Summary of the main changes in the GPSAFC Guidelines (04/08/2019)

*Commenting is now closed*

GPSAFC Funding Guidelines for Graduate Student Organizations

The new GPSAFC guidelines

- Broaden the definition of “Cornell Campus:” now “Cornell Campus” includes Cornell Tech’s NYC campus and Auxiliary Cornell Properties (lines 67-77)

- Clarify the budget request submission process. The new FC Guidelines

  •  Eliminate the budget types “Annual Budgets” and “Special Project Request;” this means that organizations, if they choose so, can submit separate budget requests for their events
  • Clarify certain details of the budget submission process (e.g., budgets must be submitted before the event takes place) (lines 26-31)
  •  Make minor revisions in the deadline chart for budget submissions and tier increase requests (line 86) • introduces principles for why certain budget items are ineligible for funding: “GPSAFC funding is inclusive, need-based, and extracurricular” (lines 166-175)
  • Include a clause about allocating funds for alcoholic beverages and spending cap on alcohol (lines 210-214)
  •  Introduce rules for reassigning and cancelling allocated funds (lines 216-236)

- Clarify some aspects of the tier assignment process (such as, when and how to submit tier increase requests and how the tier appeal process works) (lines 279-282, 302-316)

- Clarify summer funding (lines 406-408)

- Clarify the requirements for applying for Initiative Funding (GPCI funding) (lines 353-368)

 

Comments

** Commenting is closed.

Need clarification for Section II, Item 3, aBeginning at line 32

Submitted by Linda Majeroni on Mon, 2019-04-29 14:24

LIne 35a. To obtain 300 USD or more in funding for an event, additional detailed information, including but not limited to previous receipts, quotes, budget breakdown, time and location of the event, number of attendees should be submitted at the time of budget submission. Furthermore, the organization must submit the event details (i.e. time, location, program speakers, topic descriptions) to University Events Calendar and provide a link to the GPSAFC Event Calendar two (2) weeks before the event. For events receiving less than 300 USD in GPSAFC funding, detailed budget breakdowns and Event Calendar submission are recommended but not required.

---The section does not make sense to me---This is under making a budget request--so the group is supposed to submit event details AND the calendar submission two weeks prior to the event? How do they submit this if the event has not been approved? Why would they post to the calendar when it hasn’t been approved? Do they submit this after they have received allocation? And to whom do they submit this to? For events less than $300 they don’t have to do this?

If this is a requirement AFTER they have received funding to receive reimbursement---then that should be made clear under #7, line 58?

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Proposed Limit on Alcohol Expenditures

Submitted by Rosalind Major on Sun, 2019-04-28 16:28

The proposed limitation on alcohol expenditures is needlessly restrictive and would effectively eliminate organizations, such as the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence, whose missions are intrinsically tied to alcohol.
This organization has provided amazing opportunities for law students to build community and learn throughout the past year. The ability to have a non-legal informative activity has built a further appreciation for the local area and its connections to the larger world related to viniculture while also providing a place for professional growth, particularly learning skills and knowledge that can be required for effective client counseling and networking in many legal spaces. Further, this has allowed for cross-class year mentorship and connections to be formed. Moving forward with this proposed restriction would essentially destroy this organization which has played a fun and informative role in many of the law students' lives, whether they were active members of the group or attended one of the many wonderful events throughout the academic year. Please strike this limitation, or at the very least, amend it to include language that would exempt organizations whose missions are inextricably linked with alcohol, such as the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence.

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Strike proposed limitation on alcohol expenditures

Submitted by Robert Ward on Sat, 2019-04-27 13:06

The proposed limitation on alcohol expenditures is needlessly restrictive and would effectively eliminate organizations, such as the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence, whose missions are intrinsically tied to alcohol. SWJ provides unique opportunities to relax and socialize with fellow law students and other members of the graduate community. It also fills an important niche, allowing Cornell Law students to develop their understanding and appreciation for wines produced locally and globally. This matters, particularly in a profession where networking and client dinners play an important role. Moving forward with this proposed restriction would be detrimental not only to the social atmosphere of the law school and wider graduate community, but would also be detrimental to an important aspect of law students' future careers. Please strike this limitation, or at the very least, amend it to include language that would exempt organizations whose missions are inextricably linked with alcohol, such as the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence.

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Various Points of Clarification - Lines Indicated

Submitted by Rhonda H. Velazquez on Sat, 2019-04-27 13:02

Headers & Footers – please be sure the final document has headers and footers on each page, that clearly indicate the title, page # of total page #s, and adoption date.
Line 4 – shouldn’t this read, “…for the current academic year (Aug-May).” Since all clubs have to register each fall?
Line 40 – add “events.cornell.edu” when referring to University Events Calendar.
Line 40 – What is the “GPSAFC Event Calendar” and how does one link to it from the University Events Calendar?
Lines 67-77 – I applaud the inclusion of additional Cornell properties/Campuses. I would suggest for “Auxiliary Cornell properties” that you modify the definition to include Cornell-leased properties, along with Cornell-owned properties, as much of the property in NYC, and even in Ithaca is long-term leased, rather than actually owned by Cornell.
Lines 227, 281-282, 305 – Can we PLEASE re-institute the generic GPSAFC@Cornell.edu email address, so there aren’t messages about funding appeals only being sent to the current chair’s personal email?
Line 253 – The timeframe should be 2019-20
Line 254 – perhaps the wording should say, “…Appropriations Committee, may re-evaluate…” instead of using “should”
Line 465 – I think it would be safe to eliminate “Zeppelin” travel. Have we EVER had to reimburse a speaker for a zeppelin flight?

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Proposed Cap on Alcohol Expenditures

Submitted by Brandon Slotkin on Sat, 2019-04-27 12:49

I echo the concerns of my fellow students who are concerned about how the proposed regulation will effectively destroy an organization that does important and crucial work for the law school community.

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Changes to unnecessary and redundant procedures

Submitted by Alicia Sontag on Sat, 2019-04-27 11:06

In line 81/82, the procedure of maintaining sign-ins for a year will create a needless paper trails. Further the sign in sheets do not truly help with determining the size of the events in years to come, as events change due to student interests. Additionally, on line 32, it is redundant to submit a budget proposal, and then to ask for another one two weeks before the event. By submitting additional information two weeks before the event, groups will not yet know all of the details if their budget has not been approved. Please fix and clarify so that it is not redundant.

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The Proposed Cap on Alcohol Expenditures

Submitted by Devin J Kasinki on Sat, 2019-04-27 10:34

I echo all of the concerns of my classmates below regarding the proposed alcohol cap. Additionally, I note that SWJ frequently collaborates with hospitality students to host events. The events provide unique professional development opportunities for these students. For example, two of SWJ’s events this past year were wine tastings where a hospitality student applied what she learned in class to teach attendees about wines from various regions. Destroying SWJ will adversely affect the entire graduate community, as well as the hospitality students who benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with the organization.

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Please Do Not Approve the Limitation on Alcohol Expenditures

Submitted by Gurnaina Kaur Chawla on Fri, 2019-04-26 18:58

I share the concern of my colleagues that this proposal would effectively destroy the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence. The law school community, and the larger Cornell student body, values this organization as one that is enjoyable and educational. Moreover, its events are helpful as we enter a profession in which alcohol might often be a point of discussion. I encourage this cap to be reconsidered, or at the very least, I encourage that there be an exception for organizations such as SWJ.

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RE: Strike Proposed Limitation on Alcohol Expenditures

Submitted by Tyler J Schmitt on Fri, 2019-04-26 17:57

I join the concerns of the other members of the Cornell Law School Society of Wine and Jurisprudence below. The clause regarding the allocation of funds for alcoholic beverages and a spending cap on alcohol would have a uniquely adverse impact on the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence. The club, which has existed for numerous years now, is not only cherished by the students of Cornell Law School, but the numerous other graduate students that attend its events. At the very least, as the current and future presidents of the Society have stated, there should be an exception from this clause for the Society of Wine and Jurisprudence.

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Vote Against the Proposed Limit on Alcohol Expenditures

Submitted by Nicolas Cruz Gonzalez on Fri, 2019-04-26 17:56

The proposed limitation on alcohol expenditures for student organizations would be unreasonably restrictive on student organizations and would cripple if not effectively eliminate certain student organizations such as the Society of Wine & Jurisprudence (SWJ). Our organization hosts several events throughout the year which are attended by students and professors. At these events we discuss wines from different regions, brands, colors, etc. These are great events that law school students have come to enjoy as a part of their experience here at Cornell and it gives them the opportunity to engage with professors in a more comfortable environment. At best, this proposed measure would stand in the way of these events that we've hosted. At worst, it will be the end of the organization. For this reason, I implore you to vote against this measure.

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