This article was written by Ethan Gvili & Emily Retino.
SGA President, Gabriella Poska and Vice President of Operations, Paulina Georgoutsos, will be appointing Olof Persson and Carly Teitelbaum as Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) and Secretary, respectively. Their appointments will be pending the approval of the Senate during the upcoming Meeting of the Senate. This appointment follows the recent resignation of the previous VPAA, Eden Luvishis. The Stute conducted an interview with Poska and Luvishis to inquire more about this recent leadership change and what it means for the Stevens community.
Why did Luvishis decide to step down from the position of VPAA?
Luvishis is planning to study abroad at the University of Amsterdam in the fall semester and will not be able to perform all of her duties necessary for the role of VPAA while she is abroad.
What is the process of refilling the position after a resignation?
The President and VPO are the two elected positions by the student body. They will come together and conduct interviews to appoint the position. Once the President and VPO appoint a candidate, the Senate has to approve the appointments by a simple majority.
What does the VPAA do, and what traits are essential for a new VPAA to display?
The Vice President of Academic Affairs is the bridge between the students and administration with any issues regarding academics. Any inquiries about academic policy, making a change on campus, or concerns that students may have would go to the VPAA. They would function as a messenger between professors and their students.
Poska describes Luvishis as being well-versed in everything related to academic affairs, as someone experienced working with others. A model VPAA is an individual who is vocal about their beliefs and who would stand up for students.
What changes are happening to the SGA, and how do you think these changes will affect student life at Stevens?
With Luvishis stepping down from her position, having the current Academic Affairs Committee chair fill the position as VPAA is the most natural progression for the SGA cabinet. The new VPAA will be Olof Persson, an incoming sophomore. Poska explained, Luvishis and those stepping down are leaving their “posts in a very strong position.” Although new additions are happening to the SGA cabinet, the Senate is filling positions with bright, articulate students who care about their school and its students.
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