Student Assembly

Minutes
Cornell University Student Assembly
February 11, 2010
4:45–7:00pm
Willard Straight Hall, Memorial Room

I. Call to Order

R. Salem called the meeting to order at 4:48 pm.

II. Roll Call

Voting Members Present: I. Akinpelu, V. Andrews, C. Basil, A. Brokman, M. Danzer, M. DeLucia, R. Desai, A. Gitlin, N. Junewicz, N. Kumar, A. Latella, J. Min, C. Moreno, A. Nicoletti, S. Purdy, N. Raps, J. Rau, R. Salem, U. Smith, K. Welch, H. Yang

Non-Voting Members Present: A. Cowen

Voting Members Unexcused Absent: Z. Glasser, A. Ravaret, H. Yang

III. Approval of Minutes

There was a call for acclimation. It was second with no dissent. Minutes are approved.

IV. Open Microphone

There were no issues addressed on the open microphone.

V. Announcements/Reports

1. Class Council Elections, Poster Policy Changes-Jen Davis

Jen Davis explained a resolution to the current poster policy. The resolution includes changes in language to better encompass all aspects of the poster policy. Added to the policy, were specifics on the use of spray, chalk and adhesives. J. Davis explained that these things are damaging, and it is important to stress that their use is a violation of the policy. The resolution also includes updated contact information for residence halls for poster and policy issues. Furthermore, there will no longer be a student activity fine appeal group. This section of the policy has been deleted. It will now be up to the discretion of the SA as o how appeals will be handled. Lastly, the poster policy will emphasize the illegality of the direct marketing of credit cards, which is a New York State law. C. Basil thanked J. Davis for coming, and offered his support in these changes, especially the elimination of credit card marketing.

2. Slope Day Announcement- Dan Tracy ‘10

Dan Tracy could not make the SA meeting due to an interview with Teach for America. Kate Tucci, The vice chair of the Slope Day Programming Board, took his place. K. Tucci explained the very important task of the SDPB: Finding entertainment for Slope Day that satisfies as much as the diverse student body as possible. V. Fischmann continued the announcement with the Slope Day 2010 entertainment line-up. The main artist of the event will be Drake, an up-and-coming, hip-hop artist from Canada who made it big in the US this past year. His newest Album, “Thank Me Later” features collaborations with well-known artists such as Kanye West, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. His hit single “Best I Ever Had”, put him up for many Grammy nominations this year. Opening for Drake on Slope Day, will be the rock band Francis and the Lights, as well as the punk rock band Chaos.

3. College of Arts and Sciences Budget Reductions- Dean Peter Lepage

Dean Lepage began his address to the Student Assembly by first framing the discussion. He stated how important he believed the SA is, and is pleased to speak with them today. Dean Lepage explained that there is a question being asked in a swirl of communication: Why is Cornell targeting the Arts? He confidently addressed that question stating that Cornell simply is not targeting the Arts.

Dean Lepage goes onto explain the truth of the matter, according to administrators in the Arts and Sciences Department. He stated that last year, Cornell discovered it had many budget issues. Consequentially, the University absorbed a 9 million dollar budget cut in Arts & Sciences College. To put the magnitude of this budget cut in measurable terms, the 9 million dollars is 7% of the total Arts and Sciences budget. Dean Lepage explained that in such a circumstance with such substantial financial cuts, a University like Cornell must focus resources on core activities: teachings and research scholarship. Dean Lepage furthered his discussion by explaining that in times of financial crisis, Universities must go through every college, and analyze every department, in search for departments with particularly large costs. When the Arts and Sciences’ department went through this process, they located a small number of departments with large costs- one which happened to be the theater and arts department. The focus is efficiency, explained Dean Lepage. It is not a matter of targeting the arts, but rather a matter of targeting programs that cost a lot compared to other programs of the University. For example, if you take the cost of the theater department divided by the number of students taught, the number is two to three times higher then it is in other departments. Furthermore, it you divide the non-professorial staff by the number of professors in the theater department, the number is five times greater that it is in other University departments. Simply put, on a statistical basis, the theater department was an extreme outlier. Even with the recent budget cut, they still remain an outlier, explains Dean Lepage. Dean Lepage goes on to explain the complexity in theater. It is among the smallest departments here at Cornell, with a program comprised of three majors, which graduate only seven students per year. With over 120 students on stage acting per year, the costs of productions are always very high. Dean Lepage explains with confidence that at the end of the process, Cornell will still have a superb theater department. However, he explains that he would be irresponsible with students’ tuition dollars if the cut to the theater department was not done. After Dean Lepage’s address, R.Salem explains the process in which the Student Assembly will go about posing questions to the Dean. Each student has a limit of 2 minutes to pose his or her questions and concerns to the dean.

