contract.
Teaching a new course
Adjuncts teaching a new course can request one. Chairs must contact HR with the adjunct's name and new course number before the start of the semester.
Prep work contracts allow up to 25 hours of prep time for 3-unit and 4-unit courses.
Compensation
Pay structure & schedule
Faculty compensation is determined by course unit load and the current pay scale. Your contract specifies your exact rate.
CIIS processes payroll through Paychex on a semi-monthly basis (twice per month). The first paycheck generally arrives two to three weeks after your first pay period begins.
Adjuncts: complete timesheets bimonthly. Access pay stubs and update bank details through Paychex Flex.
Key contacts
- HR & operationsFloor 5, 1453 Mission St · Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm · 415.575.6100
- HR staff directoryFind a specific HR staff member
- Program coordinatorFirst point of contact for course assignment, scheduling, and academic policy questions.
- IT & systemsCanvas, email, and portal access — VCL Hub support chat at vclhub.com.
Benefits & eligibility
Benefit eligibility depends on your appointment type and teaching load. Consult HR for your specific eligibility.
Health benefits
Faculty teaching above a threshold load may qualify for health, dental, and vision coverage. HR determines eligibility based on credit hours taught per semester.
Library & resources
All faculty receive full CIIS library access — physical collections on floor 2, digital databases, and interlibrary loan.
Tuition benefits
CIIS offers tuition remission for eligible employees. Contact HR to confirm whether your appointment qualifies.
Events approval procedure
Hosting an event? Use the right path based on size and planning effort. Submit approvals early — deadlines are well before the semester.
Large events
50+ attendees · 100+ planning hours- Examples
- Conferences, symposiums
- Planned by
- Office of Events
- Approval deadline
- 1 year in advance, during AY budget planning
- Approvals required
- Department chair, vice provost, Office of Events (3)
- Next step
- Submit the Microsoft Form
Medium events
Under 50 attendees · 10–100 planning hours- Examples
- Workshops, panels, salons, book launches, guest speakers
- Planned by
- AAD
- Approval deadline
- 4 months in advance, before the start of semester
- Approvals required
- Department chair, AAD director and manager (2)
- Next step
- Submit the Microsoft Form
Small events
Under 10 planning hours · minimal components- Examples
- Virtual events
- Planned by
- AAD
- Approval
- No formal approval required
- Next step
- Notify AOS at least 1 month before the event date
Frequently asked questions
When will I receive my first paycheck?
Typically two to three weeks after the start of your first pay period, depending on when your contract and paperwork are finalized. Submit all onboarding documents before the payroll cutoff for your first period.
What if there's an error in my pay?
Contact HR directly on floor 5. Bring your contract and the pay stub in question. Corrections are usually processed in the next pay cycle.
Do I need to submit timesheets?
Adjuncts complete timesheets bimonthly. Other appointment types vary — your contract and HR onboarding packet clarify your specific requirements.
How do I update my personal or banking information?
Update through Paychex Flex. For banking changes, allow at least one pay period for the change to take effect before your next payment.