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Julie Bindelglass

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 12:17 p.m.

SA appoints new communications director

by Madeleine Morgenstern

Junior Matt Ingoglia will be the Student Association’s new communications director, SA President Julie Bindelglass announced at Tuesday night’s Senate meeting.

Bindeglass said Ingoglia has been brought on to help with the SA’s “renewed commitment to communications.” Ingoglia previously served as the communications director for the College Democrats. He resigned in September.

Ingoglia, who also writes for The Hatchet’s opinions section, will be responsible for maintaining the SA’s Web site, Twitter account, and the coming Facebook page, Bindelglass said.

Ingoglia said he was excited and encouraged by the SA’s decision to bring him on.

“I believe it demonstrates an attentiveness to students’ concerns and I look forward to crafting a communications strategy we can all be proud of,” Ingoglia said.

Junior Carly Schildhaus, vice president for public affairs, will keep her “entire portfolio of responsibilities” Bindelglass said, which includes all publicity for the SA.

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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 2:54 p.m.

Student Association to investigate conflict of interest of Student Court judge

by Madeleine Morgenstern

A Student Association investigation has been launched to determine how much members of the executive and senate leadership knew about an alleged violation of the SA Constitution by the Student Court’s chief judge, according to a formal investigation request obtained by The Hatchet.

Executive branch Chief of Staff Dan Curran said in an e-mail to The Hatchet on Tuesday that Student Court Chief Judge Jen Goldstein resigned from her Program Board position “out of an abundance of caution.” Goldstein had been the political affairs chair for PB, and the SA constitution outlaws serving on the court and on the executive board of any other student organization.

“The matter was handled quickly and amicably, and Jen Goldstein remains the Chief Judge of the SA Student Court,” said Curran, a senior.

Senior Jordan Chapman, the SA vice president for judicial and legislative affairs, announced the appointment of junior James Bonneau as a special investigator in the case, in an e-mail sent to SA President Julie Bindelglass and Curran Monday night.

Chapman emphasized that the investigation was not about Goldstein’s conflict of interest.

“It’s apparent that the rules were broken, whether on purpose or inadvertently,” Chapman said. “The request alleges that the leadership basically swept this under the rug, we’re trying to see if this is true.”

Bonneau was a special investigator for the Joint Elections Committee and represented them in last year’s case “Boyer vs. JEC.”

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Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 6:16 p.m.

Marvin Center space to be only for students, University

by Emily Cahn

Space in the Marvin Center will now be exclusively reserved for student and University events, the University announced Friday evening.

In the past, outside organizations could pay to reserve rooms in the Marvin Center, but beginning Oct. 1, the space “will be reserved solely for student and University-sponsored events during the academic year,” said University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard.

“The Marvin Center will no longer be available for use during the academic year by groups not affiliated with the University,” Sherrard said in a news release. “Space rentals in the Marvin Center will be available free of charge for University groups. The Marvin Center’s meeting and event space will continue to be exclusively provided for student-focused activities on weekday evenings after 6 p.m. and on weekends during the academic year.”

The need for additional student space has become a hot button issue over the past few years, as the number of student groups have grown and the amount of student space has stayed the same.

Student Association President Julie Bindelglass said this is something the SA has been advocating for since before she was elected, but she said that she, along with Executive Vice President Jason Lifton, have continued to lobby the University on the issue since they took office in May.

“The Marvin Center is student space. It is our student union, our student center, and so we’re both so ecstatic that this was passed,” she said.

In 2004, the University conducted a study that said Marvin Center space had increasingly been used for non-University events over the course of the previous seven years.

Sherrard did not immediately comment on the amount of money the University would lose by no longer renting out Marvin Center space.

Robert Chernak, senior vice president for SASS, said that preserving Marvin Center space exclusively for students and University events will positively affect student life.

“Student-use and student accessibility of the Marvin Center is a priority for the University,” Chernak said in the University’s release. “This new model will better meet the needs of students and give them a central spot on campus for study groups, meetings and other gatherings.”

