As part of our introductions to the various offices that help create and support the YDS community, we would now like to pay homage to the Office of Finance and Administration (known locally as “the Business Office”) which provides backbone support to all YDS student, faculty and staff. These folks expertly handle the day-to-day administrative functions of our community, allowing us to work and study and eat - literally, they make sure we all get paid! So without further ado, say hello to your Business Office and thank them in advance for all of the support they will give you:
What is your department called, and who are the people in your department?
The Office of Finance & Administration, aka The Business Office is comprised of Sandy Lynch, Director of Finance & Administration; Benjamin Bruce, Senior Financial Analyst; Ann-Marie Piscitelli, Associate Director of Finance & Administration and Sherry Ford, Financial Analyst. Our department also includes ITS staff members Bob Piscatelli and Sijo Kizhakkekara, and the YDS Bookstore manager, Andrew Sowers.
What is your department responsible for?
All financial transactions, payroll, student employment, CPE, building operations & maintenance, apartments, and more.
What are the most common questions students have for you during the year, and what are the answers to these questions?
Q: How do I get paid for my student job/submit the hours I worked?
A: Once you’ve acquired a student job at YDS, have your supervisor contact the Business Office to sort out the details and paperwork involved in hiring you. Watch for notifications from Student Employment about your tax documents. Please note that the I-9 form and ID verification are required by federal law and MUST be completed BEFORE you can perform any work. It is also your responsibility to submit your timesheets in a timely fashion, i.e. weekly, and that failure to be prompt about this may result in termination. Resources for how to submit your electronic timesheets are available at yalestudentjobs.org.
Q: Where’s my check?!
A: Depends on what type of check. We can help you figure it out, but we highly recommend direct deposit; this is both to receive your check on time, and because we try very hard to be an eco-friendly organization. Paper checks will be mailed to the student’s address on file with Yale; YDS does not receive paychecks for student workers.
Q: Can I receive mail at YDS?
A: No. There are no mailboxes for students at YDS. Please have personal mail and packages sent to your home address, not YDS. We are not liable for your deliveries and any mail received here for a student (including packages) will be returned to sender.
One piece of general advice you would give to new students?
While you’re getting to know your peers here, also get to know the administrative staff, the custodians, food services, groundskeepers… this is a great community that is serviced by some fine people who really care and take pride in making your experience at YDS a happy and fruitful one!