Abstract: The University Assembly has the authority and responsibility through its governing charter to appoint members of Assembly bodies to committees convened for the creation, implementation, or review of University policies.
Sponsored by: Jonathan Butcher,
Reviewed by: Campus Codes Committee, 12/10/2025
Whereas, since 1970, the Henderson Law (NY Education Law Section 6430) requires the Board of Trustees of each college in New York State to adopt Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order “and provide a program for the enforcement thereof.” “Such rules shall govern the conduct of students, faculty and other staff as well as visitors and other licensees and invitees on such campuses and property. The penalties for violations of such rules shall be clearly set forth therein.” Ever since this law was enacted, the Cornell Board of Trustees has delegated this duty to the University Senate and later the University Assembly (UA) subject only to the Board performing the final enactment (as required by the statute,) and
Whereas, the Cornell University Assembly has since then continuously operated in this capacity in collaborative shared governance with Central Administration, and
Whereas, Article II of the Charter of the University Assembly defines the object of the Assembly: “to improve and sustain the involvement of the campus community in the governance of campus affairs affecting the broad campus community,” and
Whereas, Article III establishes the authority and responsibility of the University Assembly:
“The Assembly may examine, on its own initiative, matters which involve the interests or concern the welfare of a substantial segment of the campus community and may make recommendations or resolutions thereon to the President or to other appropriate officers or decision-making bodies of the University. Such matters include, but are not necessarily limited to: common standards of conduct, campus planning, diversity and inclusion, environmental impact and sustainability, family support, health services, information technology, public safety, and, transportation and commuter policies.”
Whereas, Sub-section 3.1.3A establishes “Responsible University officials shall consider designating the Assembly, or one of its constituent assemblies, as a stakeholder in each impact statement, prepared under the terms of University Policy 4.1, Policy on the Formulation and Issuance of University Policies, which involves the interests or concerns the welfare of a substantial segment of the campus community,” and,
Whereas, Section 3.3: Internal operations establishes “the Assembly has authority in matters concerning its internal operation and maintenance, including provisions for the creation of bylaws and procedures,” and,
Whereas, University Policy 4.1 “Formulation and Issuance of University Policies,” states the Reason for Policy is “University policies must be thoroughly reviewed, maintained, and made available to the university community to promote practicality, compliance, and accountability,” and, “University policies connect the university’s mission to individual conduct, clarify institutional expectations, support compliance with laws and regulation, mitigate institutional risk, and enhance productivity and efficiency in the university’s operations,” and,
Whereas, the Procedures in Policy 4.1 state “Key stakeholders, who will be consulted during the policy drafting process, will be listed in this impact statement.”
Be it therefore resolved, that the University seeking to establish committees as per Policy 4.1 concerning matters impacting the University Assembly, whether independently or via one of its Constituent Assemblies, shall engage the University Assembly directly for this shared governance role,
Be it further resolved, the University shall consent to proposed members of its Constituent Assemblies for participation in Policy 4.1 committees; if an assembly does not designate members for participation, the University Assembly shall designate members from the relevant constituency serving in the UA.
Be it further resolved, the University Assembly shall receive requests from the University for UA constituent committee membership no less than 30 days before said committee is intended to convene, to give time for the consideration of appointment requests and approval
Be it further resolved, the University Assembly shall vote on the appointment of constituent members to Policy 4.1 committees according to its internal policies and procedures, including delegation of approval to constituent assemblies or committees.
Be it further resolved, if the UA does not designate its members within the 30 days of notice, University proposed UA constituent members will automatically be approved to sit in Policy 4.1 committees.
Be it finally resolved, constituent members of the UA on Policy 4.1 committees shall inform the UA on progress of the committee activities subject to applicable disclosure provisions.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jonathan T. Butcher
Chair, Campus Codes Committee
