Student Assembly

Whereas, The Student Assembly is the representative body for the all of the undergraduate student population at Cornell University;

Whereas, The Office of Assemblies has the ability to send out updates to all undergraduates through its listserv;

Whereas, The Office of Assemblies is able to send updates, information and links for Fall and Spring Elections to all undergraduates;

Whereas, it has been increasingly difficult to communicate with the entire student body and it has been published that “the S.A. fails to actively publicize meetings, resolutions and resources for student action and collaboration with administrators;”

Whereas, it is the responsibility of the Vice President of Public Relations as per Bylaw 4.2.c.5 to “advertise resolutions of particular interest to the general student community” and to “devise and implement mechanisms to increase participation of student organizations in SA processes;”

Whereas, it is also the responsibility of the Vice President of Public Relations to “Ensure all SA meetings, forums, committee meetings, etc. are listed in Sun Daybook.”, “Respond with letters to the editor, etc. to inaccurate editorials, articles, and letters published in the Sun”, and to “Remain in contact with Sun beat reporters” thus relying heavily on the Cornell Daily Sun to advertise to the student body;

Whereas, the Cornell Daily Sun has stated that “the onus has effectively been placed on The Sun, an independent publication, to communicate the actions of both the administration and the S.A.” thus urging the Student Assembly to act independently in communicating with the Student Body;

Be it therefore resolved, that the Charter be amended as followed with the insertions indicated in bold

1.6 Public Hearings, Forums, Referendums

The SA will have the responsibility to conduct at least one public ‘Speak Up’ event per semester at alternating locations on campus. The ‘Speak Up’ events are to be conducted at a round table discussion and shall include administrators related to a particular topic of current student interest. The SA will also have the authority to conduct referendums to determine student needs and opinions.

In addition, the Vice President of Public Relations will have the ability to send out updates, information and surveys through the Office of Assemblies after approval by the executive board.

Respectfully Submitted,

Natalie Raps ‘12
Arts & Sciences Representative
Vice President of Public Relations

Jonathan Weinberg ‘13
Cornell Daily Sun Contributor

Adam Gitlin ‘13
ILR Representative
Vice President of Internal Operations