Save the Cactus Cafe.org

A campaign of Friends of the Cactus Cafe

The resolution below (or one very close to it) unanimously passed in the UT undergraduate assembly meeting Tuesday night.

AR 41: In Support of Maintaining the Character of the Cactus Cafe with Additional Student Involvement
Author: John Woods

Sponsors: Representatives Emily Benigno, Carly Castetter, Matt Daley, Alex Ferraro, Madison Gardner, Alex Greenberg, Jesse Hernandez, Sarah Hobson, Tim Hooper, Andy Jones, John Lawler, Shannon Mann, Tarryn O’Dell, Thaddeus Woody and John Woods

WHEREAS, The University Unions management plans to modify or eliminate the Cactus Cafe, and is seeking proposals for its future management; and, 

WHEREAS, The Graduate Student Assembly at The University of Texas at Austin has already unanimously passed a resolution in support of preserving the character of the Cactus Cafe¹; furthermore, the presidents of the eighteen college councils issued a letter conveying a unanimous opinion that the student body was not sufficiently consulted in the discussion and decision making process; and, WHEREAS, The Student Events Center has put forward a proposal which does not specifically include graduate students in the decision-making process regarding the future of Cactus Cafe, and would place the Cactus Cafe primarily under student management;² therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Student Government of The University of Texas at Austin concurs with the Graduate Student Assembly on the issue of graduate student representation, and is concerned that the Students Event Center proposal, if implemented, may negatively affect the character of the Cactus Cafe; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government supports the establishment of a Cactus Cafe Student Initiatives Program, supporting student internships based out of the Cactus Cafe, as proposed by the Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government supports the establishment of a Cactus Cafe Student Artists-in-Residence Program, as proposed by the Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government supports, if necessary, the creation of an endowment to fund or help fund the Cactus Cafe, in conjunction with or independently of the non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization Friends of the Cactus Cafe; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government believes experienced, full-time, professional management of the Cactus Cafe is fundamental to its character, and that daily operations are a key part of preserving the character of the Cactus Cafe and maintaining the quality of booking; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government believes that the Cactus Cafe is a staple of Texas musical heritage which provides the University with a powerful means for community engagement and an iconic brand that is recognized by numerous musicians and music fans around the world; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government believes that the University Unions management did not seek sufficient student input before announcing this decision, which significantly impacts the student body; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Student Government calls upon the University Unions management and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to revisit the decision to close and/or repurpose the Cactus Cafe; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be sent to the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Office of the Dean of Students, the President of the Graduate Student Assembly, the President of the Senate of College Councils, the members of the University Unions Board of Directors, the President of the Student Events Center, Friends of the Cactus Cafe, and Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe.