Minutes
University Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
4:30 — 6:00 pm.
401 Physical Science Building

I. Call to Order (0:00:11)

J. Cai called the meeting to order at 4:38 pm.

Attendance:

Present: K. Albert, J. Blair, J. Cai, A. Gitlin, T. Grove, R. Kay, E. McNelis, G. Mezey, E. Newbury, M. Paine, B. Schaffner, R. Wayne

Absent: J. Burns, N. La Celle, J. Lee, P. Scelfo

Also Attending: K. Alebiosu, O. Correia, S. Cohall, S. Gebre, A. Epstein, A. O’Donnell

Approval of the Minutes (0:00:36)

The September 25, 2012 minutes were unanimously approved.

Reports (0:00:54)

Student Assembly (0:00:54)

A. Gitlin reported the Student Assembly has been working on sexual assault and related safety issues. Regarding this, the SA has also been looking into the effectiveness of the Blue Light bus transportation system as well as ways to improve it. An iPhone application to help users effectively use the transportation system was proposed. To help improve awareness regarding personal safety, the SA is planning to suggest a mandatory information session on the topic be made available for all entering freshmen.

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (0:02:04)

M. Paine reported the GPSA has been looking into a wide range of issues. They are looking at issues raised in a document called the GCI that was written five years ago.

Employee Assembly (0:03:12)

T. Grove reported the Assembly recently hosted the annual President’s Address to staff with President Skorton. She reported it was a great event and very well attended. In addition to the large audience at the event, many people watched the live stream of the address online. A topic of note in the President’s address was the employee survey. Additionally, the EA reported they recognized the Grounds employees this year.

IV. Business of the Day (0:05:13)

a. J. Cai introduced student leaders to give presentations on diversity issues.
D. Weiley represented Native American students at Cornell University. He reminded all in attendance that everything that goes on at Cornell takes place on the land of the Cayugas. He suggested that representatives of the University be more sensitive to this fact. He stated that the University faces a problem with the recruitment and retention of Native American Students. He strongly suggested that Cornell should make a greater effort to recruit from native communities. Additionally, he mentioned that other Universities have stronger programs in this regard, especially Dartmouth.

M. Paine asked D. Weiley if the University currently has any programs that travel to other communities to attract Native American students. D. Weiley responded that the Cornell American Indian Program, AIP, does recruitment work in various schools and other communities, but the University should do more. M. Paine finally suggested that other departments should also contribute to this cause.

G. Mezey asked D. Weiley about the other ways in which he has asked Cornell to address this problem. D. Weiley responded that he has spoken with the director of AIP.

K. Alebiosu represented the African Latino Asian Native American Students Programming Board, ALANA, as its Chair. She reminded the UA that ALANA is the largest multicultural organization on campus. She spoke about the problem of the disconnect that exists regarding the intersection of ethnic organizations. She urged the University strongly to focus on this aspect of cultural understanding. K. Alebiosu also addressed the fact that people belong to many more than one cultural or ethnic group and should not be limited to participation in a single body that only addresses a small range of issues. Instead, she suggested that people should not be tokenized and that all people can address many widespread problems. One program that she considered highly productive for this was Dining With Diverse Leaders. Overall, she stressed the importance of communication and a connection between cultural groups regardless of the difficulty inherent in discussing sensitive topics.

O. Correia represented La Asociacion Latina as its President. He describes the Latino population as seven to 11 percent of the campus population and also indicated that, within this, there exists further diversity. He spoke about the Latin American Studies program. The program only offers a minor and is facing budget cuts, but O. Correia suggested that it offer a major. O. Correia also asked the University to offer general support with better infrastructure, noting the disparity that exists between the quality of the program houses and the other campus dorms. O. Correia also mentioned that Cornell needs to create an inclusive environment instead of simply advertising diversity. He said that the University must put an end to campus violence before this goal can be achieved. O. Correia described instances of violence against Latinos. He also mentioned that Latino students are underrepresented in groups like the Assemblies, faculty, staff, and the Greek system. Finally, he supported a requirement for a course in diversity.

