Minutes
University Assembly
February 28, 2001
WSH Art Gallery
4:30 — 6:00 PM

I. Greetings and Call to Order

M. Brown, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:44 p.m.

Attendance:

Present: Timothy Anguish, Scott Beemer, Mike Brown, J.S. Butler, Dawn Darby, Jeff Ehrenberg, Amy Gerhard, Krysta Levac, Jane Mt. Pleasant, Jeremy Rabkin, Aaron Saathoff

Excused: Linda Clougherty, Bhaskar Krishnamachari

Absent: Matthew Banner, Leslie Barkemeyer, Brian Goodell, Subrata Mukherjee, Daniel Schwarz, Donald Tobias

Also Present: K. Rourke, H. Mandeville, K. Riley

II. Reports

Welcoming New Representatives

M. Brown welcomed Scott Beemer to the University Assembly as Student Representative who replaces Kristie McNamara. S. Beemer remarked that he is glad to be joining the group and looks forward to working with everyone.

Follow-up on Resolution Recommending Public Hearings for CURW, Gannett Health Center, Campus Store, and Department of Transportation Documents

K. Levac elaborated on the status of the Resolution Recommending Public Hearings for CURW, Gannett Health Center, Campus Store, and Department of Transportation Documents, which was passed by the UA on November 29, 2000. She explained that one of the departments, Gannett Health Services, has planned their hearing. She has heard of no plans from the other three departments. K. Levac also announced that Gannett asked for permission to hold their hearing from 5:00–6:30pm, which is after the times dictated in the resolution. No UA member objected to this change. K. Levac announced the meetings, at which the UA will hear each of the program documents: CURW and the Transportation Department will be heard in March, and the Campus Store and Gannett Health Center will be heard in April.

Executive Breakfast/Fall Advance Planning

M. Brown reported that at the last Assemblies Executive Breakfast meeting, they discussed the role of the Assemblies at Cornell. There was discussion about the Leadership Meetings that the Assemblies Leadership has with the President and administrators. There was consensus at the Executive Breakfast meeting that these meetings weren’t productive, because the Assemblies and administrators were usually considering different issues. They decided that these meetings should be used to find out what areas the Assemblies can make the most impact.

M. Brown also explained that the Assemblies Annual Fall Advance was discussed at this meeting. Since there has been a great deal of discussion about the role of the Assemblies, this could be a good topic for the Fall Advance. There could be discussion about what impact could be made by the Assemblies. H. Mandeville explained that the new Assembly Leaders usually plan the Advance, but the current Assemblies could assist n the process.

Employee Appointments to the University Hearing Board

K. Levac announced the employee appointments to the University Hearing Board. She explained that during times when the UA is not meeting, the Executive Committee is authorized to decide on emergency issues. Since the University Hearing Board needed these members, the Executive Committee approved them. They are: Elaine Hyams, and alternates Carlos Gonzalez and Marisa Piliero.

University Calendar

M. Brown updated the UA members on the status of the University Calendar, which was discussed at the previous meeting. He explained that the Faculty Senate voted to keep the current system, and still hold classes on Labor Day.

III. Constituent Assembly Reports

Employee Assembly

D. Darby reported that the EA is currently discussing budget issues. They are discussing whether to have a fixed operational budget, much like a University department, or to continue and to request money each year.

Faculty Senate

J. S. Butler reported that the Faculty Senate voted not to change the Academic Calendar to allow for Labor Day off. There was also an update on E-Cornell.

J. S. Butler also mentioned that there was a report on the nuclear reactor on campus. Cornell is one of only twenty-eight Universities that still have one, and there was a report from a committee that examined whether Cornell should keep it. The committee suggested that Cornell decommission the reactor for financial reasons. The Senate is currently discussing whether to accept the recommendation. J. S. Butler explained that there are some faculty who adamantly oppose the decommissioning. The U.S. Department of Energy also asked that Cornell not decommission the reactor, and offered funding if it is kept.

A. Saathoff questioned what the purpose the reactor serves? J. S. Butler explained that researchers in the Veterinary School use it to study treatments of tumors in cats and dogs. These findings could also be applicable to humans. It is used by geologist, physicists, and in art to evaluate materials to determine their age.

