Two ASI execs on probation
By Kelly Lucus and Brandon Santiago
Alcohol purchase and pledge violation lead to reprimand by Senate
Two of ASI’s executives have admitted to allowing underage drinking at the ASI leadership retreat in July.
During the retreat, ASI President Mackee M. Mason, ASI Executive Vice President Sandra Flores and other members of ASI broke the “substance free pledge” by consuming alcohol at their hotel. Some who were drinking were not of legal age. Mason and Flores didn’t stop the underage drinking.
Student fees funded the ASI retreat, which was held in Southern California.
In a letter to students delivered to The Collegian by Tara Powers-Mead, director of university affairs, Flores stated that the money used to purchase the alcohol was not from student funds.
“During the July 2008 ASI retreat, the substance free pledge was broken and underage students were involved in consuming alcohol in my presence. I did not take any action in stopping these students,” Flores said in her letter. “I recognize this was a judgment error of mine and I apologize.”
The ASI Senate reviewed the allegations Sept. 15 and then took action, which included the requirement that both Mason and Flores make a statement to fellow students admitting involvement.
Carolyn Coon, Ph.D., assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students, revealed the findings to the ASI Senate, according to Flores’ letter.
Mason submitted a letter of his own acknowledging his involvement with the drinking at the ASI retreat. “I made an error in judgment and consumed alcohol in my room,” he stated. “Some underage students also chose to consume alcohol in my presence.”
Mason also said in his letter that he purchased alcohol on two separate occasions with ASI credit cards.
On the first occasion — June 13 in Southern California, before the retreat — Mason said in his letter that a meal with two fellow student leaders included the purchase of two alcoholic beverages. Mason said an ASI officer from CSU Fullerton and one ASI officer from Fresno State ordered the drinks. Mason said that, to his knowledge, the CSU Fullerton officer paid for the drinks separately at the bar.
Mason stated that he was unaware that the charge to his credit card included the drinks. However, he admitted to signing the receipt.
“That was an oversight, a mischarge, a mistake for which I take responsibility because I mistakenly signed the receipt without thorough review,” Mason said in his letter.
On the second occasion, another business meal was placed on Mason’s ASI credit card for $20. He said there was a large group at this meeting in June and the bill was split evenly among attendees. Mason said that some students ordered alcohol, which showed up on his receipt.
He again denied the knowledge of purchasing alcohol on his ASI credit card.
“I did not consume or intend to purchase any alcoholic beverages,” Mason said in his letter. “It was revealed to me last Thursday by Dr. Coon that the receipt for the entire group included some alcoholic beverages.”
In a telephone interview with The Collegian late Tuesday evening, ASI Executive Director Annie Tremp said that she voiced her concern about the alcohol use early on.
Tremp told The Collegian that, to her knowledge, the only time alcohol was purchased using the ASI credit card was during the Fullerton trip and not on the ASI retreat.
“Mason couldn’t provide justification for why alcohol was purchased,” Tremp said.
Tremp told The Collegian she had many concerns about Mason.
“I started getting gut feelings and seeing red flags when he wasn’t turning in receipts or writing full justifications for using ASI funds for certain purchases,” Tremp said. “But when I was approached by another staff member saying that Mason and Flores had purchased alcohol for others during the retreat, I voiced my concerns to Carolyn Coon and Deborah Astone.”
Deborah Adishian-Astone is the associate vice president for auxiliary operations.
Tremp said she was assured that Coon and Adishian-Astone would examine all of Mason’s and Flores’ receipts and purchases.
Tremp claims that Mason worked to discredit her in order to keep the situation under wraps.
“I reported the misuse and the next thing I knew, Mackee shut down the office for a week and I was being investigated,” Tremp said.
The Collegian could not reach Mason for comment late Tuesday.
According to Tremp, Adishian-Astone put Tremp on paid administrative leave at Mason’s discretion. Tremp said she might lose her position.
Tremp told The Collegian that she is no longer on paid leave and has been given an ultimatum. “Basically, it’s either I take the severance package they are now offering me or else I get fired,” Tremp said.
On Sept. 8, The Collegian requested documents regarding the retreat and related issues. The Collegian issued a formal follow-up letter Sept. 12 for the ASI retreat itinerary, executive credit card statements and expense forms for June 1 through Aug. 31.
The Collegian has not yet received the documents. Powers-Mead informed The Collegian that these documents are being compiled. She said approval for the release of the documents is waiting on ASI supervisors and ASI lawyers.
