GPSA Student Advocacy Committee

R.1: Regarding Health Care & Health Insurance for Cornell Graduate Students Studying at Geneva

Whereas in August 2008, the graduate students working at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Geneva, NY expressed concern to the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) officers regarding their health care options and insurance; and

Whereas Geneva students, following the student insurance handbook or advice given to them after calling Gannett Health Services, believed they always needed to travel to the Ithaca campus to visit Gannett, a trip which is not convenient or safe when they are in need of medical attention; and

Whereas on September 11th, 2008, the GPSA Student Advocacy Committee met with administrators of Gannett Health Services and the Cornell Student Insurance Office to discuss health care policy and the student health insurance policy, especially for Geneva students; and

Whereas on October 15th, 2008, Cornell Student Insurance Administrator Jo Ann Molnar-Kieffer met with the Geneva students to discuss their health insurance options.

Be it therefore resolved that the GPSA acknowledges the commitment both Gannett Health Services and the Cornell Student Insurance Office has made thus far in working with Geneva students in making known their health care/insurance options; and

Be it further resolved that the GPSA urges Gannett Health Services and the Student Health Insurance Office to continue to improve the clarity and accessibility of all their published and online material as well as continue to improve their communication with all graduate students about their health care options; and

Be it further resolved that the GPSA Student Advocacy Committee will schedule regular meetings with both of these offices to assist in the improvement of published materials and communication; and

Be it further resolved that the GPSA recommends that all improved Gannett and Student Health Insurance published materials be ready by the last week of May, 2009, before information for the following year’s student health insurance plan is sent to students; and

Be it further resolved that the GPSA Student Advocacy Committee, working with the GPSA Communications Committee, plans to provide access to basic health care and health insurance information for graduate and professional students; and

Be it finally resolved that this resolution be sent to Jo Ann Molnar-Kieffer, Cornell Student Insurance Administrator; Val Lyon, Gannett Health Services Business and Finance Associate Director; Ellen Gainor, Interim Dean of the Graduate School; and Jonathan Oliver, President of the Student Association of the Geneva Experimental Station.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brian Michael Forster
Graduate & Professional Student Assembly At-Large Representative
Student Advocacy Committee Chair 2008–2009