The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association board of directors voted unanimously on Sept. 28 for the removal of former UWSA president Vinay Iyer from his position as Canadian Federation of Students liaison director. There are now 10 director positions to be filled in the upcoming by-elections on Nov. 16 to 19.

Iyer, former UWSA vice-president advocate and current co-owner of Casa Burrito, failed to fulfill his position according to UWSA bylaws and a responsibility contract.

UWSA president Jason Syvixay wrote the motion for Iyer’s removal. He said it was a shame that Iyer could not commit to the position.

“[Iyer] has had tremendous experience on the board,” he said. “We just didn’t feel like his focus was there.”

Matt Schaubroeck, chair of the UWSA board of directors, said in addition to being absent from five UWSA board meetings, Iyer failed to attend various sub-committee and Canadian Federation of Students meetings since his term began in May 2009.
Schaubroeck stressed the importance of having committed directors.

“Being a member of the UWSA board is no small feat and requires active participation from all of its members in order to be fully functional,” he wrote in an email. “However, there is a time commitment involved ... There is a lot that the UWSA board of directors can do for students, but that requires active participation in the process.”

Iyer said he regrets his inability to fulfill his duties as liaison director.

“I tried to be somewhat still a part of the UWSA, but the most responsible decision would have been to quit,” he said.

Iyer said he was unable to carry out his responsibilities with the UWSA because of other commitments.

“Unfortunately the restaurant [Casa Burrito] demanded a lot more,” he said. “You never know when it gets randomly busy.”

In addition to work constraints, Iyer is currently completing the final course needed for his computer science degree. He said the terms of his international student visa require him to graduate this year.

Iyer said he hopes his former position, temporarily filled by vice-president advocate David EisBrenner, will be filled with someone who can successfully meet the position’s demands.

Syvixay said the situation will show students who intend to run for director positions that the UWSA demands accountability from its directors.

“We are telling students that we are holding our directors responsible for the constituencies that they represent,” he said. “Having directors who are cognizant of the students they represent and the students who elected them is a major priority.”

Published in Volume 64, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 15, 2009)