Abstract: This resolution calls for the formal inclusion of elected graduate and professional student representatives on the Student Code of Conduct Review Board and all related committees that interpret, revise, or enforce the Student Code. It affirms that graduate and professional students are uniquely impacted by disciplinary decisions and must have a direct role in shaping policies that govern them.
Sponsored by: Michelle Heeney, Irene Gatimi
Reviewed by: Executive Committee, 17/11/2025
Whereas, the Student Code of Conduct and Procedures governs the rights, responsibilities, and disciplinary processes applicable to all Cornell students, including graduate and professional students;
Whereas, graduate and professional students face distinct consequences under disciplinary proceedings—including loss of funding, stipends, research or teaching appointments, housing, and visa status—that warrant specific consideration and representation in decision-making bodies;
Whereas, the Student Code of Conduct Review Board and related committees currently lack explicit provisions ensuring proportionate graduate and professional student representation;
Whereas, shared governance at Cornell University is founded on democratic participation and representation of all university constituencies, including faculty, staff, undergraduate, and graduate students;
Whereas, recent disciplinary cases have demonstrated the importance of transparency, fairness, and due process in the administration of the Code of Conduct, and underscored the need for oversight mechanisms that reflect the diversity of the student body;
Whereas, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) serves as the recognized representative body for all graduate and professional students and has both the mandate and responsibility to advocate for equitable inclusion in University governance;
Whereas, meaningful representation on the Review Board will strengthen confidence in equitable administration of the disciplinary process, improve the fairness of outcomes, and ensure that policies reflect the lived experiences of those most affected by them;
Be it therefore resolved, that the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) calls for the formal inclusion of at least four (4) graduate and/or professional student members, elected by the GPSA, as members of the Student Code of Conduct Review Board;
Be it further resolved, that graduate and professional student members shall receive the same rights, responsibilities, and access to information as other members of the Board;
Be it further resolved, that the GPSA shall hold open elections or nominations each fall to fill graduate and professional student positions on the Review Board, ensuring broad representation across disciplines and programs;
Be it further resolved, that the nomination and selection process for all members of the Student Code of Conduct Review Board be made transparent;
Be it further resolved, that the GPSA calls for similar graduate and professional representation on all committees responsible for reviewing, interpreting, or revising the Student Code of Conduct and Procedures, including the Code and Procedures Review Committee;
Be it further resolved, that the GPSA requests an annual public report from the Code and Procedures Review Committee on its deliberations and proposed revisions to ensure transparency and community input.
Be it finally resolved, that the GPSA shall transmit this resolution to the President of Cornell University, urging prompt adoption and implementation of these measures in the interest of fairness, shared governance, and equity.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Heeney
Counsel to the Assembly
Irene Gatimi
Student Advocacy Committee Chair
