Volume 3, Issue 11 March 3, Over The Edge: UNBC's Official Student Newspaper THE PLAGUE OF RESIGNATIONS SPREADS UNBC Student Society Suffers From Mass Exodus of Board Directors by dionne olsenmm Rumors abound over the latest array of Student Society resignations. As many students have already heard, Brian Cole, Chair of the Society, officially resigned March 3, 1997. However, it is not only his resignation, but the content of the resignation letter is creating controversy within the Society. The resignation letter is creating controversy within the Society. During fall semester of 1996, tne Society was plagued with resignations. One board member failed to return to the university for the semester, leaving a vacant position. Subsequently, three more directors resigned their positions during the semester. Two newly elected directors were asked to fill the vacancies. One of the new directors resigned two months after she was appointed, and the other director’s resignation was recommended by the Chair, and Vice-Chair this past couple of weeks. Finger pointing and back biting are trying to be kept ata minimum. However, John Stevenson (Vice-Chair) did not feel the recommendations made in the letter were appropriate. He felt the recommendations were a “separate matter” than Cole’s resignation. John Robertson (Ombudsperson), one of the directors whose resignation was recommended, commented: “I don’t think the comment had any place in [Brian’s] resignation letter. I thought it was unclassy”. ee SS eS Se "This was not a personal attack!" ee eee Jody Feist remained neutral about Cole’s recommendation for her resignation, she felt it was “fair”. Feist reported that the recommendation in the Under the Covers Page 4 - Editorial | comments! Page 6 - Soundcheck! Offspring and past Page 7 - Moist! Yet even MORE Yim Page 9 - PIRG page! All the latest stuff! Page 11 - Sports! Sports! letter was a reiteration of Stevenson’s actions at the Board Meeting on February 17, 1997. Feist revealed that “John Stevenson at the end of the meeting said he was here to ask for my resignation from Student. Society, without talking to me beforehand about what I have accomplished”. Stevenson supports the action he initiated, “her job wasn’t getting done. There were numerous warnings from myself and Brian. I was responding to what was echoed by other directors. Somebody has to be the asshole and I was the one. This was not a personal attack!” Cole had similar reasons for the comments in his letter, he believed the board of directors had an inability “to criticize [their] friends, people you see everyday and have to work with. Also to point out to the board [his] feelings as Chair and so students know what is going on. Students haven’t challenged any of the motions [made by the board] and it is a government”. Ryan Maclvor (External Liaison) supported Cole's decision to voice his opinions in his resignation letter. When it was recommended that Robertson resign, he gained the support of Stevenson, who reportedly stood up in Robertson’s defense. Robertson felt “John is the only one who sees all the work I do. [Brian] can’t fairly comment on my work. He || never asked what I was doing”. Although Robertson did not believe that Cole was singling him out: “It was not a question of picking me out. It’s a misunderstanding. His [Brian’s] big concern was that the students don’t know who I am”. The result of these recommendations, - Jody A shattered Society, only five directors remain Photo By Rob van Adrichem Feist’s resigns, although, John Robertson appears to be maintaining his current position, which still leaves the question of who will become the acting Chair of the Society. Cole recommended Maclvor for the position. Cole felt MacIvor has the “leadership skills that are necessary for the job, as well as the enthusiasm which [he] has lost”. It does come as somewhat of a surprise the Vice-Chair was not initially recommended for the job. However, Cole stated it was a “toss up between the two”. Cole’s decision was based on Maclvor’s “enthusiasm, and fresh, keen to go attitude”, although Stevenson “has done some good stuff”. But, as Maclvor pointed out, Stevenson has the “experience which is more important”. The decision made today was that experience wins out. Stevenson and Maclvor decided amongst themselves, that Stevenson will become acting Chair, and Maclvor will assume the Vice-Chair position. As for Feist she is “sad it’s happening. But some restructuring needs to be done and now maybe it will happen”. Robertson is feeling very “frustrated”, but as of now will continue his role as Ombudsperson. Stevenson speaks on behalf of the Society as he mentions how they are really “regretful that Brian resigned. He strengthened the working relationship with the university adminstration". NUGSS?