Minutes
University Assembly
Wednesday, September 29, 1999
Art Gallery, Willard Straight Hall
4:30–6:00 PM

I. Call to Order

D.Carlson called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.

II. Additions to the Agenda

No additions were made to the agenda.

III. Announcements

No announcements were made.

IV. Report from the Chair

Assemblies Advance

D.Carlson stated that the Assemblies Advance, which was held on August 31, 1999, was overall a very positive experience. He stated the main topic at the event was the issue of diversity. Group discussions appear to have been well received and generated many suggestions for ways to improve Cornell’s campus climate.

Judicial Orientation

D.Carlson informed members that the Orientation to the Judicial System at Cornell occurred on September 15. It was well planned, well attended, and very informative.

UA Responsibilities

D.Carlson expressed his delight at a good turnout for the first meeting of the University Assembly. He informed members that there were problems last year with attendance, and went on to stress how important it is for each member to attend every meeting. He requested that members inform someone in the Office of Assemblies in advance if they are unable to make a meeting for any reason.

V. Approval of Minutes

D.Carlson stated that Dean Robert Cooke wrote a letter concerning the part of the minutes dealing with the observation of holidays at Cornell. D.Carlson read the letter out loud to the Assembly.

Mike:

I am distressed by the contents of your draft minutes concerning Observance of Religious Holidays. I believe that the ‘facts’ reported to your April 28th University Assembly meeting are at variance with reality. I take my responsibility for this issue quite seriously.

“Without fail at least 30 stories are sent in every year about how instructors fail to accommodate students or make it difficult for student to catch up on work because they chose to skip class in order to observe a religious holidays. Since Cornell does nothing to enforce the law which prohibits this behavior, it continues to be violated.”

I request that you ask Andrew Freedman to consult with me before the UA considers this further. I have a personal responsibility for assuring that the faculty complies with both NYS law and Cornell policy concerning observance of religious holidays.

The statement I mailed to the faculty in August is available on our website at: http://www.cornell.edu/UniversityFaculty/index.html

Robert Johnson of CURW, in consultation with the CURW staff, provided advice on that memo. I’ve also consulted with Rabbi Sultar of CURW and Vally Kovary of Hillel to assure that we protect our students rights for observance of religious observances.

I have had some involvement with a few instances last year, but certainly the number reaching my attention has been very small. In the most prominent case last year, the students had failed to notify the faculty member in advance that they desired accommodation, as noted in the course information distributed by the faculty member at the beginning of the course.

With a faculty this large, the prospect of someone being unaware of the policy is always present, but I’m quite prepared to take all reasonable steps to assure compliance - both as a general issue and in specific instances brought to my attention. Let me assure you that indifference, as claimed, is NOT the issue.

Bob

D.Carlson noted that the text of the letter mentions a statement that can be found on the Internet. He proceeded to read that statement out loud. This statement can be found at www.cornell.edu/UniversityFaculty/index.html.

J.Halpern stated that Hillel has recently elected a new president. He stated that the student complaints that were mentioned were filed with Hillel and not with the University. This explains the discrepancy in numbers.

D.Carlson stated that Dean Cooke stressed that he encourages students with such scheduling problems to speak with him so that they may resolve the problems. He requested that the letter sent by Dean Cooke be included in the minutes of September 29, 1999.

The minutes of April 28, 1999 were approved by acclamation.

VI. Open Forum

No comments were made at the open forum

VII. Business of the Day

Campus Climate Committee Mission and Agenda

R.Harris thanked the Assembly for letting him speak at the meeting. He noted that there are three Assembly members that sit on the Campus Climate Committee. He noted that the mission statement of the committee was included in the agenda.

R.Harris explained the committee was appointed by Dean Robert Cooke last fall, but only began to function during the spring semester. The original plan was that the committee would foster dialogue on campus. The committee plans to do this by bringing faculty, staff, and students together. R.Harris stated constituent groups will first meet individually, and this will later progress to meetings amongst constituent groups. He stated that plans are already in progress for the faculty and staff. However, the method of bringing students together for a meeting has been more problematic.

R.Harris informed members that the committee was also working on the development of an official Cornell University Diversity statement, one that will evidently be circulated for comments and suggestions and ultimately for endorsement. At the last committee meeting, diversity statements from other universities were examined. The plan is to develop something similar, yet specific to Cornell. Dean John Ford has already developed a draft of this statement.

R.Johnson expressed his concern that the community at Cornell should be pluralistic, not just diverse. He stated that he would like to see all parts of the community empowered.

U.Asonye asked how will the dialogues for groups of students be formulated?

R.Harris replied that the details are still being worked on. He noted that there are several student representatives on the committee, who will help advise the development of these meetings. R.Harris stated that while faculty and staff could be classified by department/unit, this is not true for all undergraduate students. Other possible methods for gathering students include working through the residence hall system, having meetings at community centers, and possibly working with fraternities and sororities. R.Harris stated the draft of the diversity statement would provide a basis of discussion for the community. He explained that input would be gathered about the draft from all segments of the Cornell community in order to incorporate more ideas and viewpoints into the actual statement.

