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Grade checks remove two senators
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A recent status check on spring semester grades has left even more gaps in ASBSU’s diminishing roster.
College of Business Sen. Ben Webb and College of Engineering Sen. Shane Koski have left the Senate after failing to meet grade requirements. Sen. Brad Saito drafted a resignation letter, fearing his GPA would not be up to par, but remained on staff when he learned his academic standing was OK.
ASBSU President Nate Peterson said the student handbook stipulates any student leader or professional on campus must carry the 2.25 minimum. The same holds true for Volunteer Services Board, Student Programs Board or the Arbiter.
“It’s unfortunate that they didn’t make the requirements, but in my position, I have to ask them to leave if they don’t meet the 2.25,” Peterson said.
In light of his own troubles, Saito asked the Senate to still treat its departing members as friends, and part of the ASBSU family.
The departures of Webb and Koski leave openings in their respective colleges, as well as the Graduate College position, which Liz Drennon left last spring.
Filling in the gaps are two new senators, sworn in last week — Jordan Kowallis and Brooke Baldwin.
Peterson said he has no issue with making appointments, rather than observing the traditional election process — particularly in light of the vacancies in the Senate that must be filled. Much of last year’s Senate, particularly in the college representative sect, were appointed rather than elected.
Baldwin ran an unsuccessful campaign as a write-in in the spring elections. Originally to be appointed last semester, Baldwin had to undergo several different interviews with members of both the former and current administration — even facing criticism that Peterson wanted to hire her only as a lackey to approve his budget.
The process was slowed down further when former vice president Mike Brown unsuccessfully attempted to appoint two members to the Senate when the former president, Matt Bott , was out of town, and unaware of Brown’s move.
When Saito questioned Baldwin’s commitment to the Senate, alluding to a rumor she had under-performed in her former position with the SPB, which she denied, she told the Senate the hurdles she had to go through to get the job were proof of her commitment.
Also in the Senate last week, Mike Klinkhamer was named assistant pro-tem by a unanimous vote. He had earlier lost to Nicholas Leonardson in a bid for chief pro-tem.
Sean Hayes (The Arbiter)