Student Assembly

MINUTES
Cornell University Student Assembly
October 29, 2009
4:45 — 6:30pm
Memorial Room, Willard Straight Hall

I. Call to Order

R. Salem called the meeting to order at 4:46 pm.

II. Roll Call

Voting Members Present: I. Akinpelu, V. Andrews, C. Basil, C. DeLencquesaing, M. DeLucia, Z. Glasser, N. Junewicz, N. Kumar, A. Latella, J. Min, A. Nicoletti, N. Raps, J. Rau, A. Raveret, R. Salem, K. Welch, O. Williams, U. Smith, H. Yang, R. Desai, A. Gitlin, M. Danzer, G. Phillips

Non-Voting Members Present: A. Cowen, A. Flye

Non-Voting Member Absent: P. Eliasinski

III. Open Microphone

Charlie Feng, class of 2011, co-chair of the SAFC had a point of clarification. Cornell Cinema is funded through SA appropriations via byline funding, not the SAFC.

IV. Approval of Minutes

Minutes from October 22, 2009 were approved.

V. Announcements/Reports

Office Hours & Into the Streets- Rammy Salem

They were cancelled this week in order to take the SA to participate in Into the Streets.

SUNY SA Update�Matt Danzer and Kristen Welch

K. Welch said that they went to the SUNY conference. They want to cut money from Bundyaid. They got booed and laughed at as they tried to lobby against. Eventually SUNY SA endorsed the bill. M. Danzer said that budget cuts do affect Cornell schools as well, for instance ILR and CALS. They are thinking of finding way to protest cuts.

UA Update�Adam Nicoletti

The UA met with the deputy provost for a re-imagining Cornell update. They’re in the middle to end of first stage. JAMIC changes were discussed and then they can staff the committee. UA passed a charter change committee to look at the relevance of their charter.

V. Andrews said to send in the newsletter articles to him. His goal is to get it out by next Friday. The first SA PR campaign got approved for Wednesday — Friday.

J. Min said that at the SAFC meeting they have been going over SAFC bylaws, working to improve and change them. If you have any changes, or your constituents do, talk to him and they can work out a resolution.

Dining Committee Update�Alex Latella, Gail Finan, and Suvir Saran

After last week, he spent time talking about dining programs and promotions. This week he brought the director of dining and our celebrity chef. Gail Finan, Director of Cornell Dining thanked Alex and Greg Mezey from last year. If anyone has any thoughts or concerns that they think would be important for dining to know, email her at gtf23, or tell Alex. We are so fortunate to have Suvir Saran here. He was last year’s CCG, from a restaurant in NY, and he found love and passion with students and dining staff, with a consultant role. They’ve opened American Marsala at Trillium. It’s good for you, tastes good, and is made from scratch. Next week, CCG is Thursday right here with Chef Chai Siriyarn from Marnee Thai restaurant out of San Francisco. He is one of the premiere chefs in the world. Thursday’s meal will be at Okenshields downstairs. Friday will be at RPCC. She thanked everyone and reminded them that their comments are important

Suvir said that he’s just come from Yale yesterday morning and he advises doctors at Harvard med. Students are lucky to be at Cornell with Gail making radical changes, which are deeper in sustainability and eating correctly. Support the University, support Cornell dining by spending money on the right foods.

N. Kumar thanked Suvir for bringing American Marsala to Trillium. He encourages everyone to check the station out. He also thanked Gail.

Suvir said that it was not just food of India, but cutting edge comfort food from around the world. It is all made that morning, in the kitchen with fresh ingredients.

H. Yang briefly discussed the Course Rank website.

SAFC Appeal Decision�Chris Basil

Men of Color Council
MOCC was heard Monday and they were recommended funding at 4,087 dollars for the fall semester by a vote of 10–0. They made the same mistake as groups heard last week and they applied the same standard. There was a call for acclimation and a second. With no dissent, the appeal was granted.

Appropriations Committee Allocations

• Athletics

They were recommended to be funded at $9.95, before that, two years ago, SA negotiated to fund big red sports pass through Student Activtiy Fee. They voted 7 - 3. The committee felt that Athletics should function with more responsibility and authority. Athletics shouldn’t affect advisory role. N. Kumar motioned to accept. There was a call for acclimation and a second. With no dissent, it was approved.