J.Rabkin inquired what is the purpose and significance of the diversity statement?

R.Harris replied that the statement, once completed, will go to the Board of Trustees and be adopted as an official statement. He expressed his hope that the statement will be one made from the community, instead of handed down by the administration.

U.Asonye asked what the committee will do after the statement is made?

R.Harris replied that the conversations held could very well lead to recommendations in other areas. He noted, as an example, many useful suggestions were made in the course of the group discussions at the Assemblies’ Advance such as improving communication at Cornell and quicker response time to emergencies. The committee could then work on these recommendations.

R.Johnson stated that he was told that the committee would help the University educate the community on relevant issues. He noted that he already has a few ideas on how to do this. For example, this year Ithaca College is having a series of lectures on this topic.

G.Brandt noted that it has been said that the work on diversity should be viewed as a stepping stone to pluralism. He asked what is meant by the term, “pluralism,” and what is its goal?

R.Johnson stated he prefers the phrase confessional pluralism, which implies that people are honest and sincere about their beliefs. These beliefs are then discussed in a civil and constructive manner. He noted that one of the problems with diversity is that it may divide a community. Pluralism is meant to prevent such a division.

C.Gardner announced that there are several events occurring soon on campus that are relevant to this subject. She noted that the Cornell Interactive Theatre will put on a vignette entitled, “Hang in There and Be Tough.” This will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at two separate times. The first time is at 4:00 p.m. in 253 Mallot, while the second is at 7:00 p.m. at the RPCC multipurpose room. She also mentioned that the SA members are looking into bringing Jacob Holt to campus. C.Gardner stated he had made presentations on campus during the early 1990s. He has traveled across the United States and photographed many different people in many varied situations. The presentation is a multimedia presentation with photos and music while Holt does a monologue. C.Gardner stated this was a very moving experience.

R.Fan asked which departments would have conversations?

R.Harris stated that the goal is to have a conversation for every academic department. On the staff side, the conversations will begin with a number of different units, such as the Campus Store. He noted that it would be very hard to have a meeting of the entire University, especially in light of the fact that there is no tradition of a campus congregation at Cornell.

R.Johnson noted it might be possible for individual colleges to congregate.

D.Carlson thanked both R.Harris and R.Johnson for attending the meeting. He expressed the hope that the UA would be able to continue helping with this issue and providing support.

VIII. New Business

D.Carlson announced that the first item under New Business, Advance Recommendations and Follow-Up, would be discussed last.

University Hearing Board Faculty Appointments

C.Gardner explained that the Campus Code of Conduct states that there is to be a pool of 12 faculty members from which individuals are picked to serve on specific hearings when a person is charges with a violation of the Campus Code of Conduct. Terms are for two years and are staggered. The Dean of Faculty has made recommendations that are before the UA for approval. She directed members attention to the letter from Dean Cooke included with the agenda.

D.Carlson read the letter aloud.

C.Gardner noted one correction needs to be made in the portion regarding the backgrounds of the applicants: David Hammer has not served on the Faculty Council of Representatives.

The University Assembly approved of the University Hearing Board Faculty Appointments by a vote of 13–0−1.

C.Gardner noted that the appointees appear to be all males. As a point of information, she noted that in the past the UA has requested that the appointments be more diverse to reflect the makeup of the Cornell community.

P.Schwartz disagreed; noting that sometimes one has to take what one can get.

J.Rabkin also disagreed; noting that he doubted one’s mindset derives from either one’s gender or ethnicity.

D.Darby agreed with C.Gardner. She stated that the UA should be conscientious about who is on the committee since people from diverse backgrounds can provide interesting viewpoints.

J.Halpern stated that these faculty members are diverse. This can be seen just by looking at the short biographies included in the agenda packet. Because these people come from such different backgrounds, the University is represented through them.

B.Goodell noted that these appointments have already been approved. Therefore, he noted there appears to be nothing to discuss.

D.Carlson stated that this discussion can be seen as a separate motion, which concerns future appointments.

Campus Code of Conduct update

D.Carlson explained that the UA must approve the Campus Code of Conduct and any necessary changes each year. To date the only change is that of the title of Vice President for Academic Programs and Campus Affairs to Vice President for Student and Academic Services. He requested that the UA approve the amendment to the Campus Code of Conduct by acclamation.

The University Assembly approved the amendment to the 1999–2000 Campus Code of Conduct by acclamation as follows: All references to Vice President for Academic Programs and Campus Affairs shall be changed to read Vice President for Student and Academic Services.

Advance Recommendations and Follow-up

D.Carlson requested that members look at the draft notes from the Assemblies Advance. He asked that they pay special attention to the page that dealt directly with the University Assembly. He noted that these recommendations were presented by assorted groups as the ones that were the most relevant to the University Assembly. D.Carlson noted that it is possible some of the classifications are wrong.

M.Banner queried, in regard to points A (Communicate) and B (Train), how will the University Assembly know when these have been accomplished?

R.Fan noted that the Campus Climate Committee is preparing a diversity statement, which might help clarify the issue.

