One Student Association Executive Board position remains open as the semester begins after Vice President for Multi Cultural Affairs-elect Rabeel Patoli resigned on June 5, citing personal reasons. In his absence, Carla Gunther, former head of staff for SA President David Bass, has been appointed VPMA pro tempore.

Following SA procedure, Gunther, a senior sociology major, was elected by the members of the remaining executive board to hold the position until the student body votes on a Patoli’s permanent replacement.

Even though Gunther didn’t run for the position last semester, she plans to fully devote herself to the position while she holds it.

‘I am confident that my term as interim VPMA will be a successful one, even after taking it over at the last minute,’ she said. ‘I am working on establishing connections with cultural groups on campus and encouraging groups to get involved with the Intercultural Awareness Committee.’

Elections for the position will take place on Sept. 19 and 20 in community dining halls and the New University Union.

The SA office began accepting letters of intent for the position on Wednesday and will continue until Monday, Sept. 10.

‘As with any election, we hope for a lot of applications from a diverse group of students,’ said Sandra Dube, vice president for University programming, who will be chairing the election committee.

On Sept. 18, students will have an opportunity to meet the candidates at sweeps, which will take place in each community and at a centralized location for off-campus residents.

Any letters of intent for the vice president for multicultural affairs position can be dropped off in the SA office or e-mailed to vpp@sa.binghamton.edu.