In their letters, both Mason and Flores said that they take full responsibility for their actions and will cooperate with Senate’s decision.
Late Tuesday, The Collegian spoke with ASI Senator Graham Wahlberg, senator of the college of engineering, and Lauren Johnson, vice president of finance.
The ASI Senate decided to place Mason and Flores on probation for the remainder of their terms, Johnson and Wahlberg separately confirmed.
Wahlberg said the decision passed 10-0. As an executive, Johnson did not vote.
“Following an explanation of the allegations by those accused, we put President Mason and Executive Vice President Flores on probation, which is to last the remainder of their terms,” Wahlberg told The Collegian.
According to the decision, the ASI Senate can change the probationary period, pending review by the Senate, both Wahlberg and Johnson said.
“Anything deemed inappropriate by the ASI Senate will result in immediate removal from office,” Johnson said.
Wahlberg said that the decision included freezing the credit card accounts of Mason and Flores. He said that Mason would have to repay all alcohol-related charges to the ASI credit card.
Paul Oliaro, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs, said in a phone interview with The Collegian on Tuesday afternoon that his concern was with the Senate and the way they handled the situation.
“ASI Senate has done a careful and thoughtful review of the situation involving the president and vice president,” Oliaro said. “I was concerned of the procedure being fair and careful, and they have done it.”
The Collegian left multiple phone and e-mail messages for Gary Nelson, student activities adviser, and Coon regarding the issue. The messages were not returned.
Additional reporting by Mathew Gomes.
Correction
A story on Page 1 of the Sept. 17 Collegian needed clarification on ASI Executive Vice President Sandra Flores’ involvement in the ASI leadership retreat. Flores said in her letter to students: “During the July 2008 ASI Retreat, the substance free pledge was broken and underage students were involved in consuming alcohol in my presence.”
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Wrong link, its http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/28592579.html
Outrageous. Send them out.
Outrageous. Send them out.
Outrageous. Send them out.
Wow … several news media organizations covering a situation involving two students who have admitted wrong doing, issued apology and are moving forward.
Someone remind me why Welty still holds his job after supporting an old boy’s club that has been found multiple times in a court of law to have disenfranchised women.
And this makes the school look good in comparison to two kids doing college age stuff, learning life, growing up, and attempting to apologize in the face of criticism?
And the student body continues to whine and complain over what? $20.
Wow … several news media organizations covering a situation involving two students who have admitted wrong doing, issued apology and are moving forward.
Someone remind me why Welty still holds his job after supporting an old boy’s club that has been found multiple times in a court of law to have disenfranchised women.
And this makes the school look good in comparison to two kids doing college age stuff, learning life, growing up, and attempting to apologize in the face of criticism?
And the student body continues to whine and complain over what? $20.
Wow … several news media organizations covering a situation involving two students who have admitted wrong doing, issued apology and are moving forward.
Someone remind me why Welty still holds his job after supporting an old boy’s club that has been found multiple times in a court of law to have disenfranchised women.
And this makes the school look good in comparison to two kids doing college age stuff, learning life, growing up, and attempting to apologize in the face of criticism?
And the student body continues to whine and complain over what? $20.
I fail to see taking responsibility as arbitrarily stepping down. This is a pretty absolute solution, that I doubt the people saying it, also quoting that an apology doesn’t make everything alright … the the point of black-and-white thinking … isn’t this a school?
I fail to see taking responsibility as arbitrarily stepping down. This is a pretty absolute solution, that I doubt the people saying it, also quoting that an apology doesn’t make everything alright … the the point of black-and-white thinking … isn’t this a school?
I fail to see taking responsibility as arbitrarily stepping down. This is a pretty absolute solution, that I doubt the people saying it, also quoting that an apology doesn’t make everything alright … the the point of black-and-white thinking … isn’t this a school?
First off Mackie abuses his authority and popularity… Sandra and Mackie were practically handed their position. And hmmm funny Mackie is part of the largest fraternity at State and hmmm Sandra is best friends with Mackie, they had the popular vote and athletic vote. Both were a shoe in. As for Sandra, she went from secretary to vice president, enough said. I can definitely call her a young PIG WITH LIPSTICK.
