Whereas, the Cornell Student Assembly currently operates under Robert’s Rules of Order as its parliamentary authority;

Whereas, the traditional application of Robert’s Rules can be overly formal, slow, and difficult for new members or community participants to engage with;

Whereas, premature closure of debate through procedural motions has limited the ability of minority viewpoints to be fully heard and considered;

Whereas, the minimum requirement to be considered a full-time student at Cornell University is 12 credits per semester. 

Whereas, to graduate from Cornell’s undergraduate program, a student needs to complete 120 credits. Across 8 semesters (or 4 academic years), this means that a student has to take around 15 credits per semester.

Whereas, diversity and inclusion are core institutional values of Cornell University, the University Assembly values the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion as fundamental to a thriving and successful community; and