Student Assembly

Dear President Skorton,

I would like to formally communicate Student Assembly Resolution 36, “In Support of the Establishment of an International Student Center” sponsored by International at-Large Representative Enrico Bonatti. The resolution passed 18–2−0 last week.

The resolution calls on the administration to establish an International Student Center at Cornell University within two years. The center would be a physical space connected to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) where international students can meet, gather and connect with other international organizations as well as access resources in a safe space. In addition, it would centralize and combine all the current international resources offered on campus.

The resolution’s sponsor recommends that members of the administration establish a task force of student representatives, representatives from the Office of the Dean of Students, and representatives from the ISSO to closely examine and gather information regarding the scope and vision of the potential center. The task force would also examine the feasibility of consolidating of all the currently available resources for international students under the potential new International Student Center (i.e., consolidating the ISSO, a meeting space for international students, international resources, and learning support under on roof).

The Student Assembly believed that the establishment of an International Student Center is aligned with the university’s mission to internationalize Cornell pursuant to your white paper, “Bringing Cornell to the World and the World to Cornell,” and that it would further provide critical resources and support to an extremely important and numerous group on campus. S.A. members agreed with the resolution’s sponsors in that an International Student Center would not only fulfill a very pressing need for current students but also make Cornell a more attractive place for perspective students seeking a strong and supported international community at their university.

I have attached Resolution 36 and its appendices for reference. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Adam