Student Assembly - Resolution 26 (2024-2025)
Vending Self-Care Supplies
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Term:
2024-2025
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Assembly:
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Status:
Rejected by the President
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Abstract:
This resolution proposes that every dormitory and social housing unit on Cornell's campus be equipped with vending machines offering a variety of essential health-related supplies, including non-prescription medications, sexual health supplies, COVID-19 antigen tests, and Narcan.
Sponsored by: David Duan ’28, Davian Gekman ’27, Bianca Thompson ’26, Jinzhou Wu ‘28
Type of Action: Recommendation
Originally Presented: 01/30/2025
Current Status: Adopted by the Assembly, Unanimous Consent, 02/20/2025
Whereas, student health and well-being are critical priorities at Cornell University, and the availability of essential health supplies directly supports these objectives;
Whereas, vending machines offering health-related supplies in dormitories and social housing units provide discreet, convenient, and 24/7 access to these items for students, reducing barriers to obtaining necessary products;
Whereas, similar initiatives at peer institutions have demonstrated success in promoting public health and student safety;
Whereas, Cornell Health is well-positioned to advise on product selection and collaborate with the Student Assembly to secure funding and implement this initiative;
Whereas, the medical needs of our community members do not cease with the conclusion of the business day, yet the Cornell Health pharmacy operates under 50 hours a week, limiting access to common business hours;
Whereas, many residents of the Cornell community live far from the Cornell Health pharmacy on Ho Plaza, with a walk from Collegetown Apartments/Upperclassmen living facilities taking approximately 20 minutes both ways and a walk from the Vet School on East Campus taking approximately 25 minutes both ways
Whereas, this resolution serves as an update and extension of Resolution 20: Dependable and Inclusive Supply of Pharmaceutical and Essential Nonprescription Supplies in 2023, which initiated a pilot program by installing vending machines at Cornell Health and RPCC to assess demand and feasibility. This resolution builds upon the findings from that study, expanding the program to additional campus locations;
Whereas, collecting data on vending machine usage will help assess demand, optimize inventory, and ensure products align with student health needs;
Whereas, illness rates increase during the winter, and access to cold medication and symptom relief supplies in vending machines can reduce transmission and support student well-being.
Whereas, the cost of installing each vending machine is approximately $5,000, and students will be able to purchase items using Big Red Bucks (BRBs), credit card, and cash to ensure accessibility;
Whereas, the following resolution will be applied to all on-campus housing, defined as dormitories, townhouses, co-ops, fraternities, sororities, and social-housing units;
Whereas, partnerships with off-campus entities, such as Student Agencies and Lux Apartments, could expand the availability of resources under a similar framework;
Be it therefore resolved, that every on-campus housing at Cornell University be equipped or be in a 5 minute walking distance vicinity of vending machines offering:
● Non-prescription medications and supplies, including but not limited to: pain relievers/fever reducers, thermometers, expectorants, allergy medications, gastrointestinal medications, band-aids, and antibiotic cream (products may change periodically based on demand and feedback);
● Sexual health supplies, including condoms, pregnancy tests, and emergency contraception (Plan B);
● COVID-19 antigen tests, limited to two per person at no cost, with bulk requests handled as per existing university guidelines;
● Naloxone spray (Narcan®), made available at no cost as part of New York State’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.
Be it further resolved, that Cornell Health, the Student Health Advisory Committee and the Office of the Dean of Students collaborate to determine optimal product selection, pricing (where applicable), and vending machine placement within each housing unit;
Be it further resolved, that Cornell Health and the Student Health Advisory Committee implement a data collection system to track vending machine usage, ensuring inventory optimization and alignment with student health needs;
Be it further resolved, that Cornell Health and the Student Health Advisory Committee provide periodic education campaigns, including informational sessions and flyers, to inform students about the availability of these supplies and their proper use;
Be it further resolved, that a semester audit assisted by the Student Health Advisory Committee be performed to ensure vending machines are operational and stocked with the prescribed resources;
Be it further resolved, that Cornell Health allocate the necessary funds for the initial implementation of this initiative, with additional funding responsibilities falling to the Student Assembly and Office of the Dean of Students if required;
Be it further resolved, that the Student Health Advisory Committee investigate and pursue partnerships with off-campus entities, such as Student Agencies and Lux Apartments, to provide these resources under a similar framework as on-campus housing;
Be it finally resolved, that the Student Health Advisory Committee oversee the long-term sustainability of this initiative and ensure compliance with the provisions outlined in this resolution.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Bingkun Duan ‘27
Member, Student Health Advisory Committee, Student Assembly
Chair, Student Health Benefits Sub-Committee, Student Assembly
Davian Gekman ‘27
School of Industrial & Labor Relations Representative, Student Assembly
Chair, Student Health Advisory Committee, Student Assembly
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Resolution File:
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Supporting Documents:
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Sponsors:
David Duan (bbd9), Davian Samuel Gekman (dsg247), Jinzhou Wu (jw2782)
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Reviewing Committee:
Student Health Advisory Committee
