Student Assembly

Rationale of the Committee

The Committee appreciated meeting with Cornell Cinema and felt the organization had addressed many concerns from the previous by-line funding cycle. For instance, the Cinema tremendously improved the role of its Student Advisory Board and welcomed more student involvement. In addition, the separation of an account for specifically SAF funds was helpful in reducing confusion of funds flows. Furthermore, the reserve account was reduced due to capital expenditures as well as a slight deficit in FY 2010–2011. Finally, the Committee acknowledged the important cultural and programmatic role Cornell Cinema plays on campus.

However, many Committee members felt that the current level of funding for the Cornell Cinema would be sufficient over the next two years. Many felt that the SAF would subsidize Cornell Cinema more than it should at a cost greater than $10.00 and that the burden should be placed more upon the students that attend each showing. They commented that there appeared to be a disconnect between the cost of higher than $10.00 and the benefit the average student gains from attending a showing. Regardless, members felt that any cuts in the SAF allocation to Cornell Cinema would jeopardize its operations, especially during a time where the Cinema is facing steep budget deficits and economic challenges. Moving forward, Committee members felt that Cinema should seek to increase their ticket revenue and/or make programmatic changes in order to bridge budget deficits and depend less on the SAF as a percentage of its total budget.

Vote Totals

The Committee votes down, from the highest number proposed to the lowest, to give the group the advantage. The vote totals from the Committee were as follows:

Respectfully submitted,

Adam Nicoletti ‘12
Vice President for Finance, Student Assembly