Appointment Information for Cowles Postdoctoral Fellows
Welcome to the Cowles Foundation
We are delighted to welcome you to the Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics. To ensure a smooth transition and help you make the most of your time with us, we have compiled a comprehensive set of resources designed to guide you through every aspect of your appointment.
These resources will help familiarize you with our procedures, policies, and acclimate you to Yale. Should you have any questions on the below information or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Karina Ciulla, Program Manager.
Reimbursement Information
During your time with the Cowles Foundation, please use this reimbursement form to submit all research-related out-of-pocket expenses. If we have have any questions regarding your submitted receipts, we will reach out to you directly. If you have questions as to whether an expense is reimbursable, please reach out prior to submitting the reimbursement form.
You will receive a Workday notification requiring you to approve your expense report. Please ensure that you are approving the report in a timely manner to avoid any issues with payment.
Yale and IRS Policies Regarding Reimbursements
- Please submit your reimbursement requests, along with any receipts or supporting documents, within 10 business days of the expense or the end of your trip.
- For full reimbursement, submit expenses within 119 days of the purchase date. Expenses submitted between 120–366 days late will be reimbursed as taxable income. Expenses submitted after 366 days will not be reimbursed.
- Before traveling, please review Yale's travel policies and Yale's COVID-19 policies. All flights should be booked in economy class unless you have prior approval for an upgrade.
Research Funds
During your time with the Cowles Foundation, you will have research funds available to you as outlined in your commitment letter.
Research funds may be used for:
- Research-related travel
- Hiring Yale student research assistants
- Membership fees
- Conference fees
- Data purchases
- Some software purchases
Research funds may not be used for:
- Computers, iPads, cell phones, or similar equipment
- Personal website hosting fees
- Unallowable expenses as outlined here
If unsure whether an expense is reimbursable, please check before purchasing.
Receipts & Reimbursement
- Submit receipts via the reimbursement form within 10 days of purchase.
- Expenses older than 120 days will be treated as taxable income per IRS policy.
- All receipts must include proof of payment (last 4 digits of credit card or a matching bank/credit card statement)
Data, Software & Licenses
Please purchase data, software, or licenses (Stata, OpenAI, Dropbox, etc.) as early in your appointment as possible.
Travel
- Use the per diem allowance for meals rather than submitting individual receipts, when possible.
- Please note, if you are attending a conference or a seminar, do not submit for per diem for meals that are provided by the host.
- For trips with multiple stops, provide a brief business justification for each travel leg.
- If your trip includes personal travel, please note it when submitting for reimbursement. Personal expenses and travel are not reimbursable.
- Pre-approval is required to use research funds for anyone else's travel expenses (lodging, flights, etc.).
Travel Policies and Information
Please review Yale University travel policies before traveling and familiarize yourself with Yale's best practices. If you have any questions on travel, please reach out prior to booking.
- All air travel must be booked economy class unless prior approval is granted.
- For international trips, consult the International Travel website for tips and reminders.
- For COVID-19 information, visit the Campus Health website.
Data Use Agreements and Data Purchase
If you need to purchase data or secure a data use agreement during your time with Cowles, please note:
- You are not authorized to sign any contracts or agreements on behalf of Yale University.
- Any data purchase or data use agreement requiring a signature must go through a Yale administrator.
- Please visit the Data Use Agreement website (NetID required) and follow the instructions outlined there.
- Your Cowles business office contact for this process is Mark Esposito, Administrative Director for the Cowles Foundation.
Yale NetID, Password & Photo ID
How do I activate my Yale Net ID?
To activate your Yale NetID, visit the Yale activation page. Enter the PIN provided to you and create a new password.
How do I change my Yale NetID Password?
You can change your Yale Net ID password by visiting the Change Your Yale Password page.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Service
Yale has experienced a substantial increase in attempts to compromise NetIDs. The most common cause of compromise is email phishing. Scammers’ methods for gaining access to passwords have outpaced security measures, which potentially allow them to access our systems and data. This puts our intellectual property, faculty research data, and personal information at heightened risk. DUO Everywhere significantly reduces Yale’s security vulnerability and helps us to create a more secure Yale.