R. Desai poses the first question. He asked if the dean believes that such budget cuts will spread to other Arts & Sciences Departments. R. Desai explains that he looked at the task force, and it said something about dissolving majors within Arts & Sciences. He asks the dean if such plans are valid. Dean Lepage responds to R. Desai by explaining his uncertainly about the margining of departments. It is way to early to tell if such action is necessary/. However, if the merging of majors does occur, Lepage assures the SA that the effects will be small. Lepage furthers his answer by addressing Desai’s first question. He explains that in regards to the cut spreading to other departments, it is too early to know. Dean Lepage explains that he does not know where this budget crisis will bring the University. Last year, the budget hit hard, and in response, cuts were not made strategically. There may be further cuts in the Arts & Sciences College, but Dean Lepage assures the student body that there will be no closings of departments. Lepage stresses on significant point: administrators throughout the Arts and Sciences college agree that is only a few kids are interested in a program, that is what must be targeted first.

Natalie Raps poses the next question to Dean Lepage, inquiring about the vast extent of the budget cut to the theater department. She asked the Dean to touch on why a third of the budget will be cut: 2 million out of a 6 million dollar budget. She understands the need for a cut to the departments, but cannot fathom why it is so extensive.

Dean Lepage addresses this question with a clarification. The budget cut is anywhere ranging from 1 to 2 million dollars, and is thus, not necessarily a 33% budget cut. Lepage explains that the quality of the restructuring plans in the theater department will determine the exact range of the budget cut. Dean Lepage explains that there are many models to do theater at a university. Cornell has the most expensive model. Dean Lepage is confident in the fact that there are other models that cost less and still have a good effect.

Raps comments to the dean again, explaining that the professionalism is what attracts students to study theater at Cornell. She asks the dean to consider the fact that the budget cut will decrease the professionalism and therefore, make the program less prestigious and less attractive. Dean Lepage states that there is great debate on which model for a university theater department is best. Some say that the theater program at Cornell does not prepare students for their real roles in professional theater, and that there exists a better model. Dean Lepage explains that there will be model proposals in 3–4 months. Thus, the discussion right now is premature.

R. Salem poses a question to the Dean next. He asked about how future allocation to the theater department will be made, if the 1–2 million dollar cut is enacted.

Dean Lepage explains that what happens t the theater departments is dependent on the creativity of the departments. The Budget challenges that are here now are here for several years. Performing Arts is an essential part of Cornell curriculum, and thus, the Dean is confident that it will continue to persevere.

Next, R. Salem introduces several members of the audience who wish to address Dean Lepage on the matter of the budget cut.

The first speaker from the audience, Kelly Durkin, a student from the arts department, reads a statement from the Dean at Princeton University in which the dean admires the arts and theater departments at Princeton, emphasizing its increased importance to the University.

The next two speakers, both female students from the arts department, explain that cutting the theater budget by 25–50% is simply unjust. They explain that theater majors are not just theater majors. They are engineers, history majors, etc. They are not solely interested in pursing careers in theater and film. The students explain that pulling students away from their other academic obligations to do things that staff in the theater department previously did, will be detrimental to these students’ educational pursuits. One student asks the dean, in what time and space will students from the theater department be able to pursue other academic interests?

