Skip to main content

Cornell University

Office of the Assemblies

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Meeting

Monday, April 6, 2020

Associated Resolutions

Resolution Abstract Status
GPSA R2 (2019-2020): Condemning the Dismissal of Julia Feliz from the Cornell Alliance for Science's Global Leadership Fellowship On October 15th, Julia Feliz was dismissed from the Cornell Alliance for Science Program for “utiliz[ing] the classroom environment to discuss [their] dissatisfaction with the program”. Many details of the case are still unknown; however, given the published information, we feel that the Alliance for Science’s administrative team mishandled the situation. It is extremely concerning that the stated reason for Feliz’s dismissal is their activism. In Discussion
GPSA R5 (2019-2020): Support of the development and implementation of a Cornell Campus Circulator System For the past eleven years, a Cornell Campus Circulator System of transportation has been under discussion as a way to improve access to many university functions and to address the continual challenges related to transportation and parking that Cornellians face every day. We propose that this project become a priority for Cornell and be realized within the period of the next five years. Acknowledged by the President
GPSA R7 (2019-2020): Condemnation of the dangerously late closure of Ithaca campus on 7 February 2020 On 6 and 7 February an anticipated winter storm hit Ithaca. Despite dangerous conditions before the start of classes and the suspension of all bus service soon after classes began, classes on Ithaca campus were held until 10:02 AM and campus remained open until 12:02 PM, at which time students, instructors and staff who had or were already required to travel to campus were advised to not travel. This late closure needlessly endangered the community and was especially callous toward those with mobility barriers. Rejected by the Assembly
GPSA R11 (2019-2020): In Support of Our Graduate Student Colleagues Participating in the "Wildcat Strike" This resolution states support by the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly for our graduate colleagues striking at the University of California Santa Cruz, some of whom have been fired by their administration for participating in the strike, and for our graduate colleagues at other institutions in the UC system who are also on strike for a cost of living adjustment. Rejected by the Assembly
GPSA R13 (2019-2020): Additional Donation from the GPSA to the Access Fund to Support Graduate and Professional Students in Need Related to COVID-19 Pandemic This resolution approves the transfer of funds from the Graduate and Professional Student Programming Board (GPSPB) to the Access Fund to support students’ urgent needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resolution also calls on the University to look for additional funds to support financial relief to professional students and guarantee graduate student funding. Acknowledged by the President
GPSA R14 (2019-2020): In Support of the University Allowing International Graduate Students to TA Remotely During the Summer 2020 Session and the Fall 2020 Semester Graduate students who are currently abroad and depend on assistantships for financial support do not know whether they will be able to return to the US in time for the start of the Summer 2020 session or the Fall 2020 semester. This resolution encourages the University to find legal ways to provide these students with, in effect, remote teaching positions during the Summer 2020 session and the Fall 2020 semester. Acknowledged by the President
GPSA R15 (2019-2020): Requesting that First-Year Writing Seminar Instructors be Allowed to Hold Virtual Discussions in Whatever Way They Deem Appropriate Some First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS) instructors have concerns about the privacy, equity, and logistical implications of recording live-video discussions which will then be viewed asynchronously by students who cannot attend. This is especially an issue for FWS instructors who have internet connectivity issues or who cover sensitive topic matter. This resolution asks that FWS instructors be given the freedom to hold discussions in whichever way they deem is most appropriate for their class. Acknowledged by the President
GPSA R16 (2019-2020): Demanding Cornell fight for fair terms for the remote services its community is required to use Because of the coronavirus pandemic, students and instructors are required to use tools like Zoom and CASHNet. Despite privacy and security risks, both services mandate that users waive their right to sue in court or as part of a class action. Cornell must contact third-party vendors and fight to ensure their terms do not strip these essential legal rights. If Cornell cannot negotiate the removal of unfair terms from a service, it must commit to provide legal support for anyone harmed by use of that service. Rejected by the President