After a sudden resignation and some organizational restructuring, there’s one more position open in the student government’s Executive Cabinet.
Less than a month after being inaugurated into office, Maryam Basmenji, appointed director of the Associated Students of the University of Utah’s Diversity Board, resigned from her position.
According to Basmenji, a realization of the time commitment needed to fulfill her duties as the director was the deciding factor in her resignation, which came in a letter to Jeff Mathis, ASUU’s chief of staff.
“It’s understandable when people re-evaluate their life and find that you’re not ready for the commitment,” Mathis said.
However, “It’s very difficult to replace someone like Maryam,” he said.
Basmenji, who is no stranger to ASUU-she was last year’s Student Advocacy director-says this year she hopes to devote more time to academics, and it took the month she was in office to come to the conclusion.
The decision came, “once I had a better grasp on the direction I need to take my academics,” she said.
While she says the move will likely disrupt the organization of ASUU, “I felt it [the decision] was best,” she said.
Initially, Basmenji wasn’t certain whether she would run for the position at all.
“I was encouraged by some people at the U…I thought about it a lot. Once I felt I had a vision, I applied,” she said.
“She was one of the people in our cabinet that was a no-brainer for us,” said Anthony White, ASUU vice president.
White, along with other ASUU executives, had persuaded Basmenji to take the position, knowing the extent of her work ethic and the amount of involvement needed to make the diversity board a success this year, White said.
“We really want to make a difference [through the diversity board]. I think Maryam knew that. But, the vision will continue,” Mathis said.
Umu Tukuafu, originally appointed as director of the United Leadership Council, has been appointed to Basmenji’s position.
Tukuafu’s original position is now open, and those interested can apply in ASUU, Union 234 until May 28 at 5 p.m.