I think one main reason why I’m so upset is the speech Mackie butchered at Beiden Field for the NCAA Baseball Award and Recognition ceremony for the dogs. He rambled and congratulated the students more than the players, saying it was the “students’ time” during the amazing feat. Ummmm I think it’s the baseball players’ time bud, I’m sure they could care less about the student government, they just won the NCAA Championships. I would rather have Tommy Mendonca for president and Steve Detwiler as Vice President….that doesn’t sound half bad, they are true leaders and rolemodels. Remove Mackie and Sandra IMMEDIATELY!
First off Mackie abuses his authority and popularity… Sandra and Mackie were practically handed their position. And hmmm funny Mackie is part of the largest fraternity at State and hmmm Sandra is best friends with Mackie, they had the popular vote and athletic vote. Both were a shoe in. As for Sandra, she went from secretary to vice president, enough said. I can definitely call her a young PIG WITH LIPSTICK.
I think one main reason why I’m so upset is the speech Mackie butchered at Beiden Field for the NCAA Baseball Award and Recognition ceremony for the dogs. He rambled and congratulated the students more than the players, saying it was the “students’ time” during the amazing feat. Ummmm I think it’s the baseball players’ time bud, I’m sure they could care less about the student government, they just won the NCAA Championships. I would rather have Tommy Mendonca for president and Steve Detwiler as Vice President….that doesn’t sound half bad, they are true leaders and rolemodels. Remove Mackie and Sandra IMMEDIATELY!
Whether it be $2, $20, or $200… the issue here is the principle of using wise judgment and frugal spending when spending OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY. Especially when the university is facing budget cuts and student fee increases, money is a hard thing to come by these days. The fact that these executives are in control of a $700,000 budget makes one worry that they will exercise ‘errors of judgment’ in other matters as well and their actions have reflected their spending habits on multiple occasions.
It’s a matter of principle.
Whether it be $2, $20, or $200… the issue here is the principle of using wise judgment and frugal spending when spending OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY. Especially when the university is facing budget cuts and student fee increases, money is a hard thing to come by these days. The fact that these executives are in control of a $700,000 budget makes one worry that they will exercise ‘errors of judgment’ in other matters as well and their actions have reflected their spending habits on multiple occasions.
It’s a matter of principle.
Whether it be $2, $20, or $200… the issue here is the principle of using wise judgment and frugal spending when spending OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY. Especially when the university is facing budget cuts and student fee increases, money is a hard thing to come by these days. The fact that these executives are in control of a $700,000 budget makes one worry that they will exercise ‘errors of judgment’ in other matters as well and their actions have reflected their spending habits on multiple occasions.
It’s a matter of principle.
First it is alcohol….what’s next? Mexican strippers? C’mon….ridiculous….
First it is alcohol….what’s next? Mexican strippers? C’mon….ridiculous….
First it is alcohol….what’s next? Mexican strippers? C’mon….ridiculous….
get your own facts before making assumptions. not everything you hear is the truth. most people are just basing their anger on here-say
get your own facts before making assumptions. not everything you hear is the truth. most people are just basing their anger on here-say
get your own facts before making assumptions. not everything you hear is the truth. most people are just basing their anger on here-say
You guys don’t need to draft a petition or any of that useless stuff. ASI has a Student Court. They hear matters from who else…students! Some intrepid young crusader just has to draft a complaint explaining why a certain member of ASI has violated a certain bylaw and a hearing should take place.
http://asi.csufresno.edu/files/Web%20Bylaws%20&%20Policies/Bylaw/bylaws%20-%20art%2005.pdf
Section 3.2 pretty much explains it all.
You guys don’t need to draft a petition or any of that useless stuff. ASI has a Student Court. They hear matters from who else…students! Some intrepid young crusader just has to draft a complaint explaining why a certain member of ASI has violated a certain bylaw and a hearing should take place.
http://asi.csufresno.edu/files/Web%20Bylaws%20&%20Policies/Bylaw/bylaws%20-%20art%2005.pdf
Section 3.2 pretty much explains it all.
You guys don’t need to draft a petition or any of that useless stuff. ASI has a Student Court. They hear matters from who else…students! Some intrepid young crusader just has to draft a complaint explaining why a certain member of ASI has violated a certain bylaw and a hearing should take place.
http://asi.csufresno.edu/files/Web%20Bylaws%20&%20Policies/Bylaw/bylaws%20-%20art%2005.pdf
Section 3.2 pretty much explains it all.
oh yes and leo, be a real man and stop being two faced about the subject. Do not act like the best friend of mr. mason around him and then go behind his back and post your opinion on a website.
oh yes and leo, be a real man and stop being two faced about the subject. Do not act like the best friend of mr. mason around him and then go behind his back and post your opinion on a website.
oh yes and leo, be a real man and stop being two faced about the subject. Do not act like the best friend of mr. mason around him and then go behind his back and post your opinion on a website.
