[Chad]

For those following the MAPS controversy, the McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS) executive director Sam Minniti was fired and is currently under investigation by McMaster University over significant concerns that were raised regarding MAPS’ business practices.

MAPS’ 2011 financial statements showed a student fee revenue of $507,035, of which $354,023 went to salaries and benefits. $126,152 of which went to Minniti’s salary, plus $101,117 in back pay he received that year. The scandal-plagued McMaster Association of Part-time Students was also asked about questionable spending that included a trip to Italy for a board member.

There was a MAPS general meeting in Council Chambers yesterday, