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see also Transaction Information Guide: Short-term / Casuals
There are many reasons to hire people on a temporary basis. As with all organizations, Columbia must get its work done when employees become ill or take a leave of absence, make sure that positions are covered when people depart, and occasionally devote extra resources to special projects. On top of this, the seasonal peaks in the life of a university require additional short-term assistance.
The University's hiring policies address this need for flexibility. At the same time, they ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, affirmative action plans, and such laws as the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
When it comes time to hire somebody on a short-term basis, there are several available options, each with its own advantages, legal requirements, and procedures:
For periods of no more than 560 hours, you may also use an AGENCY TEMP. Temps are recruited and paid by their agencies, who then bill Columbia. In all other respects, however, they are just like short-term casuals.
If you need somebody in excess of 560 hours, but not indefinitely, your best choice may be to hire a TEMPORARY UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE. Temporary University employees, whose appointments specify their period of employment, are paid through the regular payroll system and enjoy salaries and benefits consistent with regular employment.
You may want to consider hiring a Columbia University STUDENT as a work-study or intern. If a student is not eligible for these programs, he or she may still be hired as a casual or temporary student employee. However, the rules for short-term casuals do not apply to full-time Columbia students.
The purpose of this Guide is to further clarify your options and help you find the most appropriate way to handle your short-term hiring.