Hospitality Labor and Employment LawCornell Certificate Program
Overview and Courses
Hospitality industry labor laws have become increasingly complex to follow, as regulations were largely designed with other industries in mind. But it has never been more critical for employers to make sure that they are in compliance with both federal and state laws, which are rigorously enforced.
This certificate program begins by providing you with a framework for discrimination law to help you identify the seven protected classes under federal law and then defines employers’ obligations in accommodating these classes. Additionally, you’ll delve into the specifics of discrimination laws, including sexual harassment and organizational liability under the law. Throughout the courses, you’ll have the opportunity to examine your organization’s current HR policies and practices to help recognize and minimize discriminatory behavior in the workplace. You will also study the nuances and complexities of wage and hour law and explore traditional labor law, including the National Labor Relations Act, the purpose of unions, and strategies to manage in a union environment.
By the completion of the program, you’ll come away better prepared to adhere to employment laws to avoid costly risks, exposure, and damages.
This program includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature several days of live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore the Hospitality industry’s most pressing topics. Symposium events are held several times throughout the year. Once enrolled in your program, you will receive information about upcoming events.
Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.
For the best experience in this program it is recommended to take these courses in the order that they appear.
Course list
Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today's most pressing topics. The Hospitality Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.
Join us for the next Symposium, in which we'll discuss how both day-to-day operations and strategic goal setting in the hospitality sector have rapidly evolved over the past two years, opening up new space for real-time conversations about the future of the industry. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to various areas of the industry, examining the innovations and accommodations you have all had to make throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and strategizing on future directions. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.
All sessions are held on Zoom.
Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.
Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today's most pressing topics. The HR Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.
Join us for the next Symposium, in which we'll share experiences from across the industry, inspiring real-time conversations about best practices, innovation, and the future of human resources work. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to some of the most pressing topics and trends in the HR field. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.
All sessions are held on Zoom.
Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.
How It Works
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Key Course Takeaways
- Use a framework for identifying, understanding, and complying with labor and employment laws
- Recognize potential retaliation and identify conduct that can lead to discrimination claims
- Recognize the damages that could be awarded against your company for discriminatory behavior
- Examine key compliance issues for hospitality, including break time, overtime, Workers' Comp, and pay equity
- Identify strategies for managing in complex environments, including with unions, contract workers, and both exempt and non-exempt workers
- Effectively manage union relationships


JOIN A HOSPITALITY SYMPOSIUM!
Download a Brochure
Not ready to enroll but want to learn more? Download the certificate brochure to review program details.
What You'll Earn
- Hospitality Labor and Employment Law Certificate from Cornell's Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration
- 40 Professional Development Hours (4 CEUs)
Who Should Enroll
- HR professionals working in the hospitality industry
- HR consultants
- Hospitality managers and executives
- Hotel owners and asset managers
- Small business owners and franchise owners
- Overseas companies looking to do business with the U.S. market

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Hospitality Labor and Employment Law
| Select Payment Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| $3,750 | |