Somebody please teach mackee mason the difference between where and were!!! What a F%$^@ IDIOT!
Somebody please teach mackee mason the difference between where and were!!! What a F%$^@ IDIOT!
Somebody please teach mackee mason the difference between where and were!!! What a F%$^@ IDIOT!
Concerned Students United — good find. Some needs to do it ASAP!
Concerned Students United — good find. Some needs to do it ASAP!
Concerned Students United — good find. Some needs to do it ASAP!
Where to begin….I am a Fresno State student and I have participated in numerous conferences with the great leadership author, John C. Maxwell. I am not talking about a simple hour of his time, these have been three day meetings with insight, wisdom and hope given to people who want to lead. I do this for my growth, my future and my family.I have been blessed to have been associated with leaders making modest incomes and leaders who are very wealthy. What they all have in common is that they are kind, selfless people with INTEGRITY. Integrity is an one of several issues here involving Mackie Mason and Sandra Flores. Mackie Mason chose to become a billboard for Fresno State students. Thus far, I do not believe he is living up to his title. Mackie Mason does not represent me. He does not represent my friends whom are all going to have bright futures. Perhaps he doesn’t represent you? He is not a leader, but he could be if he decides to grow up, become humble, and submit to a higher athority for leadership knowledge. If he is not repreimanded what will he do next? If I was an employer I would not hire him or Sandra Flores. The real world has no room for individuals missusing organizational funds. Mackie Mason and Sandra Flores should step down. I truely believe that if they came forward and admitted their wrong doing and resigned Fresno Stated will forgive them.
Where to begin….I am a Fresno State student and I have participated in numerous conferences with the great leadership author, John C. Maxwell. I am not talking about a simple hour of his time, these have been three day meetings with insight, wisdom and hope given to people who want to lead. I do this for my growth, my future and my family.I have been blessed to have been associated with leaders making modest incomes and leaders who are very wealthy. What they all have in common is that they are kind, selfless people with INTEGRITY. Integrity is an one of several issues here involving Mackie Mason and Sandra Flores. Mackie Mason chose to become a billboard for Fresno State students. Thus far, I do not believe he is living up to his title. Mackie Mason does not represent me. He does not represent my friends whom are all going to have bright futures. Perhaps he doesn’t represent you? He is not a leader, but he could be if he decides to grow up, become humble, and submit to a higher athority for leadership knowledge. If he is not repreimanded what will he do next? If I was an employer I would not hire him or Sandra Flores. The real world has no room for individuals missusing organizational funds. Mackie Mason and Sandra Flores should step down. I truely believe that if they came forward and admitted their wrong doing and resigned Fresno Stated will forgive them.
Where to begin….I am a Fresno State student and I have participated in numerous conferences with the great leadership author, John C. Maxwell. I am not talking about a simple hour of his time, these have been three day meetings with insight, wisdom and hope given to people who want to lead. I do this for my growth, my future and my family.I have been blessed to have been associated with leaders making modest incomes and leaders who are very wealthy. What they all have in common is that they are kind, selfless people with INTEGRITY. Integrity is an one of several issues here involving Mackie Mason and Sandra Flores. Mackie Mason chose to become a billboard for Fresno State students. Thus far, I do not believe he is living up to his title. Mackie Mason does not represent me. He does not represent my friends whom are all going to have bright futures. Perhaps he doesn’t represent you? He is not a leader, but he could be if he decides to grow up, become humble, and submit to a higher athority for leadership knowledge. If he is not repreimanded what will he do next? If I was an employer I would not hire him or Sandra Flores. The real world has no room for individuals missusing organizational funds. Mackie Mason and Sandra Flores should step down. I truely believe that if they came forward and admitted their wrong doing and resigned Fresno Stated will forgive them.
My apologies, I realized Mason’s first name is spelled Mackee. And I still stand by my feelings……
My apologies, I realized Mason’s first name is spelled Mackee. And I still stand by my feelings……
My apologies, I realized Mason’s first name is spelled Mackee. And I still stand by my feelings……
Dear ASI president.
Please step down.
Dear ASI president.
Please step down.
