Skip to main content

Cornell University

Office of the Assemblies

The Office - What We Do

The Office of the Assemblies (OA) has three primary functions:

  1. Provide administrative support and financial oversight to extensively involve community members in the review, recommendation and formulation of non-academic policies through the Student (SA), Graduate and Professional Student (GPSA), Employee (EA) and University (UA) Assemblies, and their respective committees.
  2. Engage constituencies across campus and increase participation in the shared governance process and voice effectively the interests and concerns of the non-academic members of the campus community.
  3. Maintain channels and processes for the members’ continuous involvement in the decision-making processes of the University.

Included:

  • Participate in Assemblies' executive meetings to help draft agendas and recommend consultation with and/or presentation by University administrators when appropriate.
  • Provide advice and consultation to Assemblies leadership, Assemblies members and committees to encourage thoughtful debate on issues to be presented to and voted on by the Assemblies.
  • Help foster a collegial, collaborative approach to decision-making.
  • Provide assistance in the review of policies and encourage research and analysis.
  • Provide reference materials and referral information to Assemblies members.
  • Provide facilities for meetings.
  • Maintain the Office of the Assemblies' website(s), resources, lists and accounts.
  • Prepare and distribute minutes and other relevant information.

In addition:

  • Maintenance of historical materials and public record for reference of past shared governance actions.
  • Promote communication and positive relations among governance participants, the community, and the administration through:
    • community forums
    • open hearings
    • meetings with administrators
    • educational and informational sessions
  • Serve as a resource for Assemblies and their committee members on governance structure of Cornell University.
  • Serve as liaison with administrators and community members on issues of concern before the Assemblies.
  • Conduct elections for the Student Assembly, Employee Assembly, student- and employee-elected trustees.
  • Track, post, record Assemblies' actions; maintain the public record of legislative history.
  • Update the Campus Code of Conduct.
  • Plan orientation of new members and fall retreat.