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Cornell University

SA R62 (2014-2015): Creation of the Student Activities Funding Commission Charter Change

Returned by the President

  • Resolution:
  • Day:
    June 23, 2015
  • Action:
    Returned by the President
  • Summary / Notes:
  • File Attachments:
  • Text Attachment:
    Dear Sarah,

    Thank you for forwarding Resolutions 61, 62, 63 and 64 regarding the Student Activities Finance Commission and its relationship to the Student Assembly.

    I approve these resolutions contingent upon three actions: written clarification of what is meant by ‘independent by-line funded organization’; clarification that the existing balance between the SAFC and other by-line funded organizations will be maintained; and the identification of a staff advisor.

    In your resolutions you cite certain by-line funded organizations as models for the anticipated relationship of the new SAFC and the SA. However, each of those organizations, (i.e., ALANA, CPB, CUTonight, ISB) is a university-sponsored organization, not an independent student group. As such, a full time member of the staff has as part of his/her responsibility serving as advisor to that group. Independent student organizations (those governed by the contract for independent organizations) have volunteer advisors, but also have no legal association with the University.

    If you confirm that the SA intends for the SAFC to become a university-sponsored, by-line funded organization, with the new relationship to the SA as outlined in your resolutions, I can accept that change. With that confirmation must come the identification of a staff advisor. I suggest you work with Gina Giambatista and/or Dean Kent Hubbell to identify a person for whom advising this organization is in alignment with their professional responsibilities and seek their agreement that this additional assignment can fall within their assigned duties.

    Also, I would like you to confirm that the existing criteria of maintaining ‘the appropriate balance…between funds allocated to by-line funded organizations and the SAFC…’ shall be maintained. That balance is stated as follows, “The SA…shall allocate no less than 35% of their respective Student Activity Fees to the applicable Finance Commission for disbursement among non-by-line funded organizations.”

    Please confirm adherence to these conditions and when that is received, the resolutions will be accepted

    Regards,

    David Skorton