Skip to main content

Cornell University

Recreational Services

Wellness Membership Policies & FAQs

Wellness Recreation Membership Policies:

General Policies

  • Employees using payroll deduction or paying by check or credit card for 1-Year Wellness Recreation Memberships will be rolled into a fiscal year membership running from July 1 through June 30. Payroll deduction will automatically spread out payments that add up to the yearly goal amount according to the individuals pay schedule. Payroll deduction payments will be taken out 24 or 26 times throughout the fiscal year depending on your pay cycle.
  • All members will have the opportunity to cancel their 1-Year Wellness Recreation Memberships paid through payroll deduction or their CPHL Wellness Recreation Memberships prior to the July 1 automatic yearly membership renewal. This cancellation period typically takes place June 1 through June 30.
  • 1-Year Wellness Recreation Memberships are non refundable unless the member leaves the University or submits a doctor's note. Lack of participation does not eliminate this responsibility. In some instances we may reimburse a member who leaves the University or is unable to participate because of a medical reason. In these situations members will only be reimbursed for the remaining time on the membership and only from the time we are made aware of the situation. Other circumstances that require cancellation must be approved by the Cornell Wellness director, and will be subject to a $30 cancellation fee.
  • All members agree to the policies and procedures of both the Cornell Fitness Centers and Cornell Wellness. Cornell Wellness reserves the right to revoke membership at any time. In this case, unused membership fees will be refunded.
  • All membership types are available to employees based on primary status assigned by the Registrar's office (employee vs. student) as indicated on the Cornell ID card. Employees who are enrolled in the EDP and taking classes still have a primary designation as staff/faculty on their ID card, and therefore are eligible to purchase Wellness Memberships but are not eligible to purchase CFC student memberships. Students whose primary designation at the Registrar's office is as a student (even if working part-time as an employee) and whose ID card says student, are not eligible to purchase any type of Wellness Memberships.
  • Live streaming of on-campus in-person classes may occur.
  • If you have any questions about your membership or a special circumstance, contact wellness@cornell.edu.

Wellness Recreation Membership Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I purchase a day pass or a guest pass?

  • No, day passes are not available for purchase by employees, retirees, or spouses/partners of employees/retirees. There are several times throughout the year that are designated as free trial periods. During these free trial periods, employees, retirees, and their spouses/partners can show their Cornell ID cards and sign a waiver at check-in locations for fitness centers and in-person group fitness classes to gain access and try them out. We encourage the Cornell community to utilize these free trial periods if the desire is to try things out before purchasing a membership.
  • Guest passes are also not available for purchase by employees, retirees, or spouses/partners of employees/retirees. The fitness centers, pools, and group fitness classes are already heavily utilized. Due to this, guest pass purchasing for non-Cornell community individuals by employees/retirees/spouses/partners is not available at this time.

Can my child/dependent purchase a Wellness Recreation Membership?

  • Children under the age of 18 are not permitted to purchase a Wellness Recreation Membership or utilize any of the recreational facilities at Cornell University. Dependents of Cornell staff, faculty, retirees, who are between the ages of 18 to 26, who are claimed as dependents on tax return forms, are able to purchase a Wellness Recreation membership. 

Can I cancel my membership?

  • Please see policies above.

I will be out of Ithaca for 2 months. Can I freeze my membership?

  • We do not freeze memberships. We can cancel your membership if you have a medical reason or if you leave the University.

Can I get a membership that is less than 1-Year?

  • Yes, there is a 4-Month Wellness Recreation Membership option available. 

What are the accessibility features at each fitness center building?

 What are the restroom and changing facilities at each fitness center building?