Harvard University and a 1.9 GPA usually do not go hand in hand, but they are both reasons why Angela Arriola, Associated Students Inc.’s first woman president in nearly a decade, was forced to step down Jan. 22.

Only giving a one-day notice, the graduating senior forwarded her formal resignation, which states that her term ended at 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, to the ASI Board. Former ASI Executive Vice President Jesus Andrade will carry out the presidency for the spring semester.

Arriola said she resigned in order to focus on her academics, adding that she has been recruited to study public policy at Carnegie-Mellon and Harvard University as a graduate student in fall 2007.

Arriola also admitted that she would have been forced to resign otherwise because her fall semester 1.9 GPA was short of ASI’s GPA requirements. ASI representatives must maintain a 2.0 GPA each semester. In addition, ASI executive officers must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, according to the organization’s website.

The sociology major said she felt it was important to focus on her studies because ASI was time-consuming and that studying at Harvard is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“In the long run, my education is what’s most important,” Arriola said. “I feel it’s the right decision for me right now.”

Arriola said she has been proud to work with ASI and that she believes the board will complete the projects she led in the fall semester.

“It has been my absolute pleasure to serve the ASI Board of Directors and Sacramento State students,” Arriola wrote in a formal statement. “I am very proud of our accomplishments and growth throughout the year.Arriola said she believes she did her best as president. “I put my heart in it,” Arriola said. “I hate to leave in the middle.”

Arriola was elected ASI president in April 2006 with 1,204 of 3,439 student votes. She ran for the position under the Impact slate, which advocated for accountability, action and advising.

In an interview following her win, Arriola said all ASI members would be held accountable for their responsibilities and duties, including herself.

“All members will be held accountable; if they aren’t, they won’t remain,” Arriola told The State Hornet in May 2006.

University President Alexander Gonzalez said Arriola has done well during her term. During the fall semester, the pair met various times to discuss campus issues such as student housing and the progress and construction of the campus’ new recreation and wellness center.

“It’s a loss,” Gonzalez said about Arriola’s resignation. “She did a good job, but she has her reasons.”

Andrade said Arriola’s resignation was unexpected and that he had a good working relationship with her.

“As a president, she definitely ranks as a great leader,” Andrade said, adding that ASI is an organization where students learn how to be leader and make decisions. “She was good at that,” he said.

Junior Felix Barba, a Spanish major, said he thinks Arriola’s resignation may be a positive move for ASI.

“I remember reading and hearing about all her great ideas and plans and then nothing ever happened,” Barba said. “It’s one thing to have an idea. It’s another to actually put it into action.”

Senior Robbie Abelon, who served as ASI executive vice president in 2005-06, said Arriola’s resignation was shocking.

“It’s a huge step back for ASI,” said Abelon, a government and history double major. But he also said it may be a positive move for Arriola to reach her academic goals.

Andrade, a philosophy major and graduating senior, said he never intended to run for ASI president, but that he is entering his term with confidence.

“I feel confident in my abilities. I feel confident in my vision. I feel confident in my leadership. I feel confident, period.” Andrade said.

Arriola said she is certain that the new ASI president will be successful.

“I am really happy that we have an executive vice president who is totally capable and willing to finish the projects we’ve already started,” Arriola said. “He’s going to add his own flair. I’m very confident that he’ll do a good job.”

During her term, Arriola worked on a number of projects including an increase in academic advising services, open forums, student discounts at local businesses and marketing.

As president, Andrade hopes to further address issues that matter to the campus community by writing and passing initiatives.

“That’s going to be heavy in my presidency,” he said.

Andrade said ASI will be working on three projects this semester: opening a 24-hour study lounge, launching an online book exchange and establishing an internal ASI marketing department.

The new president said he will have an open-door policy. He encourages students to voice their concerns and opinions to him.

“I love to talk. I love to listen,” Andrade said, adding that the campus community can contact him by any means – walk-ins, phone calls and e-mails.

Arriola’s resignation leaves a vacant spot for an executive vice president on the ASI board. Andrade said all qualified students – including current board members – are invited to apply for the position. As someone who was nominated into executive vice president mid-semester in 2005, Abelon said it is important for ASI to get someone with a lot of experience. He noted that an executive vice president has a number of duties, including acting as the chairman of the board.

Andrade said the board needs a candidate who is a team player with a strong work ethic. He said the board needs an executive vice president who has a lot of experience, particularly with drafting and passing legislation, since there won’t be much time for training. “I need someone who can hit the ground running,” Andrade said.

Applicants must have received a minimum 2.0 GPA last semester and have a least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Some duties include conducting ASI board meetings, holding two student open forums and planning ASI retreats and orientations.

Interested candidates must turn in applications by Feb. 9. Nika Megino can be reached at [email protected]