What is DUO Everywhere?
DUO Everywhere: Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of security to cover both on- and off- campus for VPN connections, Microsoft Office 365 and CAS logins.
Important Points:
- Upon activating your NetID at yale.edu/netid you will be prompted to set up devices in DUO Everywhere.
- Once your NetID has been activated, setup your Duo device by clicking “DUO Everywhere” in the “Check Your DUO Everywhere Status” section.
- Follow the steps prompted to choose your device setup. It is recommended to set up a minimum of two devices.
- You can manage devices at any time by going to mfa.its.yale.edu
What to Expect:
What should I expect once I enroll in DUO Everywhere?
DUO Everywhere will ask you to authenticate once per application or browser, per device.
How long does DUO authentication last?
When DUO requests authentication, there will be an option to extend the session for 90 days. Please be aware that you will need to do this for every session you authorize.
Additional Resources
- Visit “DUO Everywhere Frequently Asked Questions” for more information.
- Use Yale’s Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Service
- DUO Everywhere: Reduce your MFA-DUO Authentications Requests
- DUO Everywhere: How to Clear your Login Keychains in Mac Outlook
- Using VPN: How to connect to VPN
For questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at helpme.yale.edu
Where do I get a photo ID?
Visiting faculty who are eligible for a photo ID can visit the ID Center during normal business hours. The ID Center is located at 221 Whitney Avenue.
For more information on obtaining a photo ID, please see the ID Center webpage
What can I do if I forget my Yale NetID password?
You can reset your Yale NetID password on this page by answering several security questions.
Computer and IT
How can I print to an Economics printer from my computer?
For instructions connecting to a printer, see the Cowles Printer page.
Email cowles@yale.edu if you need assistance in connecting your personal laptop to the nearest printer.
How do I connect an iOS device to the YaleSecure Wi-Fi?
1. On the Home screen of your iPad or iPhone, tap the Settings button.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Toggle Wi-Fi (ON\OFF) switch ON. Tap YaleSecure
4.Fill in the requested information and then tap the Join button.
- Username: yale\YourYaleNetID (Example: yale\abc123)
- Password: Your NetID Password
NOTE: Older versions of the iPad have the Join button on the keyboard. See image below.
4. Tap Accept to finalize the connection to YaleSecure.
5. You are now connected to YaleSecure.
How do I connect an Android device to the YaleSecure Wi-Fi?
NOTE: These instructions apply to Android phones using Android 7 Operating System or higher.
-
Locate and tap Settings from the applications list. You can also arrive at Settings by pressing the menu button in the lower, left corner of your device.
-
Tap the Connections tab. Use the slider to turn Wi-Fi ON and then tap Wi-Fi.

3. Allow your device to scan for Wi-Fi networks. Tap YaleSecure when it appears.

4. Leave the default settings and scroll down to locate the Identity field. Fill the Identity and Password fields and then tap Connect.
Identity: yale\YourYaleNetID (Example: yale\abc12)
*LEAVE ANONYMOUS IDENTITY BLANK*
Password: Your Yale NetID Password


5. You are now connected to YaleSecure WiFi.

How can I connect to the Wi-Fi network?
Yale provides several Wi-Fi access networks depending upon your user role:
- YaleGuest
- Eduroam
- YaleSecure
Short-term Visitors
A public wireless network called YaleGuest which has limited network access is available for anyone’s use. Due to security reasons, certain programs and functionality may not be accessible via the YaleGuest network, e.g., Dropbox, Skype, and printing at 30 Hillhouse.
Another option is the Eduroam wireless network which Yale subscribes to. Eduroam (education roaming) is a secure, world-wide roaming access service that allows students, researchers and staff from participating institutions to obtain Internet connectivity across campus and when visiting other participating institutions.
If your institution is a partner, access the Eduroam network by selecting Eduroam from the Wi-Fi list on your mobile device and sign-in using your home institution’s credentials*. V iew Eduroam’s complete listing of U.S. participating schools ; International visitors can look for institutional listings on this country page .
