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Cornell University

Office of the Assemblies

SA R45 (2020-2021): Petition to Renew Housing Amenities

Accepted by the President

  • Resolution:
    SA R45 (2020-2021): Petition to Renew Housing Amenities
  • Day:
    June 4, 2021
  • Action:
    Accepted by the President
  • Summary / Notes:

       

  • File Attachments:
  • Text Attachment:
    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. Pollack
     
    Martha E. Pollack
    President, Cornell University
    300 Day Hall
    Ithaca, NY  14853
     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dear Cat,
     
    I’m pleased to share information about the university’s efforts with regard to campus residential facilities. The university is continually working to ensure that our facilities meet the needs of our student residents. Historically, Cornell spends about $1 million annually on painting, flooring, and furniture replacements throughout bedrooms and common areas of our residence halls. We have pulled back some budget for those aesthetic improvements as a result of the pandemic, but we hope to be back at that funding level soon. Housing and Residential Life also has a small annual budget of $300k that is targeted towards improvements to student spaces.
     
    In addition, Cornell sets aside anywhere from $500k-1.25 million for annual bathroom renovations. In the past two years we have renovated Baker North and South bathrooms and Founders Bathrooms. In the coming years, Facilities and Campus Services plans to renovate Townhouse bathrooms and kitchens in a phased approach, as well as Anna Comstock bathrooms, High Rise 5, and Akwe:kon. They are currently assessing the inventory of kitchen appliances and looking to swap out older and obsolete inventory systematically. We have no financial ability to accelerate any aesthetic improvements any faster than currently planned.
     
    With respect to future housing projects, the North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE) residences, scheduled to open fall 2021 and fall 2022, reflect the university’s commitment to creating shared spaces that enhance the residential experience. Through creative floor plans, the NCRE project provides living spaces that enhance the residential experience and encourage interaction and collaboration among students. Each building aims to draw students out of their individual rooms and into ample common areas that support group study, social interaction, and programs in spacious lounges.
     
    Thank you again for your advocacy on behalf of our on-campus residents.
     
    Sincerely,
    Ryan Lombardi