How often you get paid will depend on your funding source. TAs and RAs get paid every other week during the semester. Fellowships are sometimes paid out every other week, but often you get paid your entire stipend for a semester at the beginning of that semester. If this is the case, remember to manage your money carefully since it will have to last you for several months!
If you do nothing, you will get paid by check. RA and TA checks will be delivered to your department. They may be put in your department mailbox, or you may have to go pick them up at the Graduate Field Office. Most people find it more convenient to have their paychecks directly deposited into their bank accounts. It is very simple to sign up for this. You just need to fill out a ``Payroll Electronic Deposit Authorization Form." They are available from the Payroll Office in East Hill Plaza, or you can download one off the web at CLICK HERE. You then return the form to the payroll office and by your next pay cycle your deposit will be made directly into your account. You do not have to notify your bank that you have signed up for direct deposit. If you want to specify a split of your deposit between the savings and checking portions of an account, you should contact your bank for assistance. You cannot split your deposit among multiple banks. Direct deposits can be made to any financial institution within the United States; all of the banks within Ithaca support direct deposits. Deposits will be made on Thursdays of each pay week.
If you use direct deposit, you will receive notification of every deposit made to your account, rather than receiving the checks. These ``pay advices" will be sent to the same mailbox or person that your paychecks were sent to. You should look at your pay advices to make sure that you are being paid the right amount, and that taxes are being withheld correctly.
If you are on a fellowship, particularly one that pays your stipend once a semester, then to institute direct deposit you must fill out a form at CLICK HERE or at the Bursar's Office in Day Hall. If you choose not to have your fellowship direct deposited, then you will have to pick up your check from the Fellowship Office in Caldwell Hall (DE4) and deposit it yourself. When your stipend check is ready, you will see an item listing your stipend as a credit to your account, with a balancing item in the debit column of the bill. It is usually accompanied by a note in the margin saying that you can pick up your check in the Fellowship Office in Caldwell Hall (DE4).