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Cornell University

Office of the Assemblies

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Meeting

Monday, November 24, 2025

  • Term:
    2025-2026
  • Assembly/Committee: Graduate and Professional Student Assembly
  • Date & Time:
    Mon, Nov 24, 2025 - 5:00pm
    to
    6:30pm
  • Location:
    401 Physical Sciences Building/Zoom
  • Agenda:

    I. Call to Order
    II. Roll Call
    III. Approval of the November 10, 2025 meeting minutes
    IV. Reports of Officers and Committee Updates 
              a. Executive Committee
              b. Operations and Staffing Committee
              c. Appropriations Committee
              d. Communications Committee
              e. Finance Commission
              f. Student Advocacy Committee (SAC)
              g. Programming Board
              h. Diversity & International Students Committee (DISC)
              i. Faculty Advising, Teaching, and Mentorship Award Committee (FATMAC)
              j. Special Grants Committee
              k. Graduate School
    V. Presentation I
              i. Michael I. Kotlikoff, President of Cornell University
             ii. Ryan Lombardi, Vice President for Student and Campus Life
    VI. Presentation II
              a. Big Red Barn
                        i. Janna S. Lamey, Associate Dean for Graduate Student Life
    VII. Legislation
              a. Resolution 4: On Graduate and Professional Student Representation on the Student Code of Conduct Review Board
                        i. Sponsors:
                                   1. Michelle Heeney, Counsel to the Assembly
                                   2. Irene Gatimi, Student Advocacy Committee Chairperson
              b. Resolution 5: On Temporary Suspension, Due Process, and Student Conduct Reform
                          i. Sponsors:
                                    1. Irene Gatimi, Student Advocacy Committee Chairperson
                                    2. Claire King, Physical Sciences Representative
                                    3. Alessandra Coogan, Master of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative
                                    4. Michelle Heeney, Counsel to the Assembly
              c. Resolution 6: Recommendation for the Graduate and Professional Student Activity Fee for 2026-2028
                          i. Sponsor: Siim Sepp, Vice President of Finance
    VIII. Appointments and Nominations
              a. Committee on Academic Freedom and Professional Status of the Faculty (AFPSF)
              b. Committee on Music (CoM)
              c. Educational Policy Committee (EPC)
              d. Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education (FACAPE)
              e. Generative AI in Education Working Group
    IX. New Business
    X. Open Forum
    XI. Adjournment
    GPSA Agenda November 24 2025 (1).pdf (232.34 KB)
  • Meeting Packet:
  • Audio Recording:
  • Minutes: No minutes available

Associated Resolutions

Resolution Abstract Status
GPSA R4 (2025-2026): On Graduate and Professional Student Representation on the Student Code of Conduct Review Board This resolution calls for the formal inclusion of elected graduate and professional student representatives on the Student Code of Conduct Review Board and all related committees that interpret, revise, or enforce the Student Code. It affirms that graduate and professional students are uniquely impacted by disciplinary decisions and must have a direct role in shaping policies that govern them. Adopted by the Assembly
GPSA R5 (2025-2026): On Temporary Suspensions, Due Process, and Student Conduct Reform This resolution calls on Cornell University to reform its Student Code of Conduct and Procedures to ensure due process, fairness, and content-neutral enforcement of disciplinary actions. It responds to numerous cases in 2024–2025 in which students, primarily engaged in nonviolent protest activity, were subjected to temporary suspensions prior to hearings or findings of fact. Such suspensions have resulted in loss of enrollment, funding, healthcare, housing, and visa status, violating principles of due process and free expression. Adopted by the Assembly
GPSA R6 (2025-2026): Recommendation for the Graduate and Professional Student Activity Fee for 2026-2028 The GPSA, during the fall semester of odd-numbered years, through the authority delegated by the President of the University and the Board of Trustees, shall be charged with recommending the amount and the allocation of the Graduate and Professional Student Activity Fee, subject to the approval of the President of the University.
Accepted by the President