Office of the Assemblies

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. In February, the university announced the first veterans program house, which will open in time for the fall semester. The house will accommodate up to 26 student veterans, with room for future growth, in addition to providing common space for gatherings, social events, guest programs, meals and more for the broader student veteran community. This is a great step forward for increasing on-campus support for veteran students, faculty and staff, and I’m excited to follow the project as it progresses.

 

The proposal referenced in the resolution for an additional dedicated space for Cornell veterans is, indeed, worthy of consideration, but with numerous other financial commitments already made, Cornell cannot devote the necessary resources at this time. There are several different elements to the Veterans and Military Resource Center proposal, including a lounge/study space for the veterans, and we are working to secure donor funding. The various pieces of this proposal may have to be achieved separately and over time, but at this time we cannot commit university funding or a timeline for achieving the goal of a resource center.

 

Thank you again for advocating on behalf of our veteran students, faculty and staff.

 

Sincerely,

 

Martha E. Pollack

 

Martha E. Pollack

President, Cornell University

300 Day Hall

Ithaca, NY  14853