Dear ASI president.
Please step down.
Mr. Mason,
It is simple, you broke the law. You gave alcohol to minors. You admitted to it, such is fact. Resign with dignity and you will be forgiven. If our elected officials can’t respect the law, that which you swore to protect no less, how can we trust your judgment in the future?
Mr. Mason,
It is simple, you broke the law. You gave alcohol to minors. You admitted to it, such is fact. Resign with dignity and you will be forgiven. If our elected officials can’t respect the law, that which you swore to protect no less, how can we trust your judgment in the future?
Mr. Mason,
It is simple, you broke the law. You gave alcohol to minors. You admitted to it, such is fact. Resign with dignity and you will be forgiven. If our elected officials can’t respect the law, that which you swore to protect no less, how can we trust your judgment in the future?
I am a Fresno state graduate who have attended various leadership retreats with ASI in the past few years, and honesly, this is no surprise news. Our recent one, a couple years ago in southern california, the same thing happened and the administrative people there for the ASI pretended like nothing happen. At that retreat, Mackee and Sandra did not attend our last closing meeting before we left the retreat because they were sleeping and recovering from drinking the night before, and no one asked where they were!
I always knew mackee wanted the ASI position just for the name and the title. He is not a good leader at all. I am surprised he won! ASI needs to be fixed at Fresno State. No other leadreship entities really agree and like ASI because they think they are better than the rest of the leadership organizations on campus. No one really cares to vote during elections because no one cares and does not even know about ASI. People serving ASI needs to get out in the campus community and help and ask for help, not just sit in the office and wait- be real leaders!
Mackee and Sandra needs to be kicked out of their positions, if not, all i can say is that it is very sad the school i have graduated from is being represented by dismal individuals.
I am a Fresno state graduate who have attended various leadership retreats with ASI in the past few years, and honesly, this is no surprise news. Our recent one, a couple years ago in southern california, the same thing happened and the administrative people there for the ASI pretended like nothing happen. At that retreat, Mackee and Sandra did not attend our last closing meeting before we left the retreat because they were sleeping and recovering from drinking the night before, and no one asked where they were!
I always knew mackee wanted the ASI position just for the name and the title. He is not a good leader at all. I am surprised he won! ASI needs to be fixed at Fresno State. No other leadreship entities really agree and like ASI because they think they are better than the rest of the leadership organizations on campus. No one really cares to vote during elections because no one cares and does not even know about ASI. People serving ASI needs to get out in the campus community and help and ask for help, not just sit in the office and wait- be real leaders!
Mackee and Sandra needs to be kicked out of their positions, if not, all i can say is that it is very sad the school i have graduated from is being represented by dismal individuals.
I am a Fresno state graduate who have attended various leadership retreats with ASI in the past few years, and honesly, this is no surprise news. Our recent one, a couple years ago in southern california, the same thing happened and the administrative people there for the ASI pretended like nothing happen. At that retreat, Mackee and Sandra did not attend our last closing meeting before we left the retreat because they were sleeping and recovering from drinking the night before, and no one asked where they were!
I always knew mackee wanted the ASI position just for the name and the title. He is not a good leader at all. I am surprised he won! ASI needs to be fixed at Fresno State. No other leadreship entities really agree and like ASI because they think they are better than the rest of the leadership organizations on campus. No one really cares to vote during elections because no one cares and does not even know about ASI. People serving ASI needs to get out in the campus community and help and ask for help, not just sit in the office and wait- be real leaders!
Mackee and Sandra needs to be kicked out of their positions, if not, all i can say is that it is very sad the school i have graduated from is being represented by dismal individuals.
What does that mean? “Other leadership entities really agree and like ASI…”. It seems that that really speaks to specific individuals who may be or were in office in ASI at the time, which reflects upon personnel, not the aims of ASI as an organization that is run for the sole purpose of helping students.
And maybe “no one” cares to vote during ASI elections because “no one” cares to vote in elections, in general. I don’t think that because there is low voter turnout that that means that ASI is some pointless organization.
What does that mean? “Other leadership entities really agree and like ASI…”. It seems that that really speaks to specific individuals who may be or were in office in ASI at the time, which reflects upon personnel, not the aims of ASI as an organization that is run for the sole purpose of helping students.
And maybe “no one” cares to vote during ASI elections because “no one” cares to vote in elections, in general. I don’t think that because there is low voter turnout that that means that ASI is some pointless organization.