Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Council of Representatives Notes

Big Red Barn Greenhouse November 12, 2001 5:00–6:00 p.m.

I. Call to Order O. Salminen, At-Large Representative and Vice-President of the 2001–2002 GPSA, called the meeting to order at 5:05p.m.

II. Open Forum D. Demaine, Soil, Crop, & Atmospheric Science representative, asked if there was anything he should know about the health insurance issues that were raised at the last meeting.

O. Salminen replied it has been an ongoing discussion.

D. Demaine stated it wasn’t clear if the issue was that fully funded people were not getting paid health insurance.

O. Salminen replied this almost happened to her. She received information from the bursar’s office. She noted that Gannett doesn’t have statistics regarding how many people are affected and wondered if they should send out a survey trying to measure graduate student satisfaction with health insurance.

D. Demaine remarked they had a recent Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee Meeting (SHIAC) and there have only been 20 appeals. People in the category of having outside funding would also have their insurance paid by the outside funder. He had asked about international students and was told it wouldn’t be a problem.

O. Salminen stated these people are fully funded, but have outside funding. She stated their health insurance isn’t being paid.

Another member said departments can decide what “fully funded” means. Some departments don’t seem to have a clear understanding about it. Newer students may be misinformed and do not know what the policy is.

D. Demaine expressed that if a lot of people fell into this situation it seemed as though there would be more appeals.

O. Salminen commented that on the International Students email list people were asking questions about alternate insurance as recently as last week.

J. Carroll, Real Estate representative, remarked that it sounded as though needs aren’t being met. He brought up that marketing research classes are held in the Hotel School and suggested they look into making this the basis for a real class research project. He thought it would be good to try to utilize resources at Cornell that could be beneficial to both.

O. Salminen asked J. Carroll to follow up on this idea. She then asked D. Demaine to check with Gannett to determine their feelings about a survey.

J. Wightman informed members the SA, GPSA, and faculty are hosting a forum regarding environmental recommendations. She said there would be a meeting tomorrow and asked people to email her for details at jw93@cornell.edu.

III. Announcements and Reports A. GPSA Update P. Carr informed members the GPSA had voted on three resolutions at their last meeting. In summary, they dealt with:

1) reducing the total GPSAFC activity fee allocation from 35% to 25%. He noted he still hasn’t heard a response from the president. 2) transferring $100,000 from the GPSAFC to the GPSA. He said suggestions on how to spend the money are welcomed. One of the suggestions is to start an endowment. 3) changing some of the guideline language for byline-funded groups.

P. Carr reported he met with the S. Power, Dean of the Graduate School, since the last meeting. The TA/RA report is still interim, but is expected to become policy this academic year.

O. Salminen brought up the issue of legal aid for students who need assistance with off-campus housing problems. She said that although the Law School offers free legal aid it only covers certain types of legal problems and off-campus housing issues are not one of them. She noted Cornell used to offer legal aid for this, however it no longer does. She spoke with S. Power who didn’t realize it was not available anymore.

P. Carr added that L. Strong, Assistant Vice President, Student and Academic Services, didn’t realize that legal aid for this was no longer available to students either.

S. Adam, Physics representative, volunteered to implement a survey with other schools on legal aid assistance. He said he’d welcome suggestions.

C. Shagensky, Veterinary representative, inquired about availability of other student legal needs that are not just personal. He inquired about potential legal needs of a group or organization. He cited as an example a situation where students from the vet school recently went to a farm and accidentally killed a cow. What if it came to litigation?

P. Carr responded that if the group was affiliated with a club that they’d be covered under club insurance.

C. Shagensky questioned if there was anything else at Cornell?

O. Salminen commented the Vet school probably has something in place for this type of situation.

C. Shagensky noted malpractice is covered, but it’s hard to define.

A. Saathoff, Agricultural & Biological Engineering representative, remarked if the situation happened for a required class that it seemed the university would be liable.

P. Carr agreed, saying if the group was there for a class to contact Counsel’s Office. He said he wasn’t sure if they were there on an externship.

B. Ivy League GPSA Leaders Conference J. Sebastian reported that on Friday and Saturday representatives from several of the Ivies met at Cornell for a conference. Representatives from Brown, Penn, Yale, and Columbia were in attendance. He noted that Friday mainly consisted of social gatherings. On Saturday he, O. Salminen, J. Moriarty, and P. Carr attended the conference and represented Cornell. They talked of putting together a survey response listing various kinds of information about the schools. This was Penn’s idea. It is still being decided whether the survey would be used as a public document or an internal document, but it is felt this will help the Ivies move forward. He noted Penn is interested in getting a graduate student center and was very interested in Cornell’s Big Red Barn. He stated the conference would reconvene in April at Columbia. In addition, Ivy plus schools such as Stanford, Berkeley, M.I.T., etc. will be invited.

