Reviewed by: Campus Codes Committee (CCC), 12/10/2025, discussed and revised in the University Assembly on January 27, 2026 and March 17, 2026, and by the CCC on March 11, 2026.
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 to “provide a program for the enforcement thereof,” wherein and “[s]uch 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 and retaining ultimate authority of the Code (as required by the statute),
Whereas, the University Assembly has since then continuously operated in this capacity in collaborative shared governance with central administration,
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”,
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”,
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”,
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”,
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”,
Whereas, the Employee Assembly passed a resolution (EA R2) on October 15, 2025, petitioning University leadership to include staff in the current and future makeup of committees and reviews that have direct influence on the staff community of Cornell University including non-academic affairs and the life of the University,
Be it therefore resolved, that the University, when seeking to establish committees as per Policy 4.1 concerning matters impacting the University Assembly (UA) or its areas of jurisdiction, shall engage the UA directly for this shared governance role and shall include membership appointed by the UA.
Be it further resolved, the University Assembly shall receive requests from the University for UA 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 shall consent to the proposed members selected by the UA, as well as those selected by the constituent assemblies, for participation in Policy 4.1 committees; if an assembly is asked to appoint members, but does not do so within 30 days, the UA shall designate members from the relevant constituency within 15 days of the initial deadline.
Be it further resolved, the UA 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 further resolved, that nothing in this resolution shall be construed to limit any existing requirement for University consultation with, or membership designation by, the constituent assemblies, nor as denying the ultimate authority of the Trustees where applicable, but shall be interpreted only to strengthen internal consultation and shared governance with all assemblies.
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