Dean Lepage responds by explaining that he is unable to answer the last question, because there is no model yet, and therefore the discussion is premature. However, he does explain that there is lots of potential for creative thought. In regards to the statement by the dean at Princeton, Dean Lepage reminisces on an experience in which the dean from Harvard visited Cornell and commented on the excellence of the Schwartz Performing Arts Center. He makes the point that Cornell is very advanced in the treatment of the arts. V. Andrew addresses the dean next. He asks the Dean if he would consider a Dean advisory Council. The council would keep in touch with the dean as he works through possible changed of framework for the new theater department. This way, the dean can have insight into the student body voice, and how different frameworks will affect them.

Dean Lepage explains that he rather not create students groups if they cannot weigh in on actions and decisions. He does not believe he would have enough of a diet to give to students in this desired council. The Dean explains that he is much more inclines to get opinions at a time where a matter needs to be discussed, such as at these Student Assembly meetings.

V. Andrew further promotes the benefit of having a Dean Advisory Council. He explains that CALS has group of student and faculty that are in constant communication with the Dean. When the Dean makes a decision, he is able to know, through this council, how the decision affects student life. V. Andrews advises that arts make a board of that when cuts are made there is more of a discussion on campus with students so that there is littler sock and worry.

Dean Lepage says that he will take the recommendation into consideration.

J. Min, Minority representative to the Student assembly, asks the dean to what extent is the current theater department model inefficient. He further explains that the theater program is a great gateway to the rest of the Ithaca community, and asks the dean how will be sustain the quality of the program.

In response to Min’s inquiries, Dean Lepage explained that part of the definition of the “best model” is the cost. Dean Lepage explained that long term financial sustainability is important. The budget crisis is not a temporary, short-term ordeal. There will be a tight budget in the future, and the University must prepare for it. Thus, Dean Lepage explains that the arts program needs a budget that will fit comfortably within the tight budget, not one that is pressing the limits. Dean Lepage stated that community connection is indeed extremely important for theater, but he is confident that any model in the end will do a fine job at inviting the community in. The Dean again reflected on the core visions at Cornell: teaching and research scholarship. He emphasized the fact that this vision is a priority, and it is his duty to keep that as his priority.

R. Salem interrupted the Q&A session, and explained that there will be 15 more minutes allotted to discussing this matter with the dean. The Next speaker was Issac Taitz, a student present on behalf of Cornell Minds Matter. I. Taitz explained that Cornellians of all majors need theater, film and dance. I. Taitz explained that the performing arts department is a means of escape that many students rely on a part of mental health and happiness. Taitz asked the Dean to take this into consideration as cuts are made.

In response, Dean Lepage assured the student body that the theater program will end with lots of productions. The Dean explains that the performing arts program is filled with great students and great actors. Thus, despite where you put them, they will be great. The talent will remain untouched, so therefore, there will still be great theater.

A female student from the performing art department addresses the dean next. She speaks, primarily, about how Cornell Theater is seen as an extracurricular activity. Amongst the three departments in performing arts (theater, film and dance), there is no tenured faculty. The student explains that although the talent is there, and the students can perform anywhere and be good, this is not the goal. She firmly stated that the theater program can, by no means, sustain a two million dollar budget cut. She explains that she personally chose Cornell because of their competitive performing arts program, and the ability to integrate the program with other majors and studies. She explained that the department can work with a cut, but the proposed cut is simply to extreme.

Dean Lepage responds that the Arts & sciences college expects more than one proposal for a new performing arts model, and with that understood, hopefully the cuts are not two million.

Next, A. Nicoletti from the Student Assembly explained that she served on the CALS advisory council, and that such a council proved to be essential. She explained that it is important that students keeping constant communication with their Dean, and expressed that she is glad that Dean Lepage is taking such a council into consideration. A.Nicoletti then explained that the costs of the theater department are extremely high. She asks the Dean how the expenses got so high. Who was watching the budget?

In response, Dean Lepage explained that about 20–25 years ago, the performing arts department decided to go from a modest to a highly professional model. The Dean explained that this decision was controversial at the time, but it was indeed a conscious decision to change. He decision stood strong for a couple of decades, but now we are facing a budget crisis that has never happened before.

Adam Gitlin, the freshman representative on the SA, asked the Dean if there would have not been a cut to the performing arts department had their not been a crisis.

