Senate Bill No. 0203-13

UNIVERSITY SENATE

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

Introduced by Student Action Committee and cosponsored by University
Life Council

Date: May 12, 2003

SUSPENSION OF CLASSES ON FOUNTAIN DAY

IT IS HEREBY PROPOSED THAT THE FOLLOWING BE ADOPTED:

I. That classes be suspended from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm on Fountain Day, beginning in the Spring 2005 semester.

II. That Fountain Day be scheduled on a Wednesday in Spring 2005, and in subsequent years on a Wednesday whenever possible, and otherwise on a Tuesday or Thursday, as recommended by the Educational Policy Council in conjunction with the Department of Student Life, in consultation with the Registrar.

III. That the Bill be forwarded to the President for approval and implementation.

RATIONALE:

Fountain Day, the annual rite of passage into spring sponsored by the department of Student Life, is one of the most celebrated events at the University at Albany. It unites all students, faculty, and alumni as one body, erasing ethnic, cultural and religious differences. It is a force for unity within the student body, allowing members of different groups, organizations and levels of involvement to come together. Fountain Day is rooted in the history of the University at Albany. It originated with ‘Mayfest’ and developed into the ‘Human Awareness Program’ of 1979 which had as its principal goal the promotion of communication among students, faculty and administrators, working together to break down barriers and to increase formal and informal interaction. The fountain is more than just a concrete structure; it has come to symbolize the unity of our community as expressed by faculty and students alike, for example during the events of September 11, 2001. Moreover the fountain is used as a positive symbol of the University at Albany family in the media and on the SUNY cards carried by all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni. Furthermore on November 6, 2002, Central Council, the fully representative legislative branch of the Student Association, voted 21-0-0-0 in support of a resolution for the suspension of classes on Fountain Day.