Minutes
University Assembly
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
Art Gallery, Willard Straight Hall

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by M. Esposito.

II. Roll Call

Present: J. Austin, L. Clougherty, C. Cole, M. Esposito, D. Grubb, J. Kang, J. Kozlow, D. Marsh, L. Yannone

Excused: H. Chung, M. Hartill, D. Levitsky, B. Lewis, A. Mathios, A. P. Pirondi

Absent: S. Caldwell, J. Cisne, J. Johnson, E. Loew, M. Travis

Others Present: Cris Gardner, Mark Frontera, R. Gary Hartz, J. Corson-Rikert, T. Kern, R. McDaniel, C. Holmes, K. Rourke, B. Krause

III. Additions to the Agenda

No additions were made to the agenda.

IV. Open Forum

No comments were made during Open Forum.

V. Report from the Chair/Announcements

M. Esposito reported on the Assemblies Leadership Breakfast Meeting that took place on March 24. He commented that each assemblies presented reports on their recent actions. M. Esposito presented the three major concerns and issues that were discussed during the meeting.

The first issue brought up dealt with the direct election of student members to the University Assembly. This change in the election process would render the student representatives more active. He stated that the UA proposed some changes to the Student Assembly resolution. M. Esposito indicated that the rationale for the change to the UA Charter is to give the constituencies a more active role in deciding how members are elected to the UA and to hold the constituent assembles responsible for seeing that the UA seats are filled. He suggested the members look over the proposed document and allowed time for any suggestions or comments to be made.

Following the discussion of SA representation, M. Esposito addressed the issue of committee bylaws. He stated the rationale for this proposal was to allow committees to establish bylaws. Due to the diversity among committees, it would not be reasonable to establish uniform rules. One of the main goals of these bylaws is to enable committees to establish attendance policies. He suggested the members look over the proposed document and allowed time for any suggestions or comments to be made.

M. Esposito presented the third issue raised at the breakfast meeting. He reported that the proposition called for all leaders of the assemblies to serve as trustee fellows. The goal behind this proposition was to create stronger communication between the assemblies and the Board of Trustees, and the sub-committees of the Board of Trustees. Debate arose if this was a necessity or a result of the assemblies recently not functioning as efficiently as they could. He explained that this was not presented as a reason for wanting Trustee Felloes that represented community members.

VI. Constituent Assemblies’ Reports

Faculty Senate

D. Grubb reported that the Faculty Senate supported an increase in faculty saleries. He added that the issue of transition to marital status was further discussed at the past meeting. He also announced that Professor J. Robert Cooke is the newly elected Dean of Faculty will begin gis term the next academic year.

Employee Assembly

M. Esposito announced the EA was continuing to work both external and internal issues of the assembly. They are the role of the EA and methods to improve communication within the body. M. Esposito remarked that for the first time in EA history, a budget was passed and is being proposed to the administration. He added the EA was also in the midst of elections. Three positions are still vacant on the assembly.

GPSA

R. Gary Hartz reported that a part-time Career Development Assistant position has been created in the Graduate School. This individual will assist graduate students in acquiring their desired post-graduation employment. He indicated that the GPSA was presently reviewing the Health Insurance Policy available through the National Graduate and Professional Student Organization. They are researching this policy to decide its feasiblity for the Cornell community and to compare it to the current health insureance policy offered by the University.

R. Gary Hartz also raised the issue of the TA/ RA graduate students working policies and procedures. He remarked an open forum, open only to graduate students, will be taking place on 3–26–98 from 5–7pm, to gather information. He stated that the graduate assistanceship program must be a positive experience for everyone involved and thus the formation of a committee to examine these issues.

R. Gary Hartz inquired if the UA would look into allowing the GPSA to select their UA representative from the entire constituent body and not just from the GPSA body. This would allow the GPSA to have more of a selection pool in deciding on representatives.

Student Assembly

J. Kozlow announced that the Student Assembly was presently addressing the issue of dissection in various courses. He commented that the SA was addressing ways to allow students alternatives to the dissection process.

VII. Business of the Day

University Health Services (UHS)

J. Corson-Rickert began her presentation by announcing the recent alterations in health care service at Cornell and the effects of these changes. She reviewed the present hour alterations which have led to a more cost effective system. By eliminating the overnight service hours, the health center has been able to extend Saturday hours and allow service during the lunch hour of the weekdays. This has reduced the expensive service of the overnight hours and enabled UHS to be more responsive and accessible to the needs of the students. With the elimination of the overnight service hours, a system of 24 hour phone physician access has been put into effect; during the night hours when UHS is closed physicians are on call from 5pm - 12 am and nurses are on call from 12 - 8 am. She commented that the extended Saturday hours have proved to be very convenient to patients. The lab and X-Ray system are also operational on Saturday.

