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Student Association accepts membership in United Council
By Jonathan Anderson
“SA still stands by the results of the election 100% and believe that the process was followed correctly. But without any substantial evidence that notification was received prior to the 14 day deadline, we were forced to make a decision that we believe is in the best interest of the students at UWM.” - Tyler Draheim, President of the Student Association
Citing a lack of evidence that it complied with University of Wisconsin Regent Policy, the Student Association dropped its efforts over the summer to challenge UWM’s membership in United Council of UW Students.
According to Tyler Draheim, President of the Student Association, because no substantial evidence could be produced to show Independent Elections Commissioner Dan Bahr ever sent United Council timely notification of May’s membership referendum, the SA decided to maintain its existing membership with United Council for another year in lieu of a protracted fight that could have involved the UW Board of Regents.
“SA still stands by the results of the election 100 percent and believe that the process was followed correctly, said Draheim. “But without any substantial evidence that notification was received prior to the 14 day deadline, we were forced to make a decision that we believe is in the best interest of the students at UWM.”
University of Wisconsin Regent Policy 30-4 mandates that United Council receive written notification of an impending membership referendum at least two weeks before it is to take place. While SA claims it sent e-mail notifications 17 days and 13 days prior to the referendum, United Council argues it only received the 13-day notice, one day too late.
In a July 22nd e-mail released by United Council, Bahr told UC officials that he made a recommendation to the Student Association. The e-mail message said Bahr spoke to Draheim and SA Speaker of the Senate Tyler Kristopeit, and that they told him they were “willing to accept the recommendation of the office of the Independent Election Commissioner.”
Draheim disagrees with the notion that Bahr recommended a resolution to the matter. In a telephone interview with the Post, Draheim said Bahr was an initial advocate for challenging UC membership and that the SA made the decision to end the challenge without influence from Bahr.
Despite the conflict with United Council, Draheim says the Student Association plans to be active with UC matters this year.
“We plan to be very involved and work with other Universities to modify the organization from the inside, said Draheim. “I believe that with the right agendas and the proper determination, we can help to get UC back on track and to the point where we can constantly be proud of our involvement in the organization.”
The Student Association says it intends to hold another membership referendum in spring of 2009. Nicole Juan, Executive Director of United Council, said UC is anticipating the vote.
“We’re just really excited to work with UWM and the Student Association this year and we look forward to having a referendum in the spring,” Juan said.
Former Independent Election Commissioner Dan Bahr did not return a voicemail seeking comment.
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