UA R1 (2016-2017): Updating and Clarifying University Assembly Charter and Bylaws

Accepted by the President

• Resolution:
  UA R1 (2016-2017): Updating and Clarifying University Assembly Charter and Bylaws
• Day:
  February 27, 2017
• Action:
  Accepted by the President
• Summary / Notes:
  Accepted by the President.
• File Attachments:
• Text Attachment:
  Dear Gabe, I am pleased to receive the proposed revisions to the University Assembly Charter and Bylaws as presented in UA R1. I applaud the assembly for the extensive thought and consultation that it committed to in clarifying its governing documents at the recommendation of the Office of the University Counsel. For the reasons indicated below, I accept most of what you propose and ask that you clarify and confirm other aspects. I particularly wish to recognize the emphasis the assembly has placed on equity in representation by increasing the number of representatives from the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly. By adding two seats, and bringing the total voting membership up to twenty members, the UA is better poised to be a fair and effective deliberative body on behalf of the entire campus community. Regarding the proposed Bylaws change to include the Judicial Administrator (JA) and Judicial Codes Counselor (JCC) as ex-officio members of the Codes and Judicial Committee (CJC), I do not have any administrative reason to reject the request. I do not, however, support it enthusiastically. The CJC has historically been constituted by members of the Cornell community as an autonomous body to represent constituent voices on campus. I would ask that the assembly consider the rationale, and utility, of having the JA and JCC sit at the table rather than being invited from time to time as the CJC may request. In particular, please consider the effect this proposal may have on the “neutrality” the CJC affords the campus community as acting independently of the administration. I look forward to your response. Subsequently, I also request that you confirm this proposal with the offices of the JA and JCC to ensure that the individuals in these positions have the necessary time and support to devote to this expectation, amid their existing responsibilities. As the assembly works under the terms of these clarified Charter and Bylaws to better engage our community, I am grateful for the thought and care that you and your UA colleagues put into this resolution. I encourage you to continue to collaborate across assemblies on legislation affecting the campus and the campus climate, especially during our ongoing times of transition. Yours sincerely, Hunter Rawlings