For additional details, search your institution’s support page .
*(Credential format is typically ID@UniversityName.edu, e.g., YaleNetID@yale.eduor SUNetID@win.stanford.edu)
Long-term Visitors
If you have been granted a Yale NetID, it is strongly encouraged that you use the Yale Secure network when on campus. This secure connection will allow you to use any application and print to the Cowles network printers. When selecting Yale Secure from the Wi-Fi list on your device, you will be prompted to enter your Yale NetID and password to authenticate. Once connected, your credentials will be saved. If you have trouble try the YaleSecure Connection Assistant .
For more information, visit the ITS Wi-Fi page . If needing to access Yale secure websites or resources from off campus, the Cisco VPN AnyConnect client (available for download from the ITS Software Library ) in conjunction with Multifactor Authentication can be used. For assistance, call the ITS Help Desk at (203) 432-9000.
How can I access my Yale email account?
If you have been assigned a Yale email account, you can access it by visiting one of the following sites:
Additional information can be found on this help page.
Are there computers with statisical software I can use?
Yale ITS provides several community access computers around campus (including 28 Hillhouse) with statistical software such as Mathematica, Matlab, and R. The Yale StatLab offers more statistical software packages. For a full list of computer lab locations and a campus map, visit the ITS Computer Labs page.
Note: A valid Yale Net ID and password are needed to sign into the computers.
How do I connect to Yale resouces via Yale VPN while off-campus?
Yale Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a way to securely access Yale’s restricted services and licensed e-resources (e.g. e-journals such as JAMA, or databases such as ArtSTOR) on the University network from a non-Yale internet source. VPN is also required for remote access to on-campus workstations - via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). While VPN provides excellent network security, it should only be used from an appropriately secured computing device.
To connect to VPN do the following:
- Download and install the free VPN software (Cisco AnyConnect) from the Yale Software Library
- Launch AnyConnect to access any Yale resources
- Enter the address access.yale.edu and then click Connect in the AnyConnect window.
- Enter your NetID and NetID password when prompted.
- Enter the Multifactor Authentication (MFA) code from the DUO app


For additional assistance with VPN or the Multifactor Authentication DUO app, contact the Yale ITS help desk.
A post shared by Bass Library (@basslibrary) on Mar 11, 2020 at 7:58am PDT
Yale Resources
Where can I find the Yale academic calendar?
Below is a listing of different Yale calendars.
How do I sign up to get email announcements for Cowles and other events?
The Cowles Foundation has a visiting faculty mailing list for long-term visitors. While long-term visitor names are added to the list before the start of their stay, visitors can subscribe by visiting this sign-up page. Visitors can also unsubscribe from the mailing list by using the same sign-up page and entering an email address in the unsubscribe field at the bottom of the page.
Yale also provides distribution lists from other departments which can be found on the Yale Subscption page.
For additional assistance, please contact cowles@yale.edu
Can I use the Cowles Library?
Yes. The Cowles Foundation Library in the basement of 30 Hillhouse has restricted access, however, two-week book loans can be made by Cowles visiting faculty online. Use the Cowles Library database to search the collection; items can be checked out using the online form once a book selection has been made. You will be contacted once your books are ready for pick-up.
Contact cowles@yale.edu with any questions or for assistance.
For a more extensive collection of books and journals, the Center for Science and Social Science Information has additional resources. The economics subject librarian is Gwyenth Crowley who can assist with database questions, working papers, search engines and other online resources. More can be found on Gwyenth’s library resource page.
Do I have Yale Library lending privileges during my stay?
Yale University employed Visiting Scholars, Researchers and Post-Doctoral appointments are eligible for library borrowing privileges at no charge. These privileges vary depending on the appointment, which is set by the scholar’s home department or college. Generally speaking, if you have a Yale ID card, you should have Yale library loan privileges. For more information on the Yale library policies and general information, see below:
Where can I use my meal card?
The university offers several dining locations around campus including 12 residential colleges. See map below or click here for the full campus map with dining hall locations. For additional Yale dining information, menus, and off-campus eateries, visit the Yale Hospitality website.