S. Cohall of Black Students United had not arrived, so S. Gebre spoke. She underscored the need to look at diversity from the point of view of the African Diaspora, understanding black students come from many different backgrounds, culturally and geographically. She also pointed out a problem with matriculation among black students even though their admission rate is acceptable. S. Gebre also stated it is important to understand diversity exists within groups, and not only between groups. To this end, she stated the Africana Center is a helpful resource that exists today, but more resources should exist. She also drew attention to the difficulty minority groups sometimes face finding support and funding for events. Overall, she believes the university should take more responsibility in these diversity and minority groups.

V. Open Discussion (0:35:50)

J. Cai opened discussion by introducing many community members.

R. Wayne asked O. Correia if there is an office one can go to in order to have a conversation about diversity that centers on something other than marketing. O. Correia replied that one could speak with the Director of the Latino Living Center or the Director of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue, among others.

K. Albert asked S. Gebre about the clusters of like-minded people that form on campus. What can be done to break these bubbles and what role Cornell can play in this process? S. Gebre replied there should be more of an emphasis on diversity during orientation. Additionally, she believes greater consideration should be put into selecting the Freshman Reading Project book so discussions on diversity can be led in reference to the book. She also noted the need to look into how to most effectively facilitate the discussions. Finally, she noted some communities are wrongly accused of not being diverse and they exist only to serve one minority group. Instead, she would like more attention to be paid to how majority groups are creating so-called bubbles�small clusters of like-minded people.

E. Newbury asked if there were any specific priorities at the moment. S. Gebre replied safety is currently the most important. She urged the university to provide a more reliable way for students to get home at night, mentioning that peer institutions already do this. K. Alebiosu agreed and added it is important to consider safety beyond the physical realm. Additionally, she asked that a diversity statement be added to every course syllabus and suggested inclusion in the classroom should be addressed by professors. She also brought up the fact that student organizations currently fund the Blue light bus system. Finally, she suggested a mandatory anti-oppression course for all students.

A. Gitlin explained the origin of the WRC funding of the bus system in response to K. Alebiosu’s concerns. He said the funding situation arose due to logistics. He agreed, however, the bus system should become its own organization.

C. Carter described the BGPSA’s efforts addressing issues on campus. He reported the BGPSA has reached out to other graduate student organizations. They are concerned about recruitment and retention. He realizes Cornell has succeeded in bringing in a more diverse student body, but he questions whether the university is doing enough to let them succeed once here. He noted the BGPSA is on the Graduate Student Diversity Council, as well as others.

K. Zoner, Chief of the Cornell University Police Department, agreed the Blue Light bus system is antiquated, is operated by the wrong model, uses the wrong vehicles and operates during the wrong hours. She is working to prove this with statistics so that proposals for change can be made.

O. Correia stated that a general issue the university faces is the financial aid packages are often not competitive with rival institutions. Also, he expressed concern regarding the expensive health insurance students are expected to purchase upon enrolling. Finally, he stated the amount of money students are expected to make over the summer is ever increasing and too high.

S. Gebre suggested that prospective students should visit on days when current students are sure to be available, noting that she often sees visitors in large numbers coming to campus on days when many students are unavailable. S. Cohall added that CU Image is a student organization, yet is tasked with assisting every minority student coming to Cornell. She stated this organization should get much more assistance from the university.

E. Carter asked about how the administration can balance supporting innovative student organizations with assuming total responsibility for things like safety. K. Alebiosu responded it is necessary for trustees, educators, and faculty to be involved, not just the administration. E. Carter also added the separation of academics from everything else doesn’t exist, even though the university treats many things this way.

G. Mezey suggested everyone strive to use specific terms instead of terms like “the university” when speaking. He asked long-range questions. When will diversity no longer be an issue? What does that look like? How do we get there? Can we make a diversity summit to make a five-year plan that includes clear metrics? He asked O. Correia how he is urging people to get on boards and represent themselves to wider audicnces.

A. Gitlin interceded by stating the SA will be going to many different bodies of students to fill committee positions.

O. Correia responded to G. Mezey’s question by stating diversity will be a problem for Cornell for as long as it is a problem for the nation. The university accepts students who have succeeded in navigating a flawed system.

J. Blair asked where the UA plans to go from here. He noted consensus among the members. J. Cai stated the executive board of the UA would review the proceedings of the meeting and attempt to address everything covered.

VI. Adjournment

J. Cai adjourned the meeting at 6:12 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Noah Wegener
Assemblies Clerk