The two highest-ranking student leaders took their offices yesterday as they, and other members of the Student Government Association (SGA), continue to wait for the final outcome of their appeal process through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).
SGA President Michael Benson and Executive Vice President Chad Cooper began working in the SGA office yesterday, taking office earlier than expected because of a constitutional change in April, which now allows the executive board to officially hold their positions at the start of the semester.
Benson said he was found responsible by OSCCR for a level 1 grievous violation in the Code of Student Conduct. He and Cooper said they were both found responsible on a number of charges and were sanctioned.
According to the Code of Student Conduct, a student found responsible for a level 1 grievous violation will at no time be assigned “a sanction less than deferred suspension.”
Benson said legal counsel had advised him not to explain the charges and go into detail about the ongoing process.
Cooper also declined to go into detail about the process.
Benson said the two learned Friday that part of their appeal had been denied by OSCCR, but they are awaiting to hear the rest of the decision.
The sanction Benson and Cooper received will not go into effect until the final appeal decision has been handed down, Benson said.
According to the Code of Conduct, “appeals of administrative hearings or Student Judicial Board decisions will be heard only if the student asserts a procedural error that impaired his/her right to a fair opportunity to be heard, or if evidence has arisen that was not reasonably available during the original hearing.”
The code also states that a student can submit, in writing, a desire for the sanctions to be reviewed. At that point officials can concur with the original action, or “mitigate the sanctions.”
If Benson and Cooper’s appeal is denied and their sanctions stand, the two will not be allowed to continue to hold office, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ashley Adams will assume the role of president.
Adams did not return phone calls as of press time.
This is the second consecutive year the actions of an SGA president elected to lead the organization starting in the summer has come under review by OSCCR. Former president Andres Vargas was found responsible last fall by OSCCR for hosting an illegal party. Then Vice President for Academic Affairs Bill Durkin was found not responsible for attending the illegal party and replaced Vargas after a special election was held. Durkin lost to Benson in the election in April and now questions the new president and executive vice president’s leadership.
“Michael Benson and Chad Cooper have an obligation, as leaders of the organization, and of the student body, to be candid about their judicial status. There are members of the organization, including myself, who question if they’re even eligible to take office in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. An answer to that question is long overdue,” Durkin said in a written statement.
Another member of SGA who wished to remain anonymous said they are frustrated with the lack of communication within the organization
“The senators elected them and we have a right to know either way. I just wish someone would tell student government, and tell us, what happened and what’s going on,” the source said.
Benson said now that he has taken his role as SGA president he will notify the senate and e-board members of the process today.
“I look forward to putting the matter behind us and continue on full steam ahead,” Benson said. “Prior to today it would have been inappropriate as president-elect to address the entire senate. Now that I’m in office, I plan to address the association and the general student body. By no means am I trying to hide anything. It’s been tough to balance what’s good for the student body, and what’s good for Michael Benson.”
Cooper also said balancing being a student and student leader has not been an easy job.
“I never had anything like this happen to me before,” he said. “I’ve tried to balance advice given to me from people close to me. I ask the student body for patience on my openness about this issue.”
Benson and Cooper both added that despite their uncertain future, they can still accomplish what they set out to do.
“It’s going to be an amazing year,” Cooper said.
