Student Government Association leaders have approved the creation of a new panel to address ongoing election disputes, a move that could further delay final results but is intended to manage a growing number of appeals.

What happened:
At the April 28 Senate meeting, student leaders voted to establish a Temporary Elections Review Panel. The measure was passed by a 30-7-1 vote.

What they’re saying:

• Executive Vice President Tara Nucum introduced the proposal, pointing to “active election concerns” and the need for a structured review process. 
• She said the panel was developed with help from Associate Vice President of Student Development Francisco Diaz. 
• Diaz underscored the rarity of the situation, noting he has worked at four institutions and has never encountered anything similar.

The debate:

• Mark Spuhler, Vice President of Academic Affairs, raised concerns about the panel’s legitimacy, questioning what part of the SGA constitution permits its creation. 
• Diaz responded that appeals are being challenged “at every level” and said the panel would formalize a process that already exists informally. 
• He added that if the Senate did not act, someone else would have to step in, framing the decision as a responsibility to the student body.

How it works:
The panel will review all pending election appeals and unresolved challenges. It will have the authority to issue final, binding decisions, including certifying results that are currently on hold. Hearings will be closed and limited to those directly involved.

More from the meeting:
The Senate also held a vote of confidence on the Executive Vice President’s appointment to the panel, which passed with majority support. Lawmakers approved additional changes to election guidelines in two unanimous votes.

Timeline:
Diaz said the process could take another one to two weeks as hearings move forward.

The stakes:

• SGA Advisor Donna Minnich Spuhler warned that failure to resolve the dispute could halt Senate operations. 
• Vice President of Student Life Fatimah Abbassi described the situation as “a standstill” and said the panel is the best temporary solution as students await results.

The bottom line:
A new review panel is in place, but election results remain delayed as the appeals process continues.