Can I use the Payne Whitney Gym?
The Payne Whitney Gym offers annual, academic, semester and monthly memberships to visiting associates, visitors, and spouses. See the membership page for rates, services, and hours.
What should I do if I suspect fraudulent activity or identity theft?
In the last year, several incidents of fraud schemes targeting members of the Yale community were reported to the Yale University Police Department. These scams primarily targeted international faculty and students. The scams are similar in that the suspect calls claiming to be a law enforcement officer and tells the victim that they owe taxes, most often related to student loans. The victim is threatened with arrest, revocation of educational credentials, deportation, and loss of VISA status. The suspects appear to have some knowledge of the victims and their relationship to the university. The phone numbers used by the suspects are spoofed and appear to be legitimate law enforcement agencies. The guise of legitimacy is enhanced when the suspects divulge some personal information on the victims, likely obtained through open source searches or social engineering. In one case the actual name of a high ranking law enforcement official was used.
TIPS:
- Do not disclose any personal information if contacted by an individual demanding payment for unpaid taxes or loans.
- Do not provide any payment to these individuals by cash, wire transfer or gift card.
- If contacted call the Yale Police immediately at 203-432-4400.
- You can also report a crime or send an anonymous text tip through our Bulldog Mobile (LiveSafe) app.
(To register for Bulldog Mobile please visit http://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety/campus-safety-services/bulldog-mobile-livesafe-app)
For more crime prevention and safety tips please visit http://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety/safety-tips
For additional information on scams:
Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
In cases of emergency, contact the appropriate department listed below:
- Police & Fire
- Emergency: 911
- Yale Police: 203-432-4400
- Security
- 203-785-5555
- Yale Health - Acute Care
- 203-432-0123
- Yale-New Haven Hospital
- 203-688-4242
- Facilities
- 203-432-6888
- Environmental Health & Safety
- 203-785-3555
- International Travel Emergencies
- 203-785-5555 (24-hour)
You can also report a crime or send an anonymous text tip through our Bulldog Mobile (LiveSafe) app. (To register for Bulldog Mobile please visit the Yale LiveSafe page)
For addtional emergency information, visit the Yale Emergency Management website.
Navigating Yale's Campus
Where can I find a campus map?
The Cowles Foundation is located in the heart of Yale’s campus at 30 Hillhouse Avenue. Use the Yale online campus map to help find your way around.
How do I get around Yale's campus?
Several transportation alternatives are available for navigating the campus and beyond. Here are some options:
Shuttle Bus
Yale provides a free shuttle service with several routes around campus. Using the Yale TransLoc map or the TransLoc Rider smartphone app (iOS and Android ), you can find stops and use the real-time shuttle tracking.
Nighttime Safe Rides
Yale provides free afterhour rides and walking escourts. For additional information, visit the Nighttime Shuttle Safe Rides & Walking Escort Service website.
Public Bus
CT Transit provides local and express bus services in the greater New Haven metro area operating 7 days a week with over 22 local routes.
Zip Car
Zipcar is a car sharing program that uses revolutionary technology to make the process of car sharing safe, easy and convenient. View campus Zipcar locations.
Noa Bike
50 shared-use bicycles are available in several locations on campus through the university’s partnership with Noa, which provides city cruiser-style bicycles, registration and reservation software and maintenance services. Read more on our bikeshare page.
Train
For those wanting needing to travel to other destinations outside of New Haven, Union Station, provides train service in the Northeast via Metro North and Amtrak lines.
For more transportation options, please visit the Yale Transportation Options page.
Attractions
Yale and New Haven offer many attractions to bide your time while in the Elm City. Below is a list of a few:
Yale Attractions
- Yale University Art Gallery (free admission)
- Yale Center for British Art (free admission)
- Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History (free with valid Yale ID)
- Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library (open to the public)
- Yale Campus Tour
New Haven Attractions
- International Festival of Arts and Ideas (June Summer Festival)
- The New Haven Museum
- Knights of Columbus Museum
- East Rock Park (Map)
- Lighthouse Point Park
- New Haven Information Site
Performing Arts

