June 8, 2021 Employee Assembly Staff Forum: University Finance Update

Questions

1. Given that several COVID-19 financial measures have been moderately lifted or removed, what updates could you share about potentially lifting the salary freeze in FY22?

Dear Cat,   Thank you for submitting Student Assembly resolution #45 for my consideration. I agree with the Assembly that the upkeep of our existing campus residential facilities and development of functional, welcoming shared spaces is important to the quality of life of our on-campus residents. I accept this resolution and note that its elements are already being implemented as part of our ongoing work to maintain residential facilities.   I have asked Vice President Lombardi to provide further information that may be of interest.   Sincerely, Martha E.

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly resolution #28, “Transparency and Accountability into the University’s Process for Certifying Enrollment with the Department of Veteran Affairs” for my consideration. Supporting student veterans’ success and ensuring that they are able to take advantage of Department of Veteran Affairs benefits are high priorities for Cornell.

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly Resolution #30, “Postponing the University Assembly Organizational Meeting Until All Constituent Groups Have Had the Opportunity to Fill their Seats,” for my consideration. Thank you for informing me of the change.   Best regards,   Martha E. Pollack   Martha E. Pollack President, Cornell University 300 Day Hall Ithaca, NY  14853 www.cornell.edu

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly Resolution #29, “Thanking Dean of Faculty Charles Van Loan for Outstanding Service to Shared Governance,” acknowledging and thanking our Dean of Faculty for his service to Cornell.   I appreciate the UA recognizing all that Charlie has done, and I want to echo the UA’s sentiments and thank Charlie, in particular, for his work to help Cornell meet the numerous challenges we have faced during the pandemic.

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly Resolution #27, “Urgent Need for the Hiring of a Military Service-Related CAPS Counselor,” for my consideration. Cornell leadership and our CAPS counselors understand the need to be able to support the mental health of students holding many different identities, including that of a military veteran.   CAPS will continue to address the needs of veteran students with current and future staffing.

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly Resolution #25, “Precluding Constituent Leaders from Serving on the UA Executive Board,” for my consideration. The issue of constituent assembly leaders serving on the executive board has not arisen very often, but this resolution can help to reduce the likelihood of conflicts of interest for executive committee members.   I accept the resolution. I want to thank the members of the UA for their work to ensure the smooth operation of our system of shared governance.   Sincerely,   Martha E.

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly Resolution #24, “Making the UA Charter Gender-neutral,” for my consideration. I appreciate the UA’s move to using more inclusive language in the UA Charter and I accept the resolution.   Best regards,   Martha E. Pollack     Martha E. Pollack President, Cornell University 300 Day Hall Ithaca, NY  14853 www.cornell.edu

Dear Logan,   Thank you for submitting University Assembly resolution #16, “Calling for a Veterans Support Center,” for my consideration. Cornell strives to recruit veteran students, faculty and staff, and I agree that it is crucial that the university meet the particular needs of these Cornellians.   I support the idea of a dedicated support center for veterans.