Quantcast
College Media Network

Newsroom

News and Analysis

Tag

Vishal Aswani

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.

  • Permalink
  • Comments (4)
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

  • Permalink
  • Comments (3)
Friday, April 10, 2009 10:45 a.m.

Aswani vetoes SA election bill

by Emily Cahn

Student Association President Vishal Aswani vetoed a bill Thursday night which would have shortened elections for the SA, Marvin Center Governing Board and Program Board from two days to one.

The SA senate passed the bill on March 24, claiming the new online voting system that has been in place for the past two elections makes a two-day voting period unnecessary.

Aswani said he agreed with making the election into a one-day process, but said “after lengthy deliberation” he decided he could “not justify signing any legislation that has an impact on Marvin Center Governing Board or Program Board elections without support from both bodies.”

This is Aswani’s second veto of his term. The first bill he vetoed was back in February when the SA Senate voted to get rid of signature requirements for positions on SA election ballots.  His first veto was later overridden.

  • Permalink
  • Comments (1)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 7:26 p.m.

SA senator files the year’s third Student Court complaint

by Emily Cahn

Student Association Sen. Logan Dobson (CCAS-U) filed a complaint with the Student Court Wednesday, alleging that a bill regarding SA finances is unconstitutional and should be declared null and void.

SA President Vishal Aswani signed the bill in question into law Tuesday night.

Dobson, a sophomore claims the piece of legislation — which guarantees that a student organization representing a college within GW is guaranteed a minimum of $2,000 in the SA’s initial allocations period and allows them to make any decision with that money that they please — goes against the SA’s constitution.

“The constitution tells the SA that they have to keep tabs on the money that the SA gives out and this bill takes money where it can’t be seen, infringing on that responsibility,” Dobson said. “It authorizes student orgs to take their SA money and put it into private accounts.”

During his tenure as an SA senator, Dobson has made financial transparency one of his main priorities.

Last semester, Dobson successfully sponsored a bill which opened up SA financial records to any student wishing to see them. This bill, Dobson said, goes against the nature of his financial transparency bill passed last fall.

“I’m of the opinion that financial allocations are, in the end, the only really important thing that the Senate does,” Dobson said. “So transparency must be of the utmost importance.”

If the Court agrees to hear Dobson’s case, it will be the third case in one year.

A copy of Dobson’s complaint can be found here.

  • Permalink
  • Comments
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 2:55 p.m.

Student Court to rule on veto override

by Emily Cahn

The Student Court issued a temporary injunction on the override of President Vishal Aswani’s veto Wednesday morning, after Aswani’s vice president for judicial and legislative affairs, Jordan Chapman, questioned the validity of the vote.

Students wishing to run for a position within the SA must collect signatures at this time.

Last Tuesday, SA Sen. Logan Dobson (CCAS-U) proposed eliminating signature requirements for all candidates wishing to run for a position within the SA. At that meeting, the Senate voted to pass the bill by a super-majority.

Aswani, however, vetoed this legislation, claiming that students wishing to run for the SA executive should have to collect signatures to prove they are serious about advocating and working for students.

At this Tuesday night’s Senate meeting, the body voted to overturn Aswani’s veto, once again eliminating signature requirements. However early Wednesday morning, Chapman filed a complaint with the student court claiming not enough senators voted in order to receive a two-thirds majority to override the veto.

At the meeting, 18 senators were eligible to vote. Of those 18, five abstained, bringing the total number of voting Senators to 13. Of those 13, nine voted to overturn Aswani’s veto, garnering a two-thirds majority. The decision to accept this two-thirds majority was made by Executive Vice President, Kyle Boyer, and Alex Fitzsimmons, the SA’s secretary.

Chapman claims that this ruling was unconstitutional. According to Chapman, two-thirds of the entire Senate membership must vote to override a veto. This would mean that 18 Senators would be needed to obtain a two-thirds majority.

Christopher Wimbush, the chief judge of the Student Court, issued a 72-hour temporary injunction blocking any branch of the SA from enforcing the bill as an amendment to the JEC Charter.  The court will hear the case Thursday at 10 p.m. and make a decision shortly after determining whether or not the override stands.

If the override stands, students wishing to run for office will not have to collect signatures in order to be placed on the ballot. If it is ruled unconstitutional, students will have to collect signatures from 1 percent of the student body.

The Student Court has the power to extend registration period if the latter decision is made.

  • Permalink
  • Comments (3)
Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 6:39 p.m.

Aswani’s spokesman holds first SA press conference

by Emily Cahn

Kevin Homiak, Student Association President Vishal Aswani’s newly appointed spokesman, held a press conference Sunday afternoon to discuss Aswani’s recent veto. 

