The appointment of Robert Cabiness to the director of arts and letters position was put on hold Feb. 16 when Associated Students Inc. board members disagreed with how the appointment process was handled.

ASI President Josh Wood made a motion at the board meeting to appoint Cabiness, a former ASI equity relation officer, to the vacant arts and letters position.

“Robert has been involved in ASI for years,” Wood told the board. “It was an easy choice; the other candidate wasn’t close.”

However, some board members didn’t agree with that statement.”I don’t see anything that distinguishes Robert,” said Lisa De La Rue, director of social sciences and interdisciplinary studies.

James Shelby II, vice president of finance, wondered why interviews were not conducted among the candidates.

“To be fair, you’ve got to interview both people,” Shelby said. “A resume only gives you a piece of the puzzle.

“My point is when future candidates come forward, there should be an interview process.” Nicki Croly, director of education, agreed that although the president may be comfortable with the appointment, an interview process should be standard.

“It may be clear-cut for you, but maybe not for us,” Croly told Wood. “I think that you should, out of precedent, interview.”

Cabiness sat in the audience and spoke to the board, pointing out his accomplishments and reassuring the board that he is qualified.

After hearing the suggestions, Wood told the board he would introduce a proposal at the next board meeting that requires the president to interview candidates for vacant board positions.

Wood will try again to appoint Cabiness to the Director of Arts and Letters position at today’s board meeting.