UA R9 (2017-2018): Reinstating the Budget Planning Committee

Returned by the President

• Resolution:
  UA R9 (2017-2018): Reinstating the Budget Planning Committee
• Day:
  May 30, 2018
• Action:
  Returned by the President
• Summary / Notes:

  Dear Gabe,

  Thank you for transmitting UA Resolution #9, "Reinstating the Budget Planning Committee." I agree that budgetary issues are very important both to Cornell’s day-to-day operation and to its strategic plans for the future and that the UA should be informed about and have clear opportunities to provide input on budgetary policy. However, I feel that the responsibilities and charge of the proposed Budget Planning Committee as presented in this resolution and the accompanying appendix go beyond providing input and veer into policy setting, which must remain within my purview and that of the Board of Trustees.

  In addition, the university already has a shared-governance committee that provides advice on budgetary policy, the Faculty Senate’s Financial Policies Committee, which is well established, has cultivated an expertise in these matters, and consults regularly with the administration on budgetary issues. The opportunity exists for the UA to provide input through this committee. Before we create a second advisory committee, and potential redundancy or confusion, we should explore whether the UA’s needs can be addressed under the current construct.

  In an effort to address the UA’s goal of ensuring more structured communication about university budget issues, I would like to suggest that the UA Executive Committee (or other representatives selected by the UA) meet with Provost Mike Kotlikoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Joanne DeStefano, and Vice President for University Relations Joel Malina early in the fall semester. Pending the outcome of those discussions, I would then welcome receipt of a revised resolution that I could accept.

  Thank you again.

  Sincerely,

  Martha E. Pollack

  President, Cornell University

  300 Day Hall

  Ithaca, NY 14853

  (607) 255-5201

  www.cornell.edu

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