Administrators support GA suspensions, appeals underway
Marshall A. Latimore
Staff Reporter
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Campus News
- Page 1 of 1
More than 40 organizations have either been suspended or have had their university privileges revoked, following the meeting of a General Assembly hearings committee who voted on appeals filed before the Jan. 31 deadline.
According to SGA President Ayodeji Olojo, some organizations have formally appealed to Vice President for Student Affairs Michael A. Freeman. But many have not.
Olojo said that those organizations that have appealed to the vice president
have the right to use campus facilities and plan on-campus events until the final rendering of judgment is made regarding their appeal.
Olojo also explained his stance in the situation, which is a two-folded role that does not overstep the responsibility he has given to SGA Vice President Hodari P.T. Brown.
"My position is to serve as someone to create checks and balances," he said. "My first role is right now to work with Freeman in the process that is already underway.
"Secondly, my role is to create legislation that will benefit General Assembly for the future and ensure that whatever has happened this year that wasn't effective undergo the necessary changes," he continued. "I want to assure that all the
organizations know what their rights are."
Currently, Freeman has not addressed any of the pending appeals. However, he did say that the situation with the Mr. TSU pageant serve as "wonderful learning experiences for student leaders."
"Working with our student leaders in both situations give me confidence that TSU student leaders are willing to engage in the difficult dialogues and are willing to make the tough decisions required of leaders on the front line," Freeman said. "The leadership deserves a lot of credit for their time, passion and position."
Ronald Myles, director of student activities, considered the situation a "necessary evil."
He said this situation has unearthed the possibility that too many organizations and their leaderships have become complacent of their responsibilities to the campus community.
"I didn't expect as many organizations to be
in violation," Myles said. "I am concerned that so many hadn't taken the warnings seriously."
Myles also suggested that this issue may be a sign of changing times.
"I'm sure now that everyone knows for the future to attend General Assembly meetings," he laughed. "But also, it would behoove the student organizations to take a closer look at the student handbook. If a policy is on the books, it is not outdated."
Freeman suggested that student leaders should definitely review the current policies and decide which ones need to be updated or changed.
"The branches of the student government should take a close look at the workings of the units, make recommendations, and suggest changes if warranted," Freeman said. "Student affairs staff, faculty and other community members can serve as valuable resources and advisors in the process of review."
According to SGA President Ayodeji Olojo, some organizations have formally appealed to Vice President for Student Affairs Michael A. Freeman. But many have not.
Olojo said that those organizations that have appealed to the vice president
have the right to use campus facilities and plan on-campus events until the final rendering of judgment is made regarding their appeal.
Olojo also explained his stance in the situation, which is a two-folded role that does not overstep the responsibility he has given to SGA Vice President Hodari P.T. Brown.
"My position is to serve as someone to create checks and balances," he said. "My first role is right now to work with Freeman in the process that is already underway.
"Secondly, my role is to create legislation that will benefit General Assembly for the future and ensure that whatever has happened this year that wasn't effective undergo the necessary changes," he continued. "I want to assure that all the
organizations know what their rights are."
Currently, Freeman has not addressed any of the pending appeals. However, he did say that the situation with the Mr. TSU pageant serve as "wonderful learning experiences for student leaders."
"Working with our student leaders in both situations give me confidence that TSU student leaders are willing to engage in the difficult dialogues and are willing to make the tough decisions required of leaders on the front line," Freeman said. "The leadership deserves a lot of credit for their time, passion and position."
Ronald Myles, director of student activities, considered the situation a "necessary evil."
He said this situation has unearthed the possibility that too many organizations and their leaderships have become complacent of their responsibilities to the campus community.
"I didn't expect as many organizations to be
in violation," Myles said. "I am concerned that so many hadn't taken the warnings seriously."
Myles also suggested that this issue may be a sign of changing times.
"I'm sure now that everyone knows for the future to attend General Assembly meetings," he laughed. "But also, it would behoove the student organizations to take a closer look at the student handbook. If a policy is on the books, it is not outdated."
Freeman suggested that student leaders should definitely review the current policies and decide which ones need to be updated or changed.
"The branches of the student government should take a close look at the workings of the units, make recommendations, and suggest changes if warranted," Freeman said. "Student affairs staff, faculty and other community members can serve as valuable resources and advisors in the process of review."
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