Lorraine Voles, vice president for External Relations, will now oversee a majority of the major venues on campus, including all outdoor University spaces, 1918 F St., 1957 E St., Marvin Center, Lisner Auditorium and the Jack Morton Auditorium, according to the release. Michael Peller, formerly the managing director of the Marvin Center and University Conferences, will now serve in a newly created position as assistant vice president for events and venues.

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Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009 1:20 a.m.

SA to reconcile inconsistent bylaws

by Amanda Dick

Hatchet Staff Writer Madeleine Morgenstern wrote this report.

The Student Association Senate will convene in a special meeting on Sunday to reconcile two different sets of bylaws, Executive Vice President Jason Lifton said Monday.

Lifton said last year’s EVP Kyle Boyer could not locate the bylaws that had existed under the 2007-2008 EVP Brand Kroeger, and therefore worked using the bylaws used by the 2006-2007 EVP Joshua Lasky.

Boyer, however, said he used the set of bylaws given to him by Kroeger.

“I was using a new set of bylaws provided at transition,” he said, adding that Lasky’s would have been outdated. “I provided (Jason) an updated set of bylaws at my transition.”

The Senate bylaws are kept in a binder along with complete copies of passed and failed legislation for that year and are passed down to the new Executive Vice President at the end of each year, Lifton said.

In an e-mail to the Senate late Sunday night, Lifton called the two sets of bylaws “theoretically both valid, but both inconsistent.”

An example of this is the Graduate Affairs Committee, which was established under the 2007-2008 Nicole Capp administration. Its existence is not recognized under the bylaws that were used by Boyer, Lifton said. Capp also created smaller executive appointments that have been filled by current SA President Julie Bindelglass, but need to be reauthorized under a new set of bylaws.

This week, the SA Rules Committee will examine both sets and combine them into a complete and consistent version, which must be approved by a full Senate vote.

Members of the Senate discovered the discrepancy Sunday, Lifton said, calling it “a silly mistake that needs to be fixed.”

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Thursday, July 9, 2009 8:47 p.m.

Student Association launches three Web sites

by Alex Byers

This post was written by Staff Writer Madeleine Morgenstern.

The Student Association launched a new network of Web sites last week.

The SA’s Web site had been little-used and under construction for much for the past few months, but the organization launched the sites July 5, according to blog post on the main site. GWStudentAssociation.com, GWSAFunds.com, OurGWSA.com are designed to “provide access to the vast array of services that our student government provides,” according to the post.

The main site currently contains blog entries, a calendar of events, and a breakdown of the University’s student government structure. SA President Julie Bindelglass said she is excited about the launch.

“It’s a great resource…the University has so much information, and we want all of that to be in one location,” Bindelglass said.

GWSAFunds.com, which is not yet fully launched, will increase financial transparency, according to Bindelglass. The site is designed to make it easy to see how SA funds are being spent, but the homepage currently directs funding-related questions to Ashish Kumbhat, vice president for financial affairs, or to Connor Walsh, the Senate Finance Committee chair.

OurGWSA.com was created because to highlight the personal side of the SA, Bindelglass said.

The Web site now lists a number of local student discounts available in the D.C. area, contact information for Student Judicial Advisors, and promises to soon host an online test bank. It also offers help with registration, roommate trouble, and encourages campus involvement.

Bindelglass said that together, the Web sites serve a dual function increasing communication both ways.

“It’s not just us ‘telling’ but we’re also receiving feedback from students,” she said.

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Thursday, April 30, 2009 4:37 p.m.

Bindelglass, Lifton begin terms as SA president, executive vice president

by Emily Cahn

Julie Bindelglass and Jason Lifton were sworn in as the Student Association’s new president and executive vice president Thursday in the Marvin Center Continental Ballroom.

Bindelglass succeeds former SA President Vishal Aswani, and Lifton follows after former EVP Kyle Boyer.

