Student Assembly

Dear Rammy:

Thank you for your communication of April 6th in which you forwarded a number of Student Assembly resolutions for my review and response. I have responded to each of the resolutions individually below:

R. 34 - Clarification of at-Large Seats Thank you for responding to my request to clarify that these seats are being designated as minority, international and LGBTQ representatives as a result of your intention to serve these underrepresented communities. I accept this resolution as amended.

R. 43 - Defining the General Roles of College Representatives This resolution amends Article 4 “Officers” of the SA Charter. This is not an Article that requires the President’s approval. (Articles dealing with legislative authority, membership and Charter amendment require approval (see Article 2). The bylaw provisions do not require the President’s approval.

However, I might suggest that you review this resolution because, as it is written, it is obliging the deans to meet with the SA representatives (and that simply may not be possible) and it is requiring that each college representative devise a SA climate survey to be conducted each semester for all the students in that college. I have concern about the over surveying of students that may result. Moreover, as I’m sure you will recognize, the SA can only recommend but not impose obligations on Deans to meet with SA representatives by either charter or bylaw amendment. The ability of the college representative to fulfill this SA requirement (meeting with the dean) would therefore require the agreement of the Dean to meet.

I applaud your intent to have the college representatives be connected with their college administration and students, but I frankly worry about the very prescriptive nature of this resolution.

R. 50 - Requesting Deans to Speak at SA Meeting This resolution does not require my approval. I support the intent of the resolution, however and encourage the SA to invite Deans to attend and hope that their schedules will allow them to be present at least once a year.

R. 52 - Resolution in Support of the Student Statement on the Right to Research This resolution endorses a “Student Statement on the Right to Research”. I appreciate knowing of the SA interest in this important topic.

R. 54 - Removing the Charter Test for SA Members This resolution amends Article 4 “Officers” of the SA Charter to eliminate the requirement of a “charter test” prior to seating new officers. Because this is a by-law, it does not require the President’s approval. Thanks for sharing the information.

R. 55 - Charter Amendments I approve this resolution that amends Article 2 “Charter Amendment” as it appears to codify what has been a long standing practice. I also appreciate knowing about the amendment to the SA bylaws concerning the process for approving a bylaw amendment that is contained in this resolution as well.

R. 57 - Resolution in Support of a Korean Studies Program and the Korean Language Program Thank you for sharing the SA interest in Korean Studies and Language program. I would encourage the SA to meet with Provost Fuchs as matters of the curriculum are his purview. This is a challenging time for us to consider any immediate expansion of an academic program. I also will share with Vice President Murphy the interest in the Korean Language House. Again, I am not sure we are in a position to expand that program, but again, I appreciate having the interest of the SA noted.

R. 61 - Marcellus Shale Drilling Committee Thank you for sharing the SA concern about the lack of an undergraduate student member on the Marcellus Shale Drilling Committee. I understand that concerned students have met with the Provost on this topic and that the Drilling Committee is holding open sessions. I would encourage any interested student to be sure to attend those sessions.

R. 68 - Allowing Decorations on Chain-Link Fences on Campus Bridges Thanks for sharing this resolution. I know that Vice President Murphy has talked with you and others about the decorations, and frankly, I have appreciated seeing the ribbons, flowers and balloons.

Best regards,

David Skorton