NMC, two student leaders settle ‘issue’

The possible ouster from their posts of two student leaders at the Northern Marianas College has been resolved after the college admitted misinterpreting a provision in the Associated Students of NMC Constitution relating to the grade requirement for student leaders.

ASNMC president Ivan Mereb disclosed this yesterday after his final State of the Association Address on campus.

Mereb, along with treasurer Lena Wabol, were earlier asked to step down from their posts due to the required minimum GPA requirement cited in the constitution. For a student to be able to run for a position at the college, he/she must meet a 3.0 cumulative GPA in a year and must maintain a minimum of 2.75 GPA in a semester period.

“Our issue has been settled and resolved. A meeting was held last week between management and us, along with our adviser. After carefully reviewing the ASNMC Constitution, it was found out that there was no valid point in asking us to step down…so there was some sort of ‘misinterpretation and misunderstanding’ on what was written in the constitution,” Mereb said.

Mereb, speaking before 58 students yesterday, talked about the need to amend the student constitution. The constitution, he said, was crafted in 2002 and needs some changes and modifications.

“The next set of student leaders will make it happen. We recognize the need to update the ASNMC Constitution to give clear mandates and protection to students,” Mereb said, adding that this will prevent “misinterpretations” in the future.

The State of the Association Address is held thrice every year to enable the ASNMC president to report to the studentry.

Mereb, who is in his last term in office, was earlier commended by the Board of Regents for his active participation in every board assembly and his participation in student programs and activities.

During yesterday’s assembly, Mereb updated his colleagues on the 2009 student initiatives, the upcoming Charter Day celebration, and this year’s graduation.

At present, Mereb said the number of graduating students have yet to be finalized as many are still submitting their petitions.

For the election of new officers, Mereb said aspirants to the positions are now taking some training and guidance from incumbent leaders.

Citing the importance of keeping the college’s accreditation, Mereb asked the students for their unity and cooperation.

He disclosed that ASNMC will hold extensive discussions on other student issues to prevent them from going out of control.