Matt Allwood announced his plans to resign as Student Association vice president for finance at Monday’s Assembly meeting.
He made the announcement at the same time he informed the Assembly about his decision to withdraw from school because of a medical condition.
“I have already begun the paperwork for my medical withdrawal, and it is my hope that it will be completed by the end of the week,” he told the Assembly.
Allwood has only announced plans to resign at this point; a date for his actual resignation has yet to be set.
A senior majoring in accounting, he could not say when he will return to Binghamton University.
“[I will] complete my degree at a later time when I feel I am ready,” he said at the meeting.
According to the SA constitution, if the VPF resigns, the executive vice president must take over the VPF’s responsibilities. This means that EVP Jared Kirschenbaum will step in for Allwood and hold both positions for the remainder of the semester.
The SA could choose to hold a special election to find a replacement this year, Allwood said, but he does not think they will have the time to properly set up the process.
Kirschenbaum said he’s prepared to resume Allwood’s roles, and make sure “student groups get their budgets on time.”
“We wish the best for him,” Kirschenbaum said.
Allwood said he will continue to work at the SA office to train Kirschenbaum for the next few weeks, and his assistants will remain on staff for the remainder of the semester to help Kirschenbaum.
“All of my assistants are student group leaders who are very knowledgeable with the finances of the SA,” Allwoood said. “They all have experience with it so they understand the groups that come in, what they need done and how everything works.
Though this is news to the student body, Allwood’s fellow executive board members have known about his decision since the beginning of the semester, giving them adequate time to prepare.
“When I told them that I needed to take time off from school they were all very supportive,” Allwood said. “They told me to put my personal well-being first and they’ll be able to take over for me. They can handle it.”
Although Allwood is relieved that he will have time to focus on his medical condition, he will miss his position, the E-Board members and the Assembly and is grateful for the opportunity he was given.
“I really enjoyed my time here and I wanted to thank everyone for everything they have done to make Binghamton and the SA what it is,” Allwood said.
After commencement, the VPF chosen in Wednesday’s SA election will relieve the EVP and take office.