Whereas, participation in physical, cultural, and social activities outside of one’s primary studies or work provides individuals with a sense of belonging at Cornell and enriches their overall well-being.
Whereas¸ the pools in Teagle Hall and Helen Newman Hall (further referred to as “the pools”) serve a large and diverse population of Cornell community members including students, faculty, and staff in endeavors including varsity athletics, physical education classes, aquatic-based physical therapy, clubs – both academic and athletic, open lap swimming, ROTC training, and group fitness classes.
Whereas, the pools no longer meet the needs of the Cornell community as detailed above, and have a finite lifespan, which are estimated to end at any time between now and 2025.
Whereas, approving, planning, fundraising, and building a new natatorium can take up to ten years. Cornell University faces the certain reality of having no operational pool on its campus.
Whereas, Cornell University has long valued swimming as an important life skill to prevent fatal unintentional drowning, as demonstrated by over 100 years of a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students to swim 75 yards or pass two semesters of beginning swimming (PE 1100).
Whereas, providing an inviting, modern, safe, and accessible environment for aquatic activities provides Cornell students, faculty, and staff the ability to exercise year-round, which is a proven positive contributor to mental health.
Whereas, recommendation B.2.2 of the Cornell University Mental Health Review Final Report reads, “Prioritize fundraising for free physical fitness under Affordability within the capital campaign.”
Whereas, we recognize there are many needs of the University, it would be in the University’s best interest to serve those that are of the most imminent need to its community.
Be it resolved, that the Faculty Senate implore the administration to include and prioritize a new natatorium in the list of fundraisings items donors may directly contribute to in Cornell University’s ‘To Do the Greatest Good’ capital campaign.
Be it further resolved, that a new natatorium should be of sufficient size and quality to meet the current and future needs of the Cornell community. To help ensure this, the planning needs to involve Cornell leaders with knowledge and expertise in this area including the Directors of Athletics, Aquatics, Physical Education, Recreational Services, and Head Varsity Swimming Coaches.