J. Mt. Pleasant questioned if there was a reactor close to Cornell that those who need it could use? J. Rabkin explained that the closest is at Pennsylvania State University.

M. Brown suggested that a UA member write a resolution concerning this issue. J. Rabkin commented that this information is good for others to know, but the UA does not have basis for an opinion, as it is a faculty issue. M. Brown remarked that faculty issues also impact other areas of the university and this decision will affect others at the University.

Graduate & Professional Student Assemblies

K. Levac reported on three issues discussed by the GPSA. One concern is the Graduate/Professional Student Assembly Finance Commission (GPSAFC). There are groups that apply for funding through the GPSAFC, but those funds are not available during the summer. As most graduate students are on campus during the summer, they are looking to make those funds available. Another issue is that a budget surplus has accumulated in the GPSA budget, and they are looking at useful ways to spend the money. They discussed improvements to the Big Red Barn, which may include buying a new computer for the facility, or having ethernet portals for use with laptops. The third issue involves robes for commencement. K. Levac explained that there are robes in a special Cornell red that are worn by Ph.D. students. To wear this red, the robe must be bought and is very expensive. All rented robes are black. The GPSA is working to change it so that the special red robes can be rented.

Student Assembly

M. Brown reported that the Student Assembly is currently occupied with Spring Elections. He explained that there have been allegations of unfairness. Some candidates were endorsed by groups, and there are people who consider this campaigning before the actually are candidates, which is against the rules. M. Brown also reported that the funding cycle for the Student Activity Finance Committee is done, and they will now deal with appeals. The Student Assembly is also pushing for student representation on search committees, and it is looking into creating and endowment for the Student Activity Fee.

IV. Additions to the Agenda

S. Beemer read a resolution he wished to add to the meeting’s agenda:

Resolution in Support of Reducing Cornell University Campus Emissions

WHEREAS, a scientific consensus has arisen that dramatic increases in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and other gases released into our atmosphere will have a profound effect on the Earth’s climate, such as increased global temperatures, increases in hurricanes, more severe storm patterns, and higher sea levels causing floods and losses of land; all of which pose significant risks to both natural ecosystems and human societies; and

WHEREAS, cities, colleges, universities, and other institutions need to take a leading role to move society and economics towards solutions to the global climate change crisis; and

WHEREAS, we have students, faculty, and other organizations who are concerned about global climate change to help us see this campaign through; and

WHEREAS, actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency and purchase green energy can provide local benefits to the Cornell campus and community by: decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, and saving money; and

WHEREAS, other campuses such as Tufts University and Harvard have already passed successful resolutions and many others are moving forward with this campaign; and

WHEREAS, as campuses across the country work towards reducing on campus emissions, it will show our government that taking action to stop global climate change is possible, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cornell University campus pledges to work towards reducing campus greenhouse emissions 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2004 and do our part in stopping global climate change.

Scott Beemer
University Assembly

A member of the Cornell Greens explained that CO2 levels have exponentially increased since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The consequences of this increase are the rising of the seas and a substantial decrease in farmland.

The University Assembly voted to add this resolution to New Business.

V. Approval of Minutes

The approval of the minutes for January 31, 2001 was postponed until the next meeting.

VI. Business of the Day

Approval of Faculty Nominations to the University Hearing Board

Question of Committees - Consolidating UA Minority/SA Multicultural Committees

K. Levac explained that to consolidate the number of committees there was discussion to combine the UA Minority and SA Multicultural Committees. She said this consolidation would be beneficial, as the UA’s committee does not have a clearly defined role.

J. Mt. Pleasant asked if the SA Multicultural Committee has a firm charge? K. Levac explained that their charge is similar to the charge of the UA’s Minority Committee. She also pointed out that the chair of the SA’s committee wants to consolidate the committees, to expand the membership and determine a more defined charge.

K. Levac explained that before taking any action, they want to get an idea of how the UA members feel about the idea.

A. Saathoff asked if there are currently any joint committees of this kind? K. Levac responded that there are no joint committees, so a new classification will be necessary in their Charters.