• Alternative Breaks

They are a new byline funded organization previously existing through outside and SAFC funds. They asked for 1 dollar in 2010–2012 cycle. They were concerned that the operating budget is $27,000 but were seeking only $13,000. J. Min asked how they would be able to benefit the entire student body. C. Basil said that it is like wilderness reflections and outdoor odyssey. They look to serve limited number of students IN trips, but trips are open to all undergrads. R. Salem said that they have events where they share info and encourage people to do community service. M Danzer said that they want to make sure they strongly re-iterate that they want alternate breaks to really focus on bringing experiences back.

V. Andrews called for acclimation. It was seconded with no dissent. It was approved.

• Community Center Councils

This organization was re-heard. They had a lot of concerns about budget because of cuts, variety of reasons, Appel council programming location was cut. The Council got 1 dollar for RPCC, Appel, and Noyes. Appel was cut. As a result, they proposed a Social Justice Advocates as separate and get 1 dollar for cross campus programming. The Committee felt there was a lot of overlap and felt uncomfortable funding. They decided to give 2 dollars to North Campus so that freshmen have the benefit of additional programming support and give Noyes, 1 dollar.

J. Min called to question. V. Andrews called for acclimation. It was seconded with no dissent.

• Cornell Cinema

They requested additional time to present. They were given ten minutes.

VI. Business of the Day

Appropriations Committee Appeal�Mary Fessenden, Christopher Riley et al.

VP Basil explained the process. Cornell Cinema was recommended at $8.60 for 2010–2012 cycle by a vote of 9–4. They also voted on $11.75 and $11 by votes of 0–15. They were concerned about a number of aspects of proposal. First, attendance. Then, they are holding $80,000 in cash reserves. They felt that was excessive. Some reserve is justified but $80,000 is too much. Some recommended reducing number of says from Wednesday to Saturday due to more highly demanded days. They were concerned about total percent of expenditures for admin and staff salaries. It was about 55% of total budget and they were concerned about the $36,000 paid to student staff. Committee members were concerned that the high expenditures weren’t sustainable. Further increases in SA fee in future would be necessary. They felt as matter of principle, it was improper to charge students activity fee to pay salaries of other students. They proposed $8.60 to reflect deduction of most of $36,000 for student staff salaries, leaving around $5,000 for essential student positions. Especially given minor salaries in other groups. Others proposed lower, $6.70 and $3.80. Rationales are in front. They felt the Cinema should be supported but lots of difficult aspects to budget.

Mary Fessenden from Cornell Cinema said that the cinema is a rich experience. Countless students benefited from culturally rich, diverse films. Attendance was 30,000. 20,000 were undergraduate. Committee recommended a 22% cut in funding. If the cut were enacted, there would be a $45,000 shortfall. They appreciate the committee assessing. It was one of the most detailed budgets. They agreed that valid points were made. They removed 75% of her salary because it is paid by the university in the same way it’s being provided by others. Those aren’t reflected in budgets. They explained the new budget they gave. Indirect labor costs are 28 percent, not fifty five percent. The money received from the undergrad fee doesn’t come close to all direct programming costs, not even indirect. They have other sources. If they are concerned that the fee is being used to pay students, the undergrad fee isn’t enough to cover all these things. Beyond the accounting issue if they were to replace student workers with non-students, it would cost much more. A volunteer-only system is not realistic. Projectionists need 10–15 hours in training. House managers must be trained. Advisors are not there with them.

As for attendance, the idea that most shows are poorly attended is not true. There were 30,000 admissions, 20,000 of which were undergrads. They explained some of the numbers. Sunday through Tuesday, students do attend. Per screening attendance ranges from 45–60. There is breadth to accommodate as many student organizations as possible, give enough screening options. They need to show films 7 nights a week. It is something special about Cornell Cinema that has been a tradition on campus for the past 40 years.

Some consequences that would happen is that because they can only partially rely on student volunteers they won’t be able to cover by discontinuing to student staff. They would try to make up loss and likely come out of programming expenses, making things less diverse, less times, and they would have to stop responding to student organizations. Also if there is less funding in the SA than GPSA, it would reflect in a ticket price differences, going up from 4 dollars. They urge the SA to reject and grant increase requested. Since last night, they have already collected over 500 signatures.

Caroline Clark senior of the advisory board. VP Basil asked the role of the student advisory board. Caroline responded that they have no direct involvement with workers. Their role is that students get movies they want to see. They help out programming in terms of localizing movies on the schedules, what movies should be added, shown more times. They meet every semester. VP Basil asked more about the day to day, or if it was just recommending movies which were ordered by staff. Caroline said that she was more of a cinema lover so hers is more recommending. Some of the board members are working as well. Mary added that they are getting input on what films want students to see.