Dean Lepage explained that the Arts & Sciences was not moved to make such cuts two years ago, when the university was more economically sound. However, he explains that the Arts & Sciences College is being clobbered by the budget.

Another student asked Dean Lepage about the ratio of professors to staff in the performing arts program, and how it will be affected after this cut. He explained that he made his decision to come to Cornell because it has strong programs in both performing arts, and other majors, and students have the ability to pursue both. The student explains that there is a common misunderstanding about the staffing the performing arts department and who they are. He explained that theater is primarily run by staff, and therefore, staff of the performing arts department complete theater duties, and teach simultaneously. The student reflects on Dean Lepage’s main vision, and asks how the Dean expects to maintain teaching and research by reducing staff? Furthermore, he asked the Dean how Cornell’s performing arts department is expected to maintain attraction to high quality actors. He emphasized the fact that such actors came to the program because of its high class and quality. They will no longer come if the quality deteriorates because of the budget cut. Dean Lepage explains, once again, that he cannot fully answer this question because as of now, no model exists. He did, however, explain that a budget cut does not mean there will be no staff. The department must way the value of every aspect of the performing arts department. The Dean explained that there is still room to move around and still be competitive. N. Kumar closed the discussion with Dean lepage by thanking the Dean for coming to speak about the budget cut issue. N. Kumar explained to the Dean that the Student Assembly is understanding to the fact that budget cuts hve to me made. He further explained that the discussion today was framed around two main principles that concerned the student body: (1) the notion of shared sacrifice ( how crippling the range of the budget cut will be, and how it seems the cut should be more evenly distributed), and shared governance (how it is critical for the Dean to continue to engage with the SA and students as he is considering models and making decisions). N. Kumar asks the Dean to keep the student in mind as he moves forward in this budget crisis.

Dean Lepage responded that that he jumped at the opportunity to come and address the Student Assembly about the issue at and. Finally, he reflected on last year’s budget cuts, which were unexpected, and not well planned. Cornell had lost 25 faculty members in the Arts& Sciences College due to retirement, and the dean was forced to erase all of those positions due to the financial crisis. Dean Lepage stated that “cutting uniformly is a recipe for mediocre outcome”. Administrators must consider who has been over privileged in the past, and must make cuts accordingly.

A student from the audience makes a final remark, asking all interested students to get involved by visisting savecornellarts.com.

Dean Lepage remarks that it is essential for the student body to generate ideas within the department as well.

4. Election Update- Nikki Junewicz

N. Junewicz briefs on the up-and-coming Student Assembly elections. All forms for the election process are due into 109 Day Hall by Monday February 15h. These forms can be accessed at assemblies.cornell.edu.

5. Community Clause Update- Rammy Salem

The Community Clause Update will take place at the next meeting

6. Appropriations Committee Update- Chris Basil

C. Basil briefly explained that there is going to be a committee meeting this Sunday at noon in Goldwin Smith 160. The meeting will be about one to two hours and in it, the committee will put documents together and pick through details.

7. JAMIC Update- Nikhil Kumar

N. Kumar explained that he is going to be meeting with the co chair from last semester by the end of the week. A committee of SA representatives will be formed which will include the LGBTQ representative, the minority representative, and any others who are interested in joining.

8. Residence and Community Life Committee Update- Jon Rau

J. Rau speaks about the many up-and-coming events that Cornell Dining is hosting. As the meeting was taking place, a line of students extended far out into the hall of Willard Straight, all waiting to get into Okenshields for the Chinese New Year celebration. J. Rau also explains that next Tuesday, the Robert Purcell Dining hall will be having a Mardigras celebration, one of his own personal favorites.

J.Min briefly asks a question concerning the cap on guest swipes associated with student meal plans.

J.Rau was explained that although he is unsure, he will bring up the question at his next meeting.

VI. Unfinished Business

1. R. 44- Non-Discrimination Clause- Andrew Brokman

Andrew Brokman proposed wording changes to section 7, line 1 of the Resolution 44, the Non Discrimination Clause. He asked that the entire bolded sentence be struck. There was a motion for the amendment. The motion was seconded. The amendment was passed by a hand vote of 19–0−0.