M.Banner stated he would like more tangible ideas and actions.

K.Mayo expressed her belief that a forum for discussion would make a difference in clarifying the issue.

J.Halpern agreed with M.Banner. Unless specific goals are set, the UA will probably not be able to make progress on this issue. He noted that the University could require a class on diversity or offer more courses on non-Western cultures. These would be concrete goals. However, a mission statement is simply there and takes no action.

U.Asonye noted that the UA’s job is not the diversity statement. He suggested that the UA work to improve communication within the community and let the community know that this issue is being worked on at the highest levels.

D.Carlson agreed that the question of “what is diversity” needs to be addressed. The UA needs to figure out what it would like to promote. Therefore, he suggested that an ad-hoc committee be formed to more fully delve into the subject.

G.Brandt agreed with M.Banner and J.Halpern. One needs some manner in which to measure progress. The UA needs some way to quantify diversity in order to figure out how to measure it.

R.Fan stated that it is possible to measure success. She pointed to the Engineering Graduate Students Association as an example. The EGSA was founded a couple years back in response to a survey performed by the College of Engineering. Every Wednesday, it sponsors a seminar, which discusses one facet of the College of Engineering. These seminars, she stated, are successful in that they have brought together many people.

B.Goodell asked what method R.Fan used to measure the success of the EGSA? One cannot measure success simply because one likes something. B.Goodell stressed the importance of having an objective way to measure progress and success.

D.Darby agreed that more tangible items are needed to appropriately address this issue. She stated that a starting point is the most important item at this point in time.

D.Carlson agreed with the idea of measurement. He asked for volunteers to serve on the UA ad-hoc committee on diversity issues.

G.Brandt motioned for the committee to work with the Campus Climate Committee to produce tangible goals.

D.Carlson agreed that the ad-hoc committee should work with the Campus Climate Committee since this is only logical. He noted that he believes the motion to be unnecessary.

G.Brandt withdrew his motion.

D.Carlson stated that he would send follow-up information via e-mail.

IX. Old Business

Transportation Services Document

D.Carlson explained that the previous University Assembly had rejected the Transportation Service Program Document at the last meeting because of the proposed rate changes to bus fares. The former UA did not want to appear to be supporting these changes.

R.Fan suggested that the Department of Transportation be asked to raise parking fees instead of bus rates.

D.Carlson stated that the TCAT board set the rate change and the Department of Transportation had no control over this change. However, it may be possible to subsidize the rate for campus buses back down to $0.50. D.Carlson noted the financial impact of such a policy is unknown. He stated that he is most concerned with the fact that the Department of Transportation seems unworried by the fact that the UA rejected its program document. He noted that the UA might want to speak with Fred Rogers, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, on this issue.

J.Halpern asked what changes have been made in the document?

D.Carlson replied that there appears to be no changes to the one previously submitted. He expressed his concern that if the UA passes the document, it may be viewed as just a rubber stamp.

B.Goodell explained that the Department of Transportation entered into TCAT, which is a combination of the three busing services in Tompkins County at the time. He noted that the University Assembly did not approve the consolidation, but when five years have passed, and so there is nothing the UA can do about that subject. B.Goodell stressed that the Department of Transportation no longer has complete control over busing. Cornell University only has three votes out of nine on the board that controls TCAT. Thus, Cornell has effectively given up its control over campus busing.

U.Asonye suggested that since the UA has jurisdiction over Transportation, it could mandate that the UA be consulted before rates are increased.

M.Banner stated he does not feel represented by this committee. He stated that communication in the realm of transportation needs to be vastly improved.

B.Goodell agreed, noting that the UA should request someone to talk to them about this issue.

D.Carlson noted that the UA should determine its role and authority. He stressed the importance of acting on this issue quickly.

B.Goodell stated that he wants more information about the general topic before passing the document. He recommended that F.Rogers be consulted as soon as possible.

D.Carlson noted that the long-term transportation plan will soon be formulated, and that the UA might be able to have more impact through this document. He suggested that the UA hold a forum to discuss transportation issues. He asked for volunteers for this committee. D.Carlson requested that the vote on the program document be postponed until the next meeting.

Members agreed to this suggestion.

B.Goodell, noting the fact that it may appear that he has a conflict of interest, stressed to the Assembly that his intention in dealing with transportation matters is to serve the needs of his constituents.

Holiday Observance ad hoc Committee

J.Halpern requested that this topic be postponed because Hillel is in the process of changing its leadership.

Committee Vacancies

C.Gardner noted the UA currently does not have a liaison to either the Faculty Senate or Dean of the Faculty. In that the Dean of the Faculty has requested the names of these liaisons, she asked if anyone on the UA, preferably faculty members who are members of the Faculty Senate, would volunteer for these positions?

J.Rabkin volunteered to fill both of the positions. There was no objection.

X. Constituent Assemblies Reports

No reports were given, due to time constraints.

XI. University Assembly Committee Reports

D.Carlson stated that this area would not be covered for this meeting. He suggested that members convene any committees they need to very soon

XII. Adjournment

D.Carlson adjourned the meeting at 6:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephanie Tinsley