Joe Rinaldi, class of 2012 is an English major. He stated that they discuss different movies to bring together blockbusters shown recently and most in November and beginning of December when students have free time before exams. They talk together and gather ideas that more students want to see, more popular, more genres students can relate to or will bring in more crowds and discuss next year, which will get more crowds. VP Basil asked, as a student advisory board, what’s the role in promoting? Joe said that he lives on West Campus and sets up different posters and signs for dorms. He is the manager on duty for Willard Straight and authorizes posters and all flip sheets sent to different areas. VP Basil asked how they go to students to find out what they want to watch. They said that it was casual and informal, mostly through word of mouth.

The advisory board is not paid to be on it. Only 2 students of the 20 are paid and that is for their additional position at the cinema.

N. Kumar said that they talked about how SA fee doesn’t subsidize student ticket prices. Two years ago, institution was in same place. Recommended to cut funding, had meeting like this, people on both sides debating role of fee in supporting. Since last budget battle, what steps taken to restructure to make more sustainable, student-led, etc? Mary replied that every two years, the SA has different concerns. Last time rent was a concern. They worked on that to no avail. They have been working with the advisory board regularly. There is a lot more stuff online on facebook and twitter. They are connecting with students and hearing from them. They are always open to suggestions from any students. N. Kumar asked about the 40,000 dollar surplus and the 16,000 dollar deficit. The $38,000 surplus came about from cost cutting measures which happened that year. It worked better than they thought. The $16,000 deficit is due to outside cuts experienced because of the economic downturn.

Alexandra Paradti is a senior and house manager. The cinema has a special place to her, not just because it is the source of her Federal Work Study income. It is unique and professional. Focus on how the significant cut takes away opportunity for all students. She has read the rationale which focuses on staff pay. She wants to make sure that they are aware that cinema could not survive as a volunteer service. It endangers ability of cinema. She is aware that she is a senior, it is technically not her money, but it is her brothers, and the class of 2014 who can’t be here to speak up, and they will suffer if it’s cut.

Z Glasser asked if they funded nay other student employee. The only one is the clerk. He then asked the average wage of the student worker. Christopher Riley said that box officers get $7.35; house managers make almost 8, projectionists make a little over eight. He feels they are all underpaid. The Willard Straight Theater holds 300 people downstairs, 40 in balconies. Overall attendance was 30,000 and they presented 272 programs so average was 110 per program and if you look at ticket data to see what percentage are undergrads, 65%, which means average undergrad per program. Not sure per screening is relevant because if it is only showed once, could not necessarily come that one time. They screen films from 1 or 2 times up to five or six.

J. Min asked about cash reserves. He asked if they could address why that much is needed within account. Is the trajectory of attendance increasing over the years? Mary said that 2006–07 had a larger surplus which is why they had around $79,000 in reserves. Because of over $15,000 federal funding cuts, at the end of the year, the reserve will be $63,000. It is there to cover deficits, such as this one as well as for equipment replacement. The projectors in Uris are seventy years old. To replace one if it broke would cost $30,000.

Mary Woods, a professor, would like to say thank you for letting faculty speak. She has been here for 25 years. She teaches history of cities and buildings. Her college is AAP. 25 years ago when she came, one of the selling points was the resource of a cinema. Found out it was not only a venue for entertainment but an extension of the classroom and studio. She has taught many seminars and courses with colleagues and students from across campus. Cornell Cinema works with her and students and colleagues to program unusual work. This is for things not available for Netflix or on dvd and the like. Talking with students and colleagues, at other Ivy Leagues, they are astounded. They have nothing like this at Harvard, Princeton and Yale. Don’t dumb down to that level. Incredible input from students. She was speaking with City and Regional planning undergrads and grads. Moreover, it is a forum for students who are filmmakers not only in the department of film and video, but also in architecture. They screen their films and have the opportunity to present to colleagues. It encourages students from across university.

VP Basil made a point about increasing prices, which followed from the increase of the student salaries. Mary Fessenden said that it was not accurate to look at those numbers and instead to look at the new budget.

N. Junewicz said that she loves Cornell Cinema, has been going for years, and thinks it’s fantastic. Her concern is that she’s never seen two staff members at the table. Why not have a higher level of student involvement? What do students do by way of getting word out? Why not have a booth at Club Fest? They are not allowed to have one because the college of arts and sciences was willing to help out with costs, they do not qualify as a “registered student organization” and are thus not allowed to have a table. N. Junewicz was not sure if there’s a strong student presence. Caroline Clark said there is definitely student involvement. They work on publicity. There is a lot of organizing in terms of movies. The reason Mary and Chris are here is because of finance issue. There is a LOT of student involvement. Everything they say is implemented. N. Junewicz asked when they meet and what they talk about. Caroline said 1 time with general body, plus committee meetings, special Halloween program, several times a week. They do publicity. They are out in Willard Straight. New programming sheets. Putting up flyers.

