Grace Bodnovich
Contributing Writer
Recently, Campus Council and Student Activities added some guidelines concerning the process of removing an elected officer. The addition of these guidelines was in response to an apparent need for an official process to remove elected leaders of student groups.
“The process of removing an officer is vital for maintaining accountability within organizations,” said Myra Praml ’19, co-chair for Campus Council’s Conduct Committee.
In addition to maintaining accountability, it provides a clear distinction between officer removal as an organizational issue, as opposed to individual student conduct violations.
It is additionally required that student organizations include an officer removal process in their charters so that students are given a fair and impartial process within their organizations. This implies that officers cannot be removed for any other reason other than displaying their inability or failure to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to them as laid out in the charter. Any concerns or conflicts that arise concerning an officer that are not included in this category are to be handled in conjunction with the Office of Lowry Center and Student Activities. If there is need, the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities Mitch Joseph may also get involved as part of the conduct process.
The new guidelines in place protect an officer and prevent them from being removed inappropriately or unfairly. In addition, student organizations are also protected because the guidelines ensures that they are not at risk of violating Title IX through potentially discriminatory or retaliatory behaviors.
This process of removal must include an opportunity for the officer who is at risk of being removed to change their behavior (there must be some kind of a warning system, and room for correction). If behavior has not improved, the organization must still provide the individual with the opportunity to step down from their position voluntarily or to either present a statement or a defense for why they should not be removed.
In light of this situation, it is important for students to be aware that the student organization is not responsible for handling a situation concerning an officer and that it must be handled through the proper channels aforementioned, nor are they responsible for punishment concerning any conduct violations.
“Most importantly, though, we want students to know how to handle the process for officer removal,” said Praml. “In the case that officer removal is necessary, it is important to have a protocol that will ensure the longevity and stability of the organization.”
Starting this year, the new guidelines will indirectly affect all student organizations because they will be required to develop a process for officer removal in their new or re-chartering process.