Office of the Assemblies

This resolution advocates for the creation of the Cornell Civic Holiday in which all university activities would be suspended to create a day of service and civic engagement. Such Holiday would occur every Election Day, beginning in 2024.

Dear Anuli,

 

Thank you for conveying to me SA Resolution #49: Cornell Civic Holiday.

 

I acknowledge the resolution, and I appreciate the Assembly’s interest in encouraging service and civic engagement in our community. At the present, Cornell employees are provided with up to three hours away from work to vote if needed. As polls are open very early and very late, we don’t often hear from employees that they are having difficulty getting to the polls. However, if a work schedule does make that challenging, Cornell provides for paid time off.

 

Adding an additional university holiday not only impacts classroom time for students, but also incurs costs and affects a broad range of activities across the university.

 

While Cornell will continue to operate normally on Election Day, we support our community’s involvement in the democratic process.

 

Sincerely,

 

Martha E. Pollack

 

 

 

Martha E. Pollack

President, Cornell University

300 Day Hall

Ithaca, NY 14853