Dominic N said that all questions important and informative. What he is asking, the big picture. He’s been at Cornell for 40 years, as undergrad before that. He teaches in the departments of history and comparative literature. Cornell Cinema affects people here over the summer, international students, faculty and guests, as well as students, faculty and guests here the entire year. For all people and many others, people around the world, Cornell Cinema is very well known. One thing making it an interesting place is interest of Cornell Cinema. Its existence makes a degree from Cornell more important. It is an institution which contributes to status, importance and intellectual value in rest of the world. Its existence is very important.

M. Danzer gave suggestions on changes. Mary appreciates comments and feedback. They have been constantly reviewing the budget and making cuts on a regular basis and continuing to do that. They are happy to work with SA to make changes. She thinks to cut funding by 22% is not best way to do that. They are facing a $15,000 cut because of the economic downturn already. They are happy to work with them and are interested in providing best program possible. They’re happy to work with on ways of improving student advisory board.

A. Raveret said that he keeps hearing the same things. He wants to echo his three concerns. First is the money issue with paying people, it seems to be sidestepping but he will go with it. Still under direct programming, is direct non-student labor costs. Just as the concert commission has them. Second is how the organization is run. There is a trend for income of group going up, but budget is increasing in deficit. Mary explained that they have gotten 11 dollars per student. Income projected for next two years versus last two. 2010/11 and 2011/12 put in as if they were granted 11.75 because had gone up if they were to grant increase. A big difference in 2010/11 is the “Atkinson form” where they get $25,000 as a special thing, which happens every 2–3 years which is donor money. Last time that money was gotten was 2007/08. A. Raveret is worried about the general trend of deficit. Some things are to lessen number of shows put on. He would like to see how THEY can create more money, or save money to cause this to not go into deficit. Mary said that the outside grant sources because of economic downturn. Reducing, won’t be doing as many special events, won’t be doing as many experimental and unusual to get down. Because just happened, will have to cover a chunk out of reserve. Specifically in two years funded, wanted to illustrate that they weren’t coming to assembly to solve all problems. The increase was to help with loss from economic downturn. Still looks as if they will have to figure out ways to cover deficits and will be working without assistance of SA. They were hoping SA might be able to help with cuts to maintain quality of program. A. Raveret said they doing the “bare minimum” did not seem like a 75 cent increase. They have $62,000 dollars in reserves. Why ask for increase to have money? Mary was trying to explain earlier that it is important to have money in reserve to cover deficits and equipment costs. $60,000 is little considering that replacing projectors would cost $30,000.

A community member said that the student advisory has 20 people. That is about the same number as the SA. In terms of jobs being volunteer based. It’s probably time-wise unrealistic. As much as she loves and is passionate, putting in that much volunteer time and having a work study job isn’t possible. Cornell cinema and Cornell operate under any person any study. Not only undermines cinema itself, can study anything they want. Cannot find anywhere else. One that a professor wasn’t able to get a hold of a film without Cinema.

N. Raps thanked Cornell Cinema for their time. As member of the Appropriations Committee she has a few things to address. As stated by faculty, by no means are they trying to dumb down anyone. Recognize great facilities. It is a financial issue, as one of students pointed out, is because you deal with finances. She would encourage getting more students involved in these kinds of issues. It’s also that students are not involved. They are getting grants from arts & sciences, but they are not funding as much as SA with $11.75 would be funding. That raises question as to why they can’t have students at club fair. If they’re funding more than the college, they should be able to reach as many people as possible. Stipulation is to reach as many. Fact that can’t go to club fair is appalling. Can’t get to students makes no sense.

VP Andrews haven’t covered issues assembly member have with attendance. He called to question. It was seconded. There was dissent. The vote to vote was approved by a vote of 15 −6.

Mary summarized what she would like to say, thinking that undergraduate students do have a say and care passionately about Cornell Cinema. They are happy to work with assembly to try to improve the actions of the advisory board, but the board really does have input in programming. She encouraged them to think of the big picture. They would be bringing to a close a 40 year tradition.

VP Basil said that the Appropriations Committee recommended funding at $8.60, a reduction from $11 dollars and below the request for $11.75. By a vote of 10–10–1 the decision holds because 2/3 majority was not reached.

VII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:33pm.