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Cornell University

Office of the Assemblies

Student Assembly Meeting

Thursday, October 17, 2024

  • Term:
    2024-2025
  • Assembly/Committee: Student Assembly
  • Date & Time:
    Thu, Oct 17, 2024 - 4:45pm
    to
    6:30pm
  • Location:
    Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room (WSH407)/Zoom
  • Agenda:
  • Meeting Packet:
  • Audio Recording:
  • Minutes:

     

    1.  Call to Order

    • Chair Z. deRham called the meeting to order at 4:45 PM.
    • Members Present: R. Acharjee; L. Berinde; E. Chaudhuri; Z. deRham; D. Donovan; D. Gekman; N. Hite; J. Lederman; K. Liu; F. Meng; M. Scali; J. Silverman; A. Vinson; E. Yao, S. Almosawi, G. Gonzalez-Mulattieri, I. Rezaka
    • Members Absent: K. Everett, C. Kim, D. Suarez, C. Tarala, S. Zhuang, C. Flournoy (Proxied by S. Chan), E. Galperin (Proxied by N. Hite), S. Razzak (Proxied by A. Vinson)

    • Also Present: Andrew Debin, Ethan - the President of the Melodramatics Theater Community

       

    1. Reading of the land acknowledgement

    • Z. deRham stated the land acknowledgement

       

    1. Approval of the minutes

    •  Z. deRham motioned to approve the minutes from the October 10th meeting with
      the correction that "Carolina" be changed to "Caroline" in the announcements
      section, motion approved by unanimous consent

       

    1. Announcements

    • No announcements

     

    1. Open Microphone

    • No speakers

       

    1. Consent Calendar

    • No presentations

     

    1. Presentations

    • No presentations

       

    1. Second Readings

    • Resolution 9
    • N. Hite reintroduced Resolution 9: The Melodramatics Theatre Company is requesting $5,000 and N. Hite emphasizes the necessity of the funds to cover expenditures and greatly benefit the Cornell community.
    • Ethan, the President of the Melodramatics Theater Community, explained that they need the funding to purchase microphones and production equipment. He provided the history of the Melodramatics Theater Community, demonstrating its exponential growth and the need for the SA to assist in supporting this expansion.
    • Andrew Debin, Production Manager at Schwartz Performing Arts Center, added that the Melodramatics Theater has been a humble organization but now requires a boost to their production. He noted that if the SA provides funding, the Production Management at Schwartz Performing Arts Center would help the Melodramatics Community maintain the equipment and ensure its longevity.
    • J. Lederman asked if other campus organizations that put on shows could also use this equipment.
    • Ethan responded that many other organizations put on shows and would also benefit from the improved production equipment.
    • I. Rezaka motioned to end the debate. The motion was unanimously approved.
    • Resolution 10
    • D. Gekman introduced Resolution 10, focusing on enhancing campus safety by ensuring that each housing unit has date-rape drug testing kits. He explained that although these resources are available through Cornell Health, access can be challenging, and Cornell Health supports this resolution.
    • E. Chaudhuri asked how RA training would be affected and if it would change their job description. D. Gekman confirmed that adjustments would be necessary and coordination with the Dean of Students would be required to ensure effective implementation.
    • G. Gonzalez-Mulattieri raised concerns about potentially placing the burden on vulnerable populations, such as females, to test their drinks. D. Gekman responded by emphasizing that the goal is to create safe social climates and ensure access to proper safety mechanisms, rather than placing undue emphasis on any specific group.
    • S. Almosawi expressed concerns about the burden on RAs and suggested that RA training should include compensation. S. Almosawi also recommended including a clause to enhance awareness of these resources and asked if fentanyl test strips had been considered. D. Gekman agreed, noting that this would be a great addition.
    • A. Coleman cautioned about the feasibility of the resolution due to the potential high cost of testing kits. D. Gekman assured the assembly that he had thoroughly considered these concerns and would continue to work on them.
    • E. Chaudhuri asked why Cornell Health hadn’t previously implemented such a program. D. Gekman explained that Cornell Health offers many resources, and this resolution would serve as an additional safety net. D. Gekman also mentioned that RA training, including this new training, would coincide with other sessions like CPR and that RAs would be paid for their time.
    • J. Lederman raised concerns about liability, comparing it to CPR training where incorrect administration could result in punishment. D. Gekman agreed that similar liability considerations would likely apply.
    • L. Berinde asked about Cornell Health's involvement and plan. D. Gekman responded that Cornell Health is waiting for approval of the resolution to work collaboratively on a plan.
    • I. Rezaka noted that West Campus housing uses House Managers instead of RAs and suggested they should also be included in the plan. D. Gekman agreed.
    • Z. deRham asked if any peer schools had similar programs that could serve as a model. D. Gekman said other colleges have implemented similar initiatives, though he had not seen any specific training programs.
    • I. Rezaka asked if Cornell Health had provided any tentative budget estimates. D. Gekman explained that Cornell Health already distributes Narcan and that funding discussions would begin once approval is secured.
    • S. Almosawi inquired about including these resources in free vending machines. D. Gekman said this is being considered for inclusion in the resolution, aiming to expand access in areas like South Campus and Collegetown.
    • S. Chan asked about scheduling and ensuring that at least two individuals from each non-dormitory housing unit are trained. D. Gekman explained that this clause specifically targets fraternity houses, which already require a risk manager at events.
    • J. Silverman asked about distributing these resources to commuter areas like Collegetown. D. Gekman mentioned partnering with local organizations and businesses to offer vending machines with Cornell card access.
    • L. Berinde questioned whether trained individuals are necessary if the kits are easy to use. D. Gekman clarified that the training is mainly for Narcan administration, which can be more complex, hence Cornell Health’s 2-hour training sessions.
    • D. Donovan added that Narcan poses no risk if administered incorrectly, so prioritizing accessibility over training is important.
    • I. Rezaka suggested adjusting the wording of the resolution to reflect the population size of each housing unit, such as requiring 10% of residents or at least two people to be trained. D. Gekman agreed and noted he would continue discussing the matter with Cornell Health.

