Getting to know the Trustees

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to listen to a couple of trustees at the Cornell Board of Trustees Rose Café event. Before going into the room, I wasn’t fully sure of what the board really did, and who would be on the board. After hearing them speak, I now have greater trust and an understanding of the board system and how the trustees really do care about Cornell’s wellbeing.

For instance, I found out about the steps they are taking to ease mental health concerns around campus. As people before were complaining about how they could not get an appointment to see a counselor, the board changed the time slots so that people could be treated when they want (by developing short-notice time slots). In addition, I found out that Cornell performed an audit on all freshman class athletes to check for any fraud in our system after the nation-wide college athletics scandal from last spring.

While the board seems to be taking proactive measures to improve the school, we do not ever get a chance to hear about their accomplishments. If we could have a more transparent and convenient way to communicate with the board as students, there will be greater understanding and recognition for the people who dedicate their time to serve for our community.

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