J. Moriarty, ILR representative, noted the afternoon largely discussed graduate student unionization. The GPSA’s stance was discussed and it is basically one of neutrality. She noted that Cornell’s GPSA will probably be asked to make a formal statement.

J. Sebastian, Medieval Studies representative, remarked there was much interest in the Big Red Barn. Many comparable GPSA’s hold more prominent social functions than Cornell.

O. Salminen stated she has received emails from people that suggest it would be good to have the GPSA be more visible. She noted that TGIF’S are not enough.

J. Carroll, Real Estate representative, inquired how would this happen?

O. Salminen responded the BRB could help.

O. Salminen asked if there were any other comments or questions.

J. Sebastian stated he would send out notes summarizing the weekend.

N. Sharif, Science & Tech. Studies representative, questioned how often the Ivy Conference is held.

J. Sebastian responded it’s been held the past two springs. It was decided last year to meet twice annually rather than only once per year..

C. Funding Policy Committee G. Hurley, Operations Research representative and Funding Policy Committee (FPC) Chair, announced the FPC recommendations were attached to the agenda.

	Funding Policy Committee Recommendation		

Current Alloc.	Request	Increase	%-Increase	Recommendation	Increase	%-Increase

Cornell Cinema $7.00 $9.00 $2.00 29% $9.00 $2.00 29% Cornell Concert Commission $5.75 $5.75 $5.75 Cornell University Programming Board $3.05 $3.05 $3.05 Big Red Barn $4.00 $4.50 $0.50 13% $4.25 $0.25 6% Cornell University EMS $1.00 $1.50 $0.50 50% $1.00 $0.00 0% International Students Programming Board $0.70 $1.05 $0.35 50% $0.80 $0.10 14% GPSA Finance Commission $17.50 $16.00 -$1.50 −9% $15.00 -$2.50 −14% Athletics $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 GPSA $1.05 $1.05 $1.05 GPSA Club Insurance $3.30 $3.45 $0.15 5% $3.45 $0.15 5% GPSA Orientation Program $0.65 $0.65 $0.65

Totals $50.00 $52.00 $2.00 4% $50.00 $0.00 0%

 NOTES:							
 Current Alloc.	Amount that the groups are getting for the F’00-S’02 cycle		
 Request	Amount that the groups requested for the F’02-S’04 cycle		
 Increase	Increase over current allocation being requested			
 %-Increase	Percentage increase from current allocation being requested	
 Recommendation	Funding Policy Committee recommendation for funding		
 Increase	Increase over current allocation being recommended						
 %-Increase	Percentage increase from current allocation being recommended	

He reminded members the GPSA would be voting on this in two weeks and asked them to please voice opinions tonight. He said everyone is welcome to attend the next GPSA meeting. G. Hurley reported that Cornell Concert Commission, Cornell University Programming Board, athletics, and graduate student orientation stayed at the same funding levels. He elaborated that athletics will continue to provide free athletic tickets to most events and reduced price hockey tickets. GPSA club insurance is needed so people aren’t personally liable for club activities and their request for a small increase in funding seemed reasonable. The Big Red Barn asked for a $0.50 increase to enhance programming. The FPC agreed that is important, but they only recommend a $0.25 increase. The International Students Programming Board received a $0.10 increase, which the FPC felt was valid. They utilize the funds for the International festival, speaker programs, and to co-sponsor international groups.

L. Fletcher, Neurobiology & Behavior representative, questioned if the groups could go to the GPSAFC for more money.

K. Hueffer, Graduate Veterinary Medicine representative, replied yes.

G. Hurley reported the Cornell Cinema is asking for a $2.00 increase. The committee feels that it adds to the culture and life at Cornell. However, if one looks at their records it is obvious they need more money. Cornell Cinema said they either had to raise individual ticket prices or else raise the activity fee. He stated it looked as though the SA would be giving the Cinema $8.00 from their activity fee, but Cornell Cinema says their ticket prices will then increase to $5.00 per movie ticket. He added that if the GPSA gives the requested $9.00 that they’ve been assured the ticket prices will stay at $4.00 for graduate and professional students. He noted the FPC had to make a call on what to do and they ultimately felt they would allow the activity fee to increase to keep individual movie prices lower for the graduate population.

G. Hurley commented that Cornell EMS has asked for a $1.50 increase. Part of this money will be used to purchase a new ambulance. He noted another option is to give part of the $100,000 to them instead and proportionately reduce the activity fee allotment. He said the FPC supports the request for $1.50 and is still trying to decide what would be the best way to give that money.

N. Sharif questioned the difference between the GPSA and GPSAFC.

G. Hurley responded the GPSA has operating costs for things such as food and copying. He added they also use money for things such as gifts for the NYU relief fund or the Ivy Conference. The GPSAFC finances Cornell’s smaller graduate and professional student groups and organizations.

