Today, via the weekly newspaper produced by Human Resources,
Cornell University announced that benefits will be extended to same sex
partners of employees.
       Employees and partners are asked to complete a "Statement of
Same-Sex Partnership."  This will entitle the partner to life insurance,
accidental death and dismemberment insurance, child's tuition scholarship,
long term care, EAP, and athletic and library facility privileges.
        Health insurance is more complicated.  While a private institution,
several major colleges of the university are related to the state
university system.  Employees of those divisions receive health care
coveraged governed by the State of New York.  Those Cornell employees will
not be eligible for partner health care benefits.  All other employees will
be able to add partners to their health coverage effective July 1.