Appeal denied
September 20, 2006
Lauren Thompson
Changes are already taking place on the Trinity Western University Student Association this year as Executive Assistant Melanie Spaulding officially resigned last week.
Spaulding, who graduated last spring, only needs two classes to earn her degree in Human Services, while TWUSA requires a minimum of nine semester hours to be a member of Student Council. Spaulding appealed to the TWUSA Senate, arguing that the lab science class she was taking, which requires three extra hours per week in class, fulfilled the principle behind the rule. Unfortunately, her appeal was denied.
Since she was only planning on staying at TWU one semester, Spaulding realized that from a financial point of view, it was more practical to leave than to take unnecessary classes solely for TWUSA.
“I can finish those classes later [a lot] faster and cheaper,” she said, citing summer courses or transferring credits from another university as possible options to fulfilling her requirements.
For now, her main goal is to save money so she can participate in a program next fall called Common Hope. This ministry, which is located in Guatemala, will give Spaulding the opportunity to assist families affected by natural disasters and poverty through education and work assistance.
Spaulding is certain there are no hard feelings from the TWUSA board about her departure.
“They understand where I’m coming from,” she said. “I don’t think anyone is taking it personally.”
Still, she notes that leaving long time friends and an organization she loves will be bittersweet.
“I believe in what [TWUSA] does, and want to be [a supportive] part of it.” This would have been Spaulding’s third year on TWUSA, as last year she served as the Vice President of Student Relations.
An administrative assistant, who will be appointed by TWUSA in the near future, will fulfill her main tasks of office managing and secretarial duties. This position will be similar to Spaulding’s, but will be on a smaller scale and lack executive status.
Now you go...
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