The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption added Cornell to its "Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplaces" list, which recognizes U.S. employers offering outstanding employee programs for adoptive parents.

Cornell, which is tied for first on the list among universities and is ranked 53 nationally, allows up to six weeks off and up to $5,000 in financial assistance for employees adopting children. Reimbursement rises to $6,000 per child for employees adopting children with special needs, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. This is the third consecutive year that Cornell has been named to the foundation's adoption-friendly list.

Under Cornell's Adoption Assistance Program, up to three adoptions per family are eligible for reimbursement. All benefits-eligible faculty and staff working at least one-half of a full-time job, and with an assignment of at least six months can apply for reimbursement. Postdoctoral associates also qualify. Since the program was first offered in 2005, 46 adoption grants have been distributed to 39 families.

"Cornell University is honored to be once again named one of the nation's most adoption-friendly employers by the Dave Thomas Foundation," said Cornell President David Skorton. "This honor highlights the university's ongoing efforts to create an inclusive workplace for all of its employees at all stages of their lives."

The foundation, dedicated to increasing adoptions throughout North America, was created by the late Dave Thomas, founder of the Wendy's hamburger chain, now part of Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. Thomas, himself an adoptee, was a longtime advocate of adoption rights.

Additional information about the Adoption Assistance Program at Cornell is available at http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/workLife/balancing/adoptionAssist/index.html or call 607-255-3976.