Dear Richard:

Thank you for the warm and constructive welcome message to incoming president Elizabeth Garrett in GPSA Resolution 3. I was delighted to share a copy of it with Beth and I have conveyed my strong support for principles that you outlined. Over the coming seven months President-elect Garrett will be familiarizing herself with many facets of Cornell. Working closely with the student assemblies will provide her with key insights into the needs and ideals of Cornell’s diverse student community.

I share your hope that she will attend GPSA meetings regularly and become involved in implementing the Graduate and Professional Community Initiative (GPCI). I have asked Barbara Knuth and Susan Murphy to include this topic in the presidential orientation plans that now are being developed.

The principle of shared governance is deeply ingrained in Cornell’s culture. I trust that open and productive channels of communication between the GPSA and all levels of Cornell’s administration will remain strong during the presidential transition.

Regards,

David Skorton