D. Darby pointed out that the UA Minority Committee had members, but only operates when given a charge by the UA. The committee was inactive because they had not received a charge. K. Levac pointed out that this could change so that the members of the new committee decide what they want their charge to be, and the Charter could then be changed accordingly. This way they could generate issues.

D. Darby expressed an objection to consolidating the committees. She remarked that it should not be changed simply because the committee has nothing to do. They meet in response to a charge given to them.

It was decided to further discuss this issue outside of the meeting.

Proposed Campus Code of Conduct Amendments

Kathleen Rourke, Vice Chair of the Codes and Judicial Committee, presented the most recent proposed amendments to the Campus Code of Conduct. She explained that part A of the proposed amendments was a reworking of amendments over which the UA has expressed objections at the last meeting. The rest of the changes are new.

A. Gerhard questioned why part B asks for a amendment in the number of days? K. Rourke explained that there has been difficulty in the past with differing interpretations when the code makes reference to the number of days for a particular deadline. This amendment clarifies any ambiguity by specifying business days.

J. S. Butler asked that the approval of these amendments be postponed until the next meeting, so the members have adequate time to review the proposed amendments.

J. Rabkin agreed, asking that the UA receive a report for each change, describing what they mean.

A motion was made and passed to ask for clarity from the CJC on exactly what changes they request approval for.

UA Sponsored Event (April/May)

A vote was taken on whether to have an event for the Assemblies in April or May. The UA voted yes for softball and no for a coffee/discussion afternoon.

VII. New Business

Resolution in Support of Reducing Cornell University Campus Emissions

A member of the Cornell Greens introduced the resolution. She explained that it is asking that Cornell reduce the level of its CO2 emissions to 7% below 1990 levels, to help in the effort to prevent drastic global climate change.

J. S. Butler commented that he is supportive of the major goals of the resolution. He did pose some questions to the members of the Cornell Greens. He asked what this resolution has to do with the United States goals? He asked whether the supporters intended for the UA to approve all the whereas clauses, or simply the resolution clause? He pointed out that the resolution does not clarify what the 1990 levels are. He also expressed concern with vague sentiment “do our part” that was used in the resolution.

The Greens members responded that it would be possible for them to find the 1990 rates to clarify the request made in the resolution. They also explained that they want that the UA approve the resolution clauses.

A. Saathoff commented that this is clearly an important issue. He remarked that the levels of CO2 increase because of increased industry and vehicular use. But Cornell mostly consists of buildings for classrooms, offices, and labs. Those buildings are not releasing increasing amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. He questioned how Cornell’s emissions have increased.

A member of the Greens responded that the electricity usage has increased, because of the increase in computers, and the fact that there are buildings with lights on all the time. She pointed out that they are still working on possible ideas to decrease emissions.

A. Saathoff commented that getting a unified voice behind this resolution would help. The Greens explained that they are trying to get the support of the EA, the SA, and of other student groups. A big part of the Kyoto Now campaign is education about the issues, so they are having meetings with various groups on campus.

A. Saathoff asked about what measures the University has already taken on this issue? The Greens explained that Vice President Murphy has said that common sense measures need to be agreed upon for action to be taken. They are working with other universities to get ideas on how the Kyoto goal of 7% can be reached.

J. Ehrenberg asked for a more detailed explanation of what emissions the resolution refers to. He also questioned how they chose 7%?

It was explained that 7% was chosen because that was the number agreed upon at the international conference that agreed on the Kyoto protocol. It was also explained that emissions refer to what is released from the campus’s power plants and fleet vehicles.

J. Rabkin asked whether, in the past, the University has agreed to follow international agreements such as this one? He commented that the University has a made a point of not politicizing itself in the past.

A Greens representative commented that though it is definitely an important issue, it could come down to scientific fact versus politics. They remarked that convincing the University to accept this proposal will take a good fight.

J. Rabkin remarked that though all agree that this is a problem, there might be objections to the Kyoto protocol as the best course of action for the University, as it was agreed on as a course of action for entire countries. He warned against attempting to hold Cornell to those same standards.

M. Brown asked that UA members send their suggestions for the resolution to the members of the Cornell Greens. The resolution will be examined again at the March UA meeting.

VIII. Adjournment

M. Brown adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.