Chase Slenker, vice president of finance for the Student Government Association (SGA), announced his resignation from the position during the Nov. 10 SGA public meeting, held in Orndorff Theater.
Slenker’s resignation officially took effect on Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m.
“This has been the hardest decision in my life to make and is not one I have taken lightly. It has taken me months to come to this conclusion,” Slenker wrote in his official resignation letter.
Slenker’s letter specifies the reason for his resignation.
“As for the reasoning of my departure, I wish to share that it is very similar to our previous two SUSSI [Shippensburg University Student Services, Inc.] Executive Directors, other SGA Executive Leadership Committee members and other former SUSSI staff members. I could do as most of them have done and said it was for ‘personal reasons’ with a shred of truth; however, this only perpetuates the longevity of existing problems. Shippensburg University has a culture problem and is visible in all areas of our campus. People are not treated with respect and professionalism. This has been the case for years and has grown and grown without check or recourse,” Slenker wrote.
“SUSSI has become more and more exposed to this over time and has driven our last two Executive Directors away and will continue to do so until there is a cultural shift. Our employees are not respected as part of the University community. Our policies are not followed or respected and, if followed, are done begrudgingly and with resistance. Our purpose and contributions to student life is not valued. Our financial situation is dismal, and our hands are tied on the revenue side by the University. This has affected our employees and has affected me beyond belief,” Slenker wrote.
Slenker also wrote: “SGA has been the single largest learning experience in my life both in good and bad ways. Today I sadly share that I have hit my breaking point with all the politics and the hostile work environment.”
Slenker’s resignation prompted three other SGA members of the Budget and Finance Committee — Matthew Leonard, Khalilh Jackson and Concetta Fischetti — to announce their resignations as well.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.