A marijuana incident in Oregon forced former ASNIC Pres. Austin Folnagy to resign Oct. 21, a source close to the college's student government stated. Although he cited "personal reasons" during his resignation, a judicial board gave Folnagy the option to name those involved or lose his job, according to the source, who requested anonymity due to being so close with ASNIC.
Folnagy, who is sticking to his "personal reasons" excuse, will neither confirm nor deny the allegations that led to his resignation.
The ASNIC senate accompanied Folnagy and former vice president Jude de Tar on the trip to Portland Oct. 14, but no others have admitted to any wrongdoing while on the school-sponsored trip. Both the ASNIC executive board and its senators, as well as the NIC administration, cannot comment due to student privacy laws.
"This is the same thing as with Sarah Palin's records," said Eric Murray, vice president for Student Services. "Until she gives NIC the OK to release her records, we cannot. This also protects Austin Folnagy."
Because of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, the administration cannot say a word; FERPA supersedes all other disclosure laws, Murray said.
According to ASNIC's Bushido (board responsibilities), "it is essential that student leaders merit confidence of their constituents, endeavoring to be models of honesty and integrity. ASNIC officers shall use integrity regarding their actions, through and outside the college atmosphere, that may reflect the image of the students, (i.e. computer usage, public interactions, college engagements)."
Another source close to the organization stated that Folnagy was not maintaining the credit load required by ASNIC.
"At one point I was a credit shy," Folnagy said. "When I discovered that, I quickly added one to maintain the required level."
Folnagy was elected to the presidency in April of spring term this year as the only presidential nominee, and took office early May. After Folnagy's resignation in October, de Tar was appointed to the presidency as ASNIC vice president.
However, de Tar announced he would resign Tuesday in an e-mail sent Friday.
"I would like to inform everyone that I am resigning my position as ASNIC president for personal reasons, effective Tuesday," he said.
After Folnagy's resignation in October, Dean Bennett, director of Student Activities, said the ASNIC constitution states that the position will be filled by the ASNIC vice president.
When de Tar was bumped from VP to president, Jack Vanderlinden was appointed to the open vice presidency. Now, he looks to be the third ASNIC president in less than two months. Vanderlinden did not return phone messages over the weekend. If Vanderlinden does take the open presidency, he will appoint the new vice president.
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