This was Homiak’s first press conference since he was confirmed to the position two weeks ago.

Homiak spoke on behalf of Aswani, adding Aswani “expects people will understand his point of view” regarding his veto of SA Sen. Logan Dobson’s bill, which would have eliminated signature requirements for all students seeking positions within the SA.

Aswani vetoed Dobson’s bill because he said students should have to show “a modicum of seriousness, viability, and connection to the student body” if they plan on running for a position within the executive. 

In addition to vetoing Dobson’s bill, Aswani introduced his own piece of legislation, which if passed at the SA Senate meeting Tuesday night would eliminate signature requirements for students running for Senate positions and require candidates for president or executive vice president to collect signatures from 1 percent of the student body. 

While Homiak admits that Aswani may not be the most popular figure head within the SA at the moment, he hopes SA Senators do not “vote against [the bill] just because Vishal is bringing it up.”

Present at the press conference was Dobson himself, who asked Homiak why Aswani thinks signature requirements would show that a candidate is serious.

Homiak said Aswani thinks signature requirements are “legitimate for people to demonstrate how much they are willing to work for students.”

Executive Vice President Kyle Boyer was also present at the meeting.

He said he is prepared to collect signatures in order to seek the position of SA president.

“Dobson’s bill was passed by a super majority. If the same people vote, logan’s bill will overturn the veto,” Boyer said.

A special Senate meeting will be held Tuesday night to debate this issue as well as go over mid-year finances.

  • Permalink
  • Comments
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 11:46 p.m.

Aswani vetoes bill on signature requirements

by Emily Cahn

Student Association President Vishal Aswani exercised his veto power for the first time this year, overturning a bill which would have eliminated signature requirements to run for a position in the SA.

Aswani said he vetoed the bill, which was sponsored by SA Sen. Logan Dobson, because candidates should be required to show tangible proof that they are serious about running for a position within the SA.

“The most important offices of the Student Association—those of President and Executive Vice President—require individuals who are prepared to make significant sacrifices to fulfill and exceed their duties,” Aswani wrote in a press release.

He added, “Potential candidates for Student Association elections should not face significant barriers to ballot access, but a reasonable requirement to display a modicum of seriousness, viability, and connection to the student body is healthy and necessary.”

Included with his veto, Aswani submitted a new bill, which if passed would only require candidates seeking the SA presidency or executive vice presidency to collect petition signatures.

To run for president or EVP, candidates would need to collect signatures from 1 percent of the student body.

Students wishing to run for a seat in the senate would only need to submit a statement of candidacy, if Aswani’s bill passes.

The SA Senate can vote to overturn Aswani’s veto with a two-thirds vote. The bill was passed Feb. 3 by a wider margin.

  • Permalink
  • Comments (16)
Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 5:36 p.m.

Twombly resigns as Student Association chief of staff

by Emily Cahn

Greta Twombly resigned Friday as chief of staff to Student Association President Vishal Aswani, writing in a letter addressed to Aswani that her position had become “pointless.”

Twombly is is the fifth member of Aswani’s cabinet to resign. In December, when Aswani’s vice president of public affairs resigned, Aswani’s cabinet held a meeting and warned him to “shape up” or expect more resignations. After that meeting, Aswani pledged to open the doors of communication with campus media outlets and improve communication within his cabinet. Twombly said in her resignation letter that little changed.

“A Chief of Staff cannot serve effectively if their boss will not even return their calls, respond to emails, and refuse to meet with them,” Twombly wrote. “By pushing me out and isolating himself amongst a close group who refuse to question him, even when it is necessary, he has become something I can no longer support.”

Twombly, who helped run Aswani’s presidential campaign almost a year ago, said she lost faith in Aswani as a leader.

“I began this year with such hope with such a wonderful team assembled and a leader who I had the utmost faith in. I never thought failure would be an option,” Twombly wrote. “I have no idea what happened between then and now, but I do know one thing that changed, and that is Vishal.”

Aswani did not respond immediately to requests for comment Friday evening.

The full resignation letter:

I first must say that I never thought the day would come. To even type the words hurts greatly and the fact that things have reached this point is entirely disappointing to me.

I began this year with such hope with such a wonderful team assembled and a leader who I had the utmost faith in. I never thought failure would be an option. I have no idea what happened between then and now, but I do know one thing that changed, and that is Vishal. He is not the person whose campaign I ran nearly one year ago. He is not the friend who I sacrificed so much for and who I put a great deal of time and dedication into. I do not know why or how he changed, but he did. He has lost my friendship and my respect.

Our working relationship has deteriorated beyond belief. The manner in which he now operates has effectively made my position pointless. A Chief of Staff cannot serve effectively if their boss will not even return their calls, respond to emails, and refuse to meet with them. By pushing me out and isolating himself amongst a close group who refuse to question him, even when it is necessary, he has become something I can no longer support.

Thus it is with extreme sadness that I must resign my position as Student Association Chief of Staff, effective immediately.

A good leader is one who is open to opinions and healthy criticism. A good leader leans on others for help and support. A good leader is always willing to put others before themselves. Unfortunately, I cannot say that he possesses any of these qualities. It is not true that he never did though. When he approached me more than one year ago to run his campaign, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to really change the way the SA operated and impart a fresh, new attitude. Sadly, he has fallen greater than I ever could have imagined. He is malicious in the way he pits the staff against each other, he lies to further himself, and he pushes out anyone who dares to question even the simplest of ideas. The campaign platform has fallen by the wayside in pursuit for some unidentified greater goal. He has broken countless promises, and he has shattered numerous friendships. Despite all this I still had hope that we could turn things around. Once he completely shut me out and refused to even acknowledge me on the street, I was left with no choice. I do hate having to leave behind such a great group of Vice Presidents, the Senate, and even the Office Assistants, yet I can no longer work for someone who respects me and the organization they lead so little.

I will always look back on my time in the SA with fondness and only regret that it had to end the way it did. I wish the SA the best, as I believe it has a tough few months ahead.

Updated at 8 p.m.:

Charlie Burgoyne, the SA’s vice president of programming, resigned shortly after the GW float rolled down Pennsylvania Avenue. Burgoyne said his resignation was not politically motivated.

“I really left for three reasons,” Burgoyne said. “First, I worked so hard [on the float] and I was maxed out, just exhausted. Second, I’m going to be playing lacrosse this spring for GW, and third I have a research paper with NASA for my research project. But my position really had nothing to do with Vishal and me staying or leaving had nothing to do with him.”

- Lauren French contributed to this report

  • Permalink
  • Comments (11)
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008 1:54 p.m.

SA spokesperson resigns in protest

by Emily Cahn

Student Association Vice President of Public Affairs Tabisa Walwema resigned from her position Friday morning, saying she could no longer represent SA President Vishal Aswani, according to her letter of resignation obtained by The Hatchet.

Walwema said she could not tolerate Aswani’s fear of campus media and being scolded for trying to do her job – which is to publicize the SA’s achievements and events.

“Yesterday was when I realized that I couldn’t work for you anymore,” Walwema, a sophomore, wrote in her letter of resignation. “Our online conversation was filled with paranoia and distrust – two conditions that I refuse to work under. When it comes to media relations you have to accept that we do need them.”

Walwema said she was tired of agreeing with Aswani on issues she did not believe in.

“I have made the mistake of saying yes to you too many times,” Walwema wrote. “I was afraid that if I did not agree with you I would be part of the distrusted crowd in the Executive Cabinet, but I am sick of playing these political games. I thought that applying for this position would help me better serve the GW Community by highlighting the achievements of the other Vice Presidents, instead I feel that students will be better off if I serve in another organization or capacity.”

Walwema is the third cabinet member to resign this year, and said she hopes her resignation will spark change within the SA.

She wrote, “I hope that this resignation has made you realize that you need to change the relationship between the media and the Student Association.”

  • Permalink
  • Comments (8)
Friday, May 23, 2008 1:07 p.m.

SuperShuttle Discount Available for Students and Faculty

by Danielle Meister

Students and faculty of the University can now enjoy an online George Washington University discount for SuperShuttle Services to and from airports nationwide, according to a Student Association news release.

SA President Vishal Aswani worked closely with SA Sen. Bryce Holman (SoB-U) and Mike O’Connell, the vice president of sales at SuperShuttle Services International, to ensure that student demands were met.

“The SuperShuttle online discount success shows us that with hard work and determination we can improve the lives of students in everyday ways,” Aswani said in the news release.

Aswani had been working to get this discount for a couple of weeks. It was first announced as a possibility at the Board of Trustees meeting last Friday.

“The SuperShuttle discount is going to benefit the University in many ways,” Holman said in the release. “In the past the prices from GW to Dulles and vice versa were exorbitant, but with the new discount suddenly it makes flying out of Dulles an easier and enjoyable experience.”

To access the University’s code, go to the SuperShuttle website and type in GCJ8R. A full story will be printed in the next issue of The Hatchet.

  • Permalink
  • Comments (9)