A. Brokman goes on to explain the content of this new discrimination clause. He explains that the resolution is much different then it was when it was proposed at the last Student assembly meeting. It is less watered-down, and more direct and detailed. A. Brokman explains that the goal of the clause is to cover all Cornell organizations. Any group who chooses to violate on the basis of race, gender, religion, etc. will be in violation of the clause.

Andrew Brokman was accompanied by Katherine Holmes. She thanked the student assembly for taking time to consider the resolution at hands. K. Holmes explained that the goal of this clause is to protect discrimination while still promoting freedoms. With this new clause, certain groups will not be able to get away with discriminatory actions that they got away with in the past. As a member of the LGBT community, K. Holmes explains that she does not see black and white. Thus, she would like to see an end to discrimination throughout the campus.

Matt Danzer, Engineering representative of the SA, explained that he supports the discrimination clause resolution. M. Danzer briefly mentions the incident that occurred on Cornell’s Campus with Chi Alpha, a Cornell-sponsored Christian organization that asked a Cornell senior Christ Donohue, to step down from his leadership position after discovering that Donohue was acting on his homosexual desires. M. Danzer explains that this discrimination clause will prevent groups like Chi Alpha from ever doing anything like what they did again. If an organization on Campus wishes to receive money from Cornell, there are standards that cannot be broken. Danzer explains that the previous version of the resolution would not have done that. He concludes by urging the Student Assembly to pass the resolution.

In regards to the resolution, Ulysses Smith, AAP representative of the SA, explained that although we do no know if the resolution will cover every situation, we have the responsibility to make the best effort possible. U. Smith explains that although this resolution is a good effort, it will not assure that discrimination will not take place. The document simply states that if an organization violates the discrimination clause, then they will not longer be eligible to receive Cornell funds. U. Smith considers a situation in which an organization agrees to not receive funding, and simply continues to discriminate.

C. Basil commented on the resolution, explaining that although it is great, it still does not answer an important question: does religion supersede gender and sexual orientation. VP Basil makes a motion to table the resolution until next week. A hand vote of 7–8−0 was made in favor of voting on the resolution at the current meeting, but President Rammy overrode the vote and decided to table the resolution due to time constraints.

2. R. 45- SAFC Appeals Process Reform- Charlie Feng ‘11, Dan Gusz ‘11, Chris Basil

Next, the Student Assembly addressed Resolution #45: SAFC Appeals Process Reform. C. Basil emphasizes his support of sticking to the strict SAFC deadlines, with no leniency. C. Basil explains that if deadlines were removed, there would be chaos. He proposes that although there will be strict deadlines for budget submission, groups that did not get there budget in on time can still be allowed to apply for financial support for small projects. C. Basil asked if the Student Assembly would be covering costs for all appeals.

Ari Epstein, an employee at the Office of Assemblies, explains that the Student Assembly will not be covering costs if the SAFC was responsible for making a mistake. If the SAFC is responsible, they will cover the charges.

V. Andrew proposes an amendment to strike a clause in the appeals process document. The paragraph to be struck is found at the bottom of page three. There was no dissent. The Amendment was granted.

Resolution #45 was called to question by V. Andrews. R. Desai seconded the motion. The resolution was passed by a hand vote of 15–0−1.

3. R. 47- Establishment of the Student Assembly Public Service Committee- Adam Gitlin, Rachel Greenspan ‘12, Jacob Kose ‘13

Albert Lee, President of The Haitian Student Association, proposes a resolution that had the goal of organizing campaigns, and coordinating organization efforts. A. Lee explains that there are currently many events for Haiti Relief, and he is grateful for the tremendous support from the Student Body. However, many of these events are poorly coordinated in the sense that there are multiple events held on the same night. He wants to make sure that the Cornell community remains engaged in Haiti Relief efforts, but does not feel bombarded.

The Public Service Committee will help all Cornell organizations stay connected and coordinated. There was a motion to vote on Resolution #47. The motion was seconded.

Resolution #47 was passed by a vote of 15–2−0.

VII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kalisha Dessources