    • Z. deRham motioned to close the debate. The motion passed unanimously.

       

    1. Third Readings

    • No third readings

       

    1. Appointments and Vacancies Calendar

    • No appointments or vacancies

       

    1. Adjournment

    • The meeting was adjourned at 5.26 p.m.


    Respectfully Submitted,
    Kennedy Young
    Clerk of the Assembly

    SA Minutes (10-17).pdf (106.09 KB)

Associated Resolutions

Resolution Abstract Status
SA R9 (2024-2025): SA R9: Approving Special Projects Funding Request for The Melodramatics Theatre Company This resolution approves $5000 of Special Projects Funding to The Melodramatics Theatre Company to partially fund their show.
Sponsored by: Niles Hite ‘266
Reviewed by: Executive Committee
Type of Action: Recommendation
Originally Presented: October 7th, 2024
Current Status: Adopted by the Assembly, 10/17/2024

Whereas, the Student Assembly Standing Rules, Rule 12: Spending Guidelines, Part B: Special Projects Funding outlines the purpose of Special Projects Funding and the process of approving funding requests.

Whereas, Part B: Special Projects Funding, section 1, of the Student Assembly Standing Rules explains the purpose of Special Projects Funding as follows:

Section 1: The Student Assembly may choose to fund any project, program or service through the Assembly Special
Projects that it deems to improve the quality of undergraduate student life. Special Projects funding is a type of category
spending.

Whereas, Part B: Special Projects Funding, section 2, subsection a, of the Student Assembly Standing Rules describes the requirement to be considered for Special Projects Funding as follows:

(a) Any Cornell registered student organization

Whereas, Part B: Special Projects Funding, section 4, of the Student Assembly standing Rules outlines the rules of Special Projects Funding based on amount as follows:

Section 5: Requests $2,500 and over shall be decided upon by a majority vote of the Executive Board and confirmed by a
majority vote of the Student Assembly, at large. The Assembly, at large, is only required to confirm requests of $2,500 or
greater. The request should be presented to the Student Assembly in the form of a resolution.

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly approves the $5000.00 Special Projects disbursement to The Melodramatics Theater Company.

Be it further resolved, that The Melodramatics Theatre Company must ensure that they can register this event by the required deadline, as dictated by University Policy.