J. Corson-Rickert expressed that changes have been made based on previous satisfaction surveys. New to the system are the Heath Care Teams. This system allows for each patient to have an assigned physician in order to offer more consistent and improved care. This physician is a member of a team of other physicians, nurses, etc. If the student requests, or if their physician is not available during the time of their appointment, a different physician will serve them. She commented that this change has been beneficial to everyone and both the students and staff are reaping the benefits of shared medical knowledge and an improved patient-provider relationship.

J. Corson-Rickert added that the UHS is also moving away from the system of walk-in service. Presently one physician is serving the needs of emergency service, while all others are operating through an appointment service. To increase the level of patient service, the UHS is offering same day appointments. By using the appointment system the average wait per visit has been reduced.

Should a patient miss their scheduled appointment, a $10 charge will be assessed. This has reduced the number of patients not attending their scheduled appointments from 25% to 10%. UHS does offers reminder calls in order to reduce the amount of patients forgetting about their appointments.

J. Corson-Rickert announced the other major alteration at UHS, the PyraMED computer system. She explained that this system allows for the billing process, medical records, appointment scheduling, x- ray, and many other operations to be placed on a central computer system. This system will vastly increase the level of service once the system is completely operational. The implementation of the new computer system has proven to be extremely challenging to the staff, and training has proven to be a necessity. She announced that because of the new computer system, it has forced the UHS to purchase 70 new PC computers and train the entire staff. Also a position has been added to aid in the usage of this updated computer system.

J. Corson-Rickert commented that another main concern of the UHS was accreditation. Because of the new computer system, many efforts have been made to protect patient records. Staff resources have been stressed to alter the present alphabetical patient record system to a numerical system. The staff of the UHS has been implementing this process in order to reduce the cost of reorganizing the medical resources.

J. Corson-Rickert reported that the overall usage of the UHS has been down when compared to previous years, yet has increased 8.4% overall since last year. Possible reasons for the decline in usage could be attributed to the reduction of health care hours, altered co-pay, advances in medical service, etc. However, the CAPS(Counseling and Psychological Service) usage has increased 32%. The reasoning behind this is due to the increase in the CAPS service in an attempt to keep the majority of patients on-campus, reducing the number of off-campus referrals. Previous to this change, up to 60% of the new cases presented to CAPS were referred off campus.

J. Corson-Rickert commented that the changes in the CAPS system has created a necessity to increase the staff members in the system. Planned changes call for the division of one position into two postgraduate fellowship positions and one additional position in order to handle the increased patient load due to the decrease in off-campus referrals. To reduce the demand of the service, students will have a generous, yet finite number of visits before being referred off campus for further treatment. Students are ,however, allowed an unlimited number of visits to group counseling services.

J. Kozlow questioned J. Corson-Rickert as to how many students were presently beyond the projected visit limitation. J. Corson-Rickert responded by stating that fewer then 5% of the patients were over this limit. The CAPS system is attempting to solve short-term problems the students are facing, not attempting to challenge long-time psychological problems. She added that the limited visit system only applies to CAPS.

She then moved on to the issue of Health Insurance. She said the UHS is presently working with the Chickering Group in order to discover ways to control plan costs through changes in design and case management.

A question was posed concerning the availability of AIDS/HIV testing.

J. Corson-Rickert replied by informing the assembly that AIDS/HIV testing was still a anonymous and free service available through the UHS. It is the goal of the UHS to keep this service free.

Another question was raised as to the main group the UHS serves.

J. Corson-Rickert responded that the students make up the majority of patients, however some faculty and staff are patients at the UHS.

She commented that the Board of University Health has not voted on this programming document. She promised that any revision would be sent back to the UA

J. Corson-Rickert continued to address the issue of hospital usage. She announced that the usage of hospitalization has generally reduced. She explained this trend is consistent to the rest of the health care community.

C. Cole questioned why the admission to hospital service would have decreased when coupled with the elimination of the overnight service. J. Corson-Rickert stated that the majority of people that would have been admitted overnight to the UHS are being sent back to their respective resident halls. She commented that the majority of cases addressed during the overnight hours did not have much need for a hospital admission. Due to the advances in medical technology, antibiotics have reduced the need for an overnight stay at a hospital.

J. Corson-Rickert added that there hsd been only one case of TB/meningitis this year and that the flu season was very light.

J. Kozlow stated that some students complained they felt uncomfortable attending appointments with the green team doctors based on the location of the team which is on the same floor as sexuality services, the 6th floor.

B. Krause commended the changes in the saying it was now an easier system to refer students to the UHS and it is serving the community much better.

