M E M O R A N D U M

							June 15, 2011

To:		Members of the Board of Trustees

From:		Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject:	Transfer of Jurisdiction of the Diagnostic Laboratory Building - NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University

Action Requested

	The proposed resolution authorizes the State University to accept the transfer of jurisdiction of a facility from the Department of Agriculture and Markets to the State University for the benefit of the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.

Resolution

      I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

Whereas the Department of Agriculture and Markets has within its jurisdiction a building known as the Diagnostic Laboratory,  located on the campus of the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, at 323 Farrier Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York (the “Diagnostic Laboratory”); and 

Whereas the Diagnostic Laboratory is a facility that the NYS  College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, a statutory college of the State University,  can utilize as part of its educational mission; and

Whereas the Department of Agriculture and Markets no longer has use for the Diagnostic Laboratory and consents to the transfer of jurisdiction of the Diagnostic Laboratory to the State University; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved that it is necessary for the educational purposes of the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University  for the State University to assume jurisdiction over the Diagnostic Laboratory, the approximate location of which is identified on the map attached hereto; and, be it further 
Resolved that the State University assume jurisdiction, with the approval of the Commissioner of General Services, over the aforementioned Diagnostic Laboratory; and, be it further 

Resolved that the Chancellor, or designee, be, and hereby is, authorized to execute any and all documents, notices, maps, or any other instruments necessary or appropriate to effect the assumption of jurisdiction over and possession of such facility, including making a request to the Commissioner of General Services for a transfer of jurisdiction to the State University.

Background

	The proposed resolution authorizes the State University to take jurisdiction over a State-owned building, the Diagnostic Laboratory, on the campus of the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine that presently is under the jurisdiction of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

	Built in 1976, the two-story 20,899 gross sq. ft. Diagnostic Laboratory has been operated by Cornell University under contract to the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and has been replaced by a new larger laboratory that is located on the Cornell campus.  The Diagnostic Laboratory is now vacant, and surrounded by facilities of the College of Veterinary Medicine. 

	At the core of the strategic academic plan of the College of Veterinary Medicine is expansion of its class size from 80 to 120 students per class, for a total of 480 students.  That expansion is designed to meet a shortage of veterinarians in the State and the northeast region.  The enrollment increase has begun, with enrollment totaling 363 in Fall 2010.  The larger class will require increased facilities capacity, and the Diagnostic Laboratory represents an opportunity to address that need. 
      
      Pursuant to Public Lands Law §3(4), the New York State Office of General Services has authority to transfer jurisdiction over State facilities from one State entity to another.


Attachment





Board Resolution 	-2- 	June 15, 2011