2002—2003 GPSA

GPSA Resolution to request more information, debate and review of the Proposal to Dissolve the College of Art, Architecture and Planning

Whereas, in July 2002 the Dean and department chairs of the College of Art Architecture and Planning (AAP) were instructed to meet with President Hunter R. Rawlings III and Provost Carolyn “Biddy” Martin; and,

Whereas, at that meeting the college faculty were informed of the central administration’s intention to realign the college of AAP by placing the departments in other colleges at Cornell University; and,

Whereas, the proposal was set forth without consulting faculty, students, staff, alumni, professional organizations, potential destination colleges for the Departments of AAP or any other stakeholder group; and,

Whereas, the timeline, dissemination of information and all decision making activities have thus far been controlled by the central administration without adequate consultation with other stakeholders; and,

Whereas, the central administration hopes to take a recommendation for realignment of the departments to the Board of Trustees to consider at their November, 2002 and,

Whereas, the GPSA agrees that the proposal has thus far been unilateral and has shown a disregard for Cornell’s system of shared governance;

Be it Therefore Resolved, that the GPSA calls on the Administration to provide further information and analysis and to work meaningfully with all stakeholder interests, especially graduate students, before finalizing a proposal; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the GPSA requests that the Board of Trustees not approve any realignment proposal until all interests have been legitimately considered; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the GPSA supports the preservation of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning in its current form until further information and analysis is provided and a broader range of stakeholder interests are legitimately considered.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roberta Robles COR, City and Regional Planning