The facilities commissioner of the undergraduate student council
resigned from her office Friday due to unspecified personal
reasons.
Facilities Commissioner Annie McElwain was responsible for
dealing with student-related housing and construction issues.
McElwain also sat on the Wooden Center’s decision-making
board.
But due to personal issues that she said developed over the
summer, McElwain’s involvement in council had been
limited.
McElwain’s voice was absent from the majority of USAC
general meetings, and she was unavailable to vote on many council
measures.
“Her performance was affected by problems she was going
through,” said President David Dahle. “But she has no
control over substantial and significant circumstances.”
McElwain said she waited until winter quarter to resign because
she hoped to work through her issues. She ultimately decided she
could no longer do the job, but she said her term was valuable.
Because McElwain resigned past the midpoint of council’s
term, which occurred in early December, the new facilities
commissioner will be appointed by Dahle, who, like McElwain, is a
member of the Students United for Reform and Equality slate. The
appointment must be made within the next 21 days, according to USAC
bylaws. Applications will be available this week.
Had McElwain resigned prior to midterm, special elections for
the new councilmember would have resulted.
“Hopefully we get somebody who has USAC experience,”
Dahle said, adding that he doesn’t foresee any problems in
the transition process.
“It’ll be interesting to have a new voice on
council, especially in the middle of the term,” said
Financial Supports Commissioner Andrew LaFlamme.
Internal Vice President T.J. Cordero said the appointing process
would be a setback for council, but remains optimistic.
“We could have someone who could now utilize their
position to better serve students,” Cordero said.
Cordero was among some councilmembers who were not expecting
McElwain’s resignation.
“I was really surprised,” Cordero said. “She
hasn’t really been there that much and was going through
personal issues, but I didn’t think she’d
resign.”
Last year’s council faced an almost identical situation
when Financial Supports Commissioner Kim Coss resigned early winter
quarter. Coss also cited personal reasons for her decision.
A new commissioner was appointed by then-USAC President Karren
Lane.
“This happens a lot, and last year’s transition went
pretty smoothly,” Dahle said, projecting an appointment to be
made by fourth week.
“We’re still going to function,” he added.
Many councilmembers agreed that council will not be adversely
affected by McElwain’s resignation.
“I am sad to lose a member, but I am confident that we can
get up and running,” said General Representative Adam
Harmetz.
“Council will be affected by it, but councilmembers will
be excited and more than (willing) to ease the transition,”
Cordero said.
McElwain agreed that her absence would not have a huge
impact.
“I don’t think the dynamic will change that much on
council,” she said.
Though she hadn’t yet spoken to any of council upon
announcing her resignation in a letter, she said they had been
supportive throughout what she calls her rough quarter.
McElwain was elected to office last Spring after running
unopposed.