Be it finally resolved, that the Student Assembly urges that this funding be used to partially cover the cost of production materials for The Melodramatics Theater Company be distributed no later than November 1st in order for the production of their show to continue.

Respectfully Submitted,

Niles Hite ‘26
Vice President for Finance, Student Assembly
Representative of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Student Assembly 		Adopted by the Assembly
SA R10 (2024-2025): Enhancing Campus Safety This resolution proposes that every dormitory and social housing unit on Cornell's campus be equipped with fentanyl test strips, Xylazine test strips, date-rape drug testing kits, and Naloxone spray (Narcan).

Sponsored by: Rep. Gekman ‘27
Type of Action: Recommendation
Originally Presented: 10/17/2024
Current Status: Adopted by the Assembly, 10/24/2024

Whereas, student safety is a top priority at Cornell University, and the role of the Student Assembly is to create a safer environment;

Whereas, Naloxone spray (Narcan) is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and providing it in student living spaces can prevent potential tragedies;

Whereas, date-rape drug testing kits can empower victims of sexual assault by allowing them to quickly identify if they have been drugged, potentially providing them with crucial evidence;

Whereas, Narcan is currently available at no cost through the self-care vending machine on campus;

Whereas fentanyl and Xylazine test strips can help students identify the presence of the dangerous opioid fentanyl in recreational drugs, potentially saving lives;

Whereas, fentanyl and Xylazine test strips are available for free at Cornell Health’s pharmacy;

Whereas, it is essential for student housing staff, including Resident Advisors (RAs) and live-in house managers of sororities and fraternities, to be trained in the use of these tools to ensure their proper and timely administration in emergencies;

Whereas peer institutions, such as James Madison University and Santa Rosa Junior College have successfully implemented similar safety programs to protect student well-being;

Whereas, Cornell Health is well-positioned to provide training and support for students and RAs, and funding for this initiative should be allocated from Cornell Health’s budget in order to prioritize student safety and well-being;

Whereas, if Cornell Health is unable to provide sufficient funding, the Student Health Advisory Committee is responsible for finding alternative sources of funding;

Whereas, the following resolution will be applied to all on-campus housing, which shall be
defined as: dormitories, townhouses, co-ops, fraternities, sororities, social-housing units;

Whereas partnerships with off-campus entities, such as Student Agencies and the Lux
Apartments, may expand resource availability under a similar framework as on-campus housing. The Student Health Advisory Committee will explore these partnerships.

Be it therefore resolved, that every on-campus housing at Cornell University is required to have fentanyl test strips, Xylazine test strips, date-rape drug kits, and Narcan kits available on-site, as determined by experts in the field of harm reduction and Cornell Health, with a minimum of at least one of each resource;

Be it further resolved, that respective Housing Staff, Resident Advisors (RAs) and/or at least two individuals from each non-dormitory housing unit, including live-in house managers of sororities and fraternities, undergo mandatory training on how to use these resources;

Be it furrther resolved, that the respective Housing staff, specifically RAs, and the Student
Health Advisory committee conduct regular announcements to residents about the availability of these resources and how to access them.

Be it further resolved, a yearly auditing assisted by the Student Health Advisory Committee will be performed to ensure every dormitory and social housing unit has date-rape drug testing kits and Narcan on site;

Be it further resolved, the Student Health Advisory Committee shall be responsible for the
enforcement of everything prescribed by this resolution, if they are unable to the responsibility of enforcement shall be carried by Cornell Health and the Office of the Dean of Students;

Be it further resolved, that Cornell Health allocate the necessary funds to supply these kits and provide the necessary training to student residents and RAs;

Be it finally resolved, if Cornell Health is unable to provide the proper funding it is the
responsibility of the Student Health Committee to work jointly with the Office of the Dean of Students to find proper funding;

Be it finally resolved, that the Student Health Advisory Committee investigate and pursue
partnerships with off-campus entities, such as Student Agencies and the Lux Apartments, to provide these resources under a similar framework as on-campus housing.

Respectfully Submitted,
Davian Gekman
School of Industrial & Labor Relations Representative, Student Assembly
Chair, Student Health Advisory Committee, Student Assembly 		Submitted to the President