At the ceremony, Aswani and Boyer gave remarks to the crowd of current and future members of the SA.

Boyer said he enjoyed his time as EVP and will miss the office next year when he is no longer a member of the organization.

“Exactly one year ago at this ceremony, I concluded my remarks with a little disclaimer,” said Boyer, a junior. “I said, ‘I’m not perfect, I’ll make mistakes, but I’ll never be so mistaken as to forget just how blessed and how favored I am.’ That was 364 days ago, and each day in between has seen its own array of excitements, surprises, challenges, and accomplishments.”

He continued, “Since I made those comments there have been about 15 senate meetings, a bunch of interviews, what seems like a million Hatchet articles, and one crazy election. Indeed in the last year much has transpired, and as promised I made my share of mistakes, both clerical and political. But, I was still privileged to serve as the vice president of one of the most energetic student bodies in the world.”

Aswani, Bindelglass and Lifton all thanked their families and friends for supporting them.

Lifton took the time to thank the graduating members of the SA.

“To the people leaving the SA today, have fun out there, whether you’re graduating or just moving on from student government, I wish you all the best of luck in the future and I thank you for your efforts this year and throughout your tenure at GW,” said Lifton, a sophomore. “To those of you who are leaving us via graduation, good luck out there, I am sure that you will all do great things.”

Bindelglass began crying when she thanked her family, friends and the SA Finance Committee for their support throughout the year.

“I could never have understood the bond that I would form with this amazing group of people,” Bindelglass said. “Thank you for the amount of time and effort, you kept me sane in the most hectic of times. Can anyone talk about initial allocations?”

SA Sen. Michael Komo, U-at-Large, won the Josh Lasky award for Senator of the Year and the new members of the SA Senate took the oath of office, making them official SA senators.

Although this year in the SA was filled with criticism and controversy, Aswani and Boyer said they enjoyed their time working for and serving the student body.

Boyer said, “It’s easy to linger in the past tense when you’re transitioning out of something, but as I leave you I have to say that I am still blessed, I am still favored, and no, I’ll never forget it.”

Updated, 4:55 p.m.

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Monday, April 20, 2009 10:01 p.m.

Students express concern over proposed constitutional revamp

by Emily Cahn

Many students, including Student Association President-elect Julie Bindelglass and SA Executive Vice President-elect Jason Lifton, expressed opposition to proposed Constitutional changes released by four SA senators Monday.

Bindelglass, a sophomore, said she felt the proposed changes were done in secret, going against her commitment to transparency.

“While I am in agreement that reform is definitely necessary, I have some serious hesitations with regard to the approach taken,” Bindelglass wrote in an e-mail to the SA senate. “First and foremost, the work that has supposedly been going on all year was apparent to no one, as it took place behind closed doors and in secret sessions. For us to move forward as an organization next year, we need to work together to emphasize openness and transparency.”

Bindelglass added, “Offhand mention of [the new Constitution] was made throughout the year and the meeting was called in a very questionable manner — these things go against everything we are working for. With classes coming to an end and senate business having been apparently closed for the year, this is not the time to put forth a proposal of this magnitude, and with little consideration for others.”

Lifton, a sophomore, echoed Bindelglass’ sentiments.

“It is great that we have a strong group of people who are working to help the student leaders in the SA do their jobs better, but I feel that a drastic measure such as a new constitution must incorporate as many students as possible, and not just a group of senators,” Lifton said. “Going forward, I am excited to work with as many students as possible to take a look at the way that our organization operates.”

Jordan Chapman — a junior and the SA’s vice president for judicial and legislative affairs — said he too feels the changes are rushed.

“The year is almost over. Why the rush?” said Chapman, a junior. “Is it because the driving forces behind it won’t be here next year? This is why people hate the SA, and frankly, I don’t blame them.”

SA Sen. Steve Glatter, Law, said the proposed changes would do nothing to help the problems within the SA.