J. Carroll suggested publicizing the availability of GPSAFC funds. He also questioned if the activity fee numbers are adjusted every two years.

G. Hurley stated they could be readjusted.

T. Gwathmey, Physiology representative, questioned the amount allotted to Cornell cinema compared to the EMS. Will the amount allotted allow them to purchase the ambulance?

G. Hurley stated a 5-year fundraising plan has been initiated. The EMS will receive a gift of 2,500 per year. The FPC agrees they should get money, but they are trying to decide how to best give it.

T. Gwathmey inquired how the GPSA could recommend giving the Cinema a $2.00 increase and not give the EMS their fully requested amount?

G. Hurley agreed the priority was to EMS. He reiterated the committee feels they will give EMS their fully requested amount and they are still considering the best way to do this and still keep the activity fee low.

V. Augusta, Education representative, suggested adding a footnote stating that the extra $0.50 is to be granted to EMS with the method still to be determined.

J. Carroll inquired about the rationale for Cinema’s requested increase. Was this request a “shock response” related to poor attendance?

G. Hurley stated he thinks the problem is a combined problem. Yes, they did have a bad year last year, but ticket prices also haven’t been raised since 1989.

M. Fessenden, Director at Cornell Cinema, acknowledged they had a bad year last year and they are trying to cope with this. They anticipate another deficit this year. Their reserves are wiped out and they have no money for equipment. They are trying to balance ticket sales and they feel they can reach stability. They do programming based on projected sales within the industry. They pay 35%−50% to their distributors.

J. Moriarty commented there was some discussion regarding why ticket prices had to be an even dollar amount. Was making change with coins at the door such a real problem?

M. Fessenden replied that even though the use of change is not an option, this is actually a moot point. They would still have to raise individual ticket prices to at least $5.00 if they don’t get the $9.00 from the activity fee. She expressed worry that students can see new movies downtown or at the mall for $5.00-$5.75 and noted the cinema really wants to keep ticket prices at $4.00 to keep the business with them. They don’t want to be portrayed as a high price activity and they have concern about raising ticket prices.

P. Carr inquired on the feasibility of splitting ticket prices between the graduate and undergraduate population.

M. Fessenden replied they would need to figure out a way to do it. She thanked the GPSA, and stated there is still a possibility the SA may still bring funding amount up. She is hopeful this will happen.

A member wondered about the percentage of grads that attend movies.

M. Fessenden replied that she thinks this is in the best interest of all students.

V. Augusta remarked that Cinema revenue projections need to be firmer. It seems like there are a lot of unanswered questions, even over something such as who makes up their audience. A better tracking system is needed.

M. Fessenden commented there are so many variables involved. For example, they don’t know all the other events that are competing at a given time and they don’t have control over this. They are doing their best, but last year saw a drastic drop. There just weren’t films people were motivated to go see.

V. Augusta said she’d be more convinced if she saw a direct correlation between the Hollywood market and that of Cornell Cinemas. She suggested reevaluating the system.

J. Sebastian motioned to extend the meeting time.

Members approved.

J. Carroll stated that Cinema’s survey must be done formally and there are resources on campus that could do this for free. An informal survey isn’t extremely helpful.

J. Wightman, Environmental Toxicology representative, encouraged the use of Cornell Cinema, telling members to look at this in another way. She stated the Cinema is a great asset. One could ask for movies, there are special programs such as a recent free informational movie session on Afghanistan, and classes can utilize it. Additionally, if they have to raise ticket prices, people may go elsewhere to see movies and she urged members to work to keep the market local.

D. Demaine remarked that the student activity fee total would stay the same even by giving the Cinema $2.00.

A member added that the cinema is not only a venue for entertainment, but for intellectual experience, citing the faculty and film series. Decisions on films are well thought out.

L. Williams, Genetics & Development representative, reminded members the Cinema has said they need this money because they had one bad year. She suggested supporting the $2.00 increase this time and reevaluating again in 2 years.

J. Sebastian stated it is useful for the GPSA to hear opinions around the table as the GPSA would be voting on this at their next meeting.

V. Augusta asked for clarification about whether this is a one year loss or a multiple year problem.

M. Fessenden responded they were too optimistic two years ago when they only requested a $0.50 increase. They realized they needed more just to break even.

A member requested they follow-up with an email poll.

G. Hurley encouraged emailing comments to him at gjh22@cornell.edu.

M. Fessenden suggested contacting her too at mkf2@cornell.edu. She would appreciate an opportunity to answer questions.

J. Moriarty proposed that members take a straw vote regarding the Cinema’s funding request to help GPSA members decide what to do.

A straw vote resulted in 29 votes in favor of granting Cornell Cinema $9.00 and no votes for giving them $8.00.

IV. Adjournment This meeting was adjourned at 6:15.

Respectfully Submitted, Margaret Heavey Office of the Assemblies