Campus Store

R. McDaniel presented the 1998–99 Campus Store Program Document to the UA. He began by reviewing the overall business structure and concept the Campus Store operates on. Through the utilization of the Cornell Business Services, the Campus Store has managed to reduce overhead costs. He commented that the Administrative Board is composed of a cross section of memebers from the campus community. He noted that this board provides critical feedback concerning the activities of the Campus Store. R. McDaniel presented the general trend of the Campus Store for the future. He stated that the Campus Store is aiming to concentrate on the impact of technology.

R. McDaniel explained that two years ago the Campus Store took over the computer resale program, which has proven to be fairly successful. He stated that the store is integrating a program to deliver computers to Cornell locations with preloaded software. This will allow the purchaser to sit down with a representative and determine the software required for their usage. Statistics have shown that 14% of the cost of a computer system stems from the actual computer itself. However the remaining percentage is maintenance, software, etc. This resale program will help to defer the cost of initiating a new computer in the office environment.

Another process being planned to integrate into the store services is a service to only print the necessary sections of a text book. Statistics have shown that only 60% of text books are used by a student. Therefore, in the future, the Campus Store is planning to offer custom made textbooks, in which professors can assign the sections of the book used, and students can purchase the sections required. He commented that this process will cost more per page, due to the custom printing process however, it will be cheaper then purchasing the entire text. This service will enable text sales to be less expensive and more efficient. He noted that by next year, the store is hoping to offer a print-on-demand service, which will allow students to print out needed sections of a text while waiting for a book to be shipped. This will prevent the inconvenience of not having the required material in the first weeks of classes. With this system the book will still need to be purchased , otherwise the publisher will not agree to such a system. The Campus Store will utilize their print and copy service in order to support such a print on demand service. The price per page of this service will be 35–40% cheaper then the respective market. R. McDaniel presented the next area the campus store is addressing is offering a desktop service to their customers. This will allow consumers to access product information through the web and to perform the actual purchase. Also included in that the web service will be software and book information. R. McDaniel commented that the Campus Store is working with International Tompson Publishing in performing all these technological advances. This partnership will aid in advancing the pilgrimage of electronic text publishing. He stated that most of the ideas he has presented are spreading to a national level.

R. McDaniel explained the course web pages now available at Cornell. This service allows a course to publish course information, assignments, announcements and additional useful information on the web, to be accessed by the student. This aids the educational process by integrating the World Wide Web into the classroom. Students now have up-to-the-minute information on their classes. This concept is presently spreading nationally to other educational institutions. The Campus Store also offers professors assistance in launching a web page.

J. Kozlow added that the these course web pages often offer programs to be downloaded from home computers. However, if these programs are available on the web, non-Cornell related users can access these programs. He noted the problem with this is that Cornell buys the rights to the program for a limited distribution. The integration of a password system to download is a necessity to control the access of certain programs.

C. Cole questioned as to exactly what was being spread nationally.

R. McDaniel replied by stating the concepts of the course web pages are being spread throughout the country. This system allows the distribution of class handouts and other announcements. This process reduces the cost of copies and paper needed to distribute information during the course of an academic term.

R. McDaniel explained that the Campus Store is presently trying to increase the store size. Despite the small selling area, the store is extremely productive. The goal to expand will be through the use of virtual store space. He predicted that the store will have flat screens which will give the consumer access to a whole other virtual store space. Through technology the store is aiming to cut costs and broaden services. R. McDaniel commented the campus store is academically focused. All other concerns are secondary.

M. Esposito questioned the difference between course packets and customized textbooks.

R. McDaniel responded by explaining the course packets are often 10% of mixed selections. He stated the main cost in producing these packets is the need to scan in the articles and then print them. However, the custom book system will not require scanning. By accessing the book through the publishing company, the book is already in a digital form. Therefore, only the cost of printing and publication will be assessed and scanning fees will be non-existent.

C. Cole questioned the pricing system of the campus store. He noted that in his experiences, university stores have always offered a better deal to the consumer. However, it appears to be a different case in Cornell’s Campus Store. Through his observations, C. Cole noted that the prices of the Campus Store are not comparable and often priced over the prices of competing local stores.

R. McDaniel replied by noting that 1/3 of the sales originate in computer hardware, in which the campus store products are regularly 10% under the cost of commercial pricing. This same pricing concept is also noticeable in book sales. On the average, he explained a 2.3% profit is made on each item. For other items, the pricing statistics are based upon the volume sales.

J. Kang questioned the system of custom-text sales.

R. McDaniel reiterated that although the price per page will increase, the overall price of the text will diminish due to the fact that students will only receive the relevant information.

The question arose as to where the profits of the Campus Store went.

R. McDaniel explained that the University recieves the majority of the profits. He also noted that the Administrative Board addresses these concerns, such as profit distribution.

M. Esposito asked if the Campus Store Program Document had been approved by the Administrative Board?

R. McDaniel stated that the document has yet to be approved and he would see that the document was sent back to the Assembly with any alterations.

VIII. New Business

C. Holmes reported on the pressing issue of coordinating Slope Day activities. Slope Day has become a very dangerous event due to over-drinking and over-crowded circumstances. She commented that there exists mixed messages and mixed feelings on the entire concept of Slope Day. She listed various comments that have been made about Slope Day. These comments ranged from bringing in the National Guard for policing the activity to Slope Dave being recognized by David Letterman as one of the top 10 parties in the US. The University has been criticized for allowing these proceedings to happen, by promoting underage drinking and not enforcing the Campus Code of Conduct. Many people have strongly expressed that this event must end. However, in 1991 when VP Palmer stated that the event was officially ended, 4,000 students still attended the activity. C. Holmes stated the whole goal of her group is to make the activity safer and more enjoyable for all involved in the future years. She reminded the UA that Slope Day is not a recommended or sponsored activity at Cornell.

C. Holmes explained the planning group for Slope Day is providing a safety net for all participants of Slope Day. This group consists of various organizations including Cornell Police, Campus Life, Health Services, student organizations, etc. They are presently recruiting and training volunteers for this years activities. She explained that various organizations will provide services in an attempt to make the day safer. Cornell Dining Service will provide food in order to reduce the health risk of excessive drinking. Cornell EMS will provide medical assistance throughout the day. Cornell Police will only be able to station 32 officers at the event in order to assist in crowd control and emergency responses. The UHS will prepare its facilities in order to handle the number of participants requiring aid. The main concern of all these activities is to first and foremost save lives, not making arrests. She announced that additional water will be available at the event in order to reduce the effects of alcohol as a health risk. Another precaution being taken is to close off the surrounding roads. She announced that Ithaca High School teachers will be scanning the slope to look for high school students that skipped out of school to attend Slope Day. Other precautions being taken is to suggest students bring beer in cans and not glass bottles, the operation of a wagon to confiscate alcohol being consumed by those who are under age and trucks full of beer will be prevented from distributing the contents to students. C. Holmes added that the libraries will be locked and boarded with an isolated entrance for students wishing to study during that time. C. Holmes commented that professors in the field of Communications recently published 10 recommendations for improving the safety of Slope Day. The behavior must change through the group as a whole, not just individuals. She stated the theory of “once someone dies this behavior will end” is unacceptable. One death is too many to be allowed to occur. She added that there have been many close calls throughout the history of Slope Day which remained close calls due to the work of the volunteer system. The only two options available to the community are to either agree this activity can not continue, or reshape the activity into a more carnival like atmosphere with the main focus being steered away from alcohol consumption. If this were to change perhaps the ban of music will be lifted from the activity. She reported that last years overall injury and incident numbers drastically decreased, however this trend must continue to occur. She thanked the UA for their anticipated support in passing a resolution that discourages the present behavior of Slope Day.

C. Holmes expressed there is a great need for volunteers at Slope Day. The response of volunteers has been increasing, but there is still a need for more. She questioned if the UA would be able to encourage supervisors to allow their employees time off to volunteer at Slope Day. She reviewed the volunteer commitment as being a two hour shift on the day of the event along with an additional training session prior to the day. M. Espositopointed out that everyone involved in the activity is not necessarily a Cornell Student.

C. Holmes emphasized the university must get a handle on the situation and that Slope Day has escalated into a nuisance for the university.

The UA then reviewed the Celebration Resolution concerning Slope Day created by L. Clougherty.

M. Esposito suggested “student” be changed to “participant” in the resolution due to the fact that not all participants are Cornell Students.

J. Kozlow suggested some of the language in the resolution is harsh and possibly the resolution will be offensive to the student population.

C. Gardner added the driving force of this resolution was to make a statement to the public that the UA was opposed to the present behavior occurring on Slope Day. By setting this example, possibly other groups will also speak out against Slope Day and this will spread throughout the student body and build a support group for a modification of the activities on Slope Day.

L. Clougherty stated this document needs to be blunt and strong.

J. Kozlow expressed that it is essential not to force the issue on the students but to allow them to have the responsibility for and voice in the change.

D. Grubb pointed out various grammatical changes to the document.

IX. UA Committee Reports

Due to time constraints the Committee reports were postponed.

X. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. by M. Esposito

Respectfully Submitted,
Mark A. Frontera