GPSA R7 (2014-2015): Call for an engaged and transparent conversation with the larger body of graduate and professional students

Returned by the President

• Resolution:
  GPSA R7 (2014-2015): Call for an engaged and transparent conversation with the larger body of graduate and professional students
• Day:
  May 20, 2015
• Action:
  Returned by the President
• Summary / Notes:
• File Attachments:
• Text Attachment:
  Dear Richard:
  
  I hope you do not construe any part of my May 2, 2015 response to GPSA resolution 7 to imply that the GPSA cannot, or should not, comment on tuition or stipend policy. On the contrary, I encourage you to take an active role in advocating for tuition or stipend policies on behalf of students. I do believe this is a legitimate role of elected student assemblies. While rate decisions are not subject to the authority of the GPSA, many stakeholders offer their perspectives on the tuition or stipend rates and these voices are often very effective in helping Cornell set policy.
  
  In the case of stipend rates, the Graduate School makes a recommendation for changes each year with considerable input from advisory groups. The GPSA can proactively offer guidance on stipend policy in at least two formal settings. GPSA leadership has an opportunity to offer their unique views to the Graduate Dean directly during monthly meetings and GPSA representatives on the General Committee of the Graduate School have a strong voice in developing the recommendations as well. The opportunity to comment and engage in these discussions continues to be available to you.
  
  In future meetings with Dean Knuth I encourage you to explore how the GPSA can be most effective in voicing opinions on financial matters, recognizing that the final decisions will always involve complex tradeoffs and completing pressures.
  
  Regards,
  
  David Skorton