Whereas, the Cornellians Aiding and Responding to Emergencies Grant Fund (the Fund), formerly known as the Emergency Grant Fund, is a program created and supervised by the Employee Assembly (the Assembly) through its Grants Committee (the Committee);

Whereas, the chair of the Committee has conducted an extensive review of the program in collaboration with current and former members of the committee as well as the Office of the Assemblies;

Whereas, the review has identified several areas of concern regarding oversight of the program and clarity of the rules governing its administration, including lack of:

• clear criteria for awarding the fund,
• specifications for management of the fund,
• clarity about how the program will be coordinated with the Faculty, Staff Assistance Program (formerly known Employee Assistance Program),
• auditing procedures, and
• time and expertise in membership of the Assembly to continue oversight, management, and development of the program;

Whereas, the Fund has provided and has potential to provide in the future a unique and valuable service to the community;

Whereas, the Division of Human Resources (the Division) has agreed to take responsibility for oversight and management of the Fund on a continuing basis;

Whereas, the Division possesses the expertise and staff to oversee, manage, and develop the Fund in a manner that would most benefit all employees, including faculty;

Be it therefore resolved that, effective immediately, management, oversight, and associated financial accounts of the Fund will be transferred to the Division, subject to the following considerations: The Division will:

• Oversee operational aspects of the Fund, including account balances, issuance of payments, and auditing;
• Continually review and revise the processes and procedures associated with the Fund as needed;
• Establish an advisory committee that shall include at least one active representative appointed by the Assembly;
• Serve as the gateway for applications to the Fund;
• Assume responsibility for promoting and sustaining the Fund.

Be it further resolved that Section 6, titled “Grants Committee”, of Article 6 of the Assembly’s Charter be removed and subsequent sections be renumbered accordingly;

Be it further resolved that Section 1, titled “Cornellians Aiding and Responding to Emergencies Grant Fund”, of Chapter 8 of the Assembly’s Charter be removed and subsequent sections be renumbered accordingly; and,

Be it finally resolved that this resolution be transmitted to Mary George Opperman, Vice President Human Resources, Lynette Chappell-Williams, Associate Vice President, Workforce Diversity and Inclusion and Elizabeth A. Shrier, Director Human Resources Administration, Communications and Outreach Services.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gemma Osborne
Employee Representative and Chair, Grants Committee
Respectfully submitted on Jan. 6 2010