“Whenever things go poorly in the SA, people never think to blame themselves, wind up blaming the structure, and try to push through a new constitution as if that would save their legacy,” said Glatter. “The year I served in the Capp administration was both uniquely successful and the only one of the last four years when a new constitution wasn’t introduced — I don’t think that’s an accident.”

Phil Bianchi, chief of staff for EVP Kyle Boyer and Lifton’s incoming chief of staff, also disagrees with the method of pushing through constitutional changes.

“I think change is a good thing, but I dont think that this is the right way to do it,” said Bianchi, a junior. “At this time of the year the student body is focused on other things like finals and the summer. It isn’t right for a lame duck senate to push this legislation down everyone’s throats when nobody is watching.”

The proposed constitutional changes will be brought up before the SA senate Tuesday night at a special meeting to be held on the Mount Vernon Campus. If the SA senate votes in favor of the document, the changes will not go into place until they are voted on by the general student body. If a referendum is needed, it will take place in the fall when students return to campus.

Edit: 7:25a.m.

In response to the reactions from Bindelglass and other members of the SA, the four Senators who wrote the legislation said they were puzzled by the response.

“We were caught off guard and extremely surprised by the content of her message,” wrote SA Sens. Nick Polk, U-at-Large, Michelle Tanney, CPS-G, Michael Komo, CCAS-U,  and SA Senator-elect Jamie Baker, CPS-G, in an e-mail. “It was just this past Saturday, April 18, that we met with Julie for about an hour to go over the proposed changes. She gave us her unequivocal support for the legislation.”

The e-mail continued on to say that the work done on the Constitution was not meant to be secretive.

We first announced working on this in October of 2008. This is reflected in the article that was published in the Hatchet on October 16, 2008: Hatchet article Additionally, Senator Dobson posted on his blog on October 14, 2008, that efforts were underway to amend the Constitution. To get a wide range of opinions, we not only worked with current senators, but we have also with past and future senators as well. This includes Jason Karasik (At-Large-G Emeritus and current attorney), Brandon Sherr (CCAS-G Emeritus and 2L at Fordham Law), Andrew Salzman (GSEHD and VPJLA Emeritus) and Christopher Jenkins (CCAS-G and Parliamentarian Emeritus, alum of the Graduate School of Political Management). Additionally, we have brought in student leaders, regular students, faculty members, administration, elected officials, and unelected officials to write this document. There has been an enormous amount of time and effort put into this document. This was not done behind closed doors by any means. We invited senators to give us their input when constructing this document.

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Thursday, April 16, 2009 5:53 p.m.

SA Senate confirms executive cabinet members

by Emily Cahn

This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Madeleine Morgenstern

The Student Association Senate-elect confirmed seven members of SA President-elect Julie Bindelglass’ executive cabinet at the body’s meeting Wednesday night.

Only one of Bindelglass’ appointments, Justin Hollimon who sought the position of vice president of student activities, was denied his position.

Ashish Kumbhat is the new vice president for financial affairs. Kumbhat, a sophomore, said he wants to make the SA finance process more transparent by increasing reports of SA financial statements and making them more accessible to anyone interested.

John Holsapple will assume the position of vice president for academic affairs, a position which has been occupied by the same student, Tim Little, for three years. Holsapple said he hopes to increase student awareness of available academic support services.

Sophomore Carly Schildhaus was confirmed vice president of public affairs, making her the official SA spokeswoman. Schildhaus, a sophomore, said she intends to improve both internal communication within the SA and improve communication with the student body.

Jordan Chapman will continue on as vice president of judicial and legislative affairs. Chapman, a junior, took over for Fred Girard earlier this year, after he resigned from SA President Vishal Aswani’s cabinet.

The new vice president for undergraduate student policy will be junior Geoffrey Blake, who said he will focus on transparency and advocating for student needs.

Ally McDougal, a senior, was confirmed vice president for community affairs. She said she plans to focus on increasing social responsibility. 

Lastly, Skye Mathieson was confirmed vice president for graduate student policy.

During the body’s meeting, the body filled vacant Senate seats and approved the rest of Bindelglass’ appointments.

Jason Pearl was appointed School of Law Senator and will serve on the Academic Affairs Committee.

Mary Warning and Brittany Maschal were both appointed Graduate School of Education and Human Development Senators and will serve on the Academic Affairs and Finance Committees, respectively.

Drew Beck was appointed Elliott School Graduate Senator and will serve on the Rules Committee.

Mariza Hardin was appointed School of Public Health and Health Services Senator and will serve on the Academic Affairs Committee. 

Digvijay Singh Bisht and Rashmi Raja were both appointed School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Graduate Senators and will each serve on the Student Life Committee.

Other cabinet members were appointed as follows: 

Directors of the Student Association

      Director of Diversity Affairs – Samantha Free

      Director of Multi-Religious Affairs – Ben Taleblu

      Director of Student Judicial Advisors – Sasha Belinkie

      Co-Directors for Greek Affairs – Ashley Olt, Tiffany Yin, and Matt Lewbow

      Director of Pride and Community Building Initiatives – Natalie Labayen 

SA Representative to the Marvin Center Governing Board – Jamie Bright 

Representative to the Joint Committee of Faculty and Students

      Co-Chair – Mohit Chhaya (Sen-G)

      Andrea Samuelso

      Jeremy Massey

      Katrina Valdes

      Dylan F. Pyne (Sen-U)

      Caitlin Blaney 

SA Representative to a Faculty Senate Committee

      Athletics and Recreation Education Policy – Ali Pardo

      Education Policy – Corey Jones

      Physical Facilities Committee Representative – Monica Sanchez

      University and Urban Affairs – Victoria Wright

      Admissions, Financial Assistance, and Enrollment Management – Matt Carlson

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Thursday, March 26, 2009 9:51 p.m.

Bindelglass elected SA president

by Emily Cahn
Supporters rally around Julie Bindelglass, moments after results are announced.

Supporters rally around Julie Bindelglass, moments after results are announced. Jonathan Ewing/Hatchet photographer

This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Alli Hoff.

Updated Friday. Julie Bindelglass was elected Student Association president with 51.87 percent of the vote, defeating Nick Polk by a narrow margin Thursday night in the Marvin Center.

Bindelglass received 1,565 of the 3,018 votes cast, defeating Polk by 112 votes.

“The students have spoken,” Bindeglass said moments after she was announced the winner. “I’m so excited to get started with my work on all of these issues that I’ve been talking about throughout the election.”

Bindelglass’s friends and supporters were beside her as the Joint Election Committee read the contest’s results.

Her backers — some wearing the campaign’s signature “Take Back the SA” shirts and others wearing the letters of her Chi Omega sorority — rushed to congratulate their candidate when JEC Chair Patrick Rizk declared the results.

“Everyone worked so hard,” Bindelglass said of this support group. “I can’t thank enough the organizations who sent letters for me and my friends who stood out in the rain for me today.”

SA President Vishal Aswani congratulated both Bindelglass and Polk on their hard work during the election season.

“On behalf of the 2008-2009 Student Association, I wanted to congratulate both Julie and Nick on a hard fought and successful run-off election,” Aswani said in a statement emailed to The Hatchet. “With that in mind, I personally want to congratulate Julie Bindelglass for her election tonight. I am confident in the work she will be able to do as my successor this upcoming year. Julie and I will be starting the transition process this Monday and I look forward to a smooth changeover this April.”

Bindelglass and Executive Vice President-elect Jason Lifton will both be sworn in April 30.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009 4:52 p.m.

Runoff election scheduled for March 25 and 26

by Emily Cahn

The Joint Elections Committee — the oversight body for Student Association Elections — rescheduled the presidential runoff election to March 25 and 26, the week students return from spring break.

Thursday morning, Kyle Boyer was disqualified from the race, thus making the runoff election between Julie Bindelglass and Nick Polk.

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