Student Senate vice president resigns

As of Sunday, former Student Senate Vice President SJ DeGroote resigned from her position that she was elected into at the end of the spring 2014-2015 semester.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, DeGroote sent a letter to Student Senate President Christopher Morgan, resigning from her position as vice president, effective immediately. In her letter, she stated that as a biochemistry and economics double major with the intention of becoming a pediatrician after graduation, the position of vice president no longer impacted her studies and long-term goals in a positive way.

In an email interview, DeGroote said that because of her high level of involvement in other organizations on campus and her double major, she could not continue with all of the organizations and at the same time achieve academic success. DeGroote is an active member of the sorority Phi Mu and a member of the university’s women’s club lacrosse team.

“It was such a great honor to serve as vice president, and while I was helping to make positive impacts for our university, I was neglecting my own life and neglecting the values that I deeply care about,” said DeGroote. “It became very apparent to me towards the end of this semester that I could not sustain this for the entire year.”

According to the Senate Bylaws, in the event of an officer vacancy, the Senate president, subject to confirmation by the Senate, may appoint a student to fill the vacancy. In an email interview, Morgan said that there are currently numerous candidates for the position within Senate.

“I will look to see which candidate has the most relevant experience, professionalism, and dedication,” said Morgan.

Although in her resignation letter DeGroote stated that she was unable to give any more of her time with Senate, she later said that after a conversation with Morgan she decided to stay involved with CASE, Senate’s sustainability committee that was created this semester.

“By continuing on with CASE I can still help to positively impact our university while having a small time commitment,” said DeGroote. “Sustainability is something I also passionately care about, so staying on with CASE to see the green fee initiative through is a way that I can still help do great things for our campus and community.”

DeGroote said that the next Senate vice president needs to be fully committed to Senate with minimal other obligations in order to truly work efficiently with the Senate body and president.

“The advice I would give to the next vice president is to be confident in yourself, but also realize what a great honor holding this position at our university is. Find an initiative you’re passionate about and run with it,” said DeGroote. “Also, I really advise supporting all your members in Senate and reaching out to them. It truly makes all the difference in creating an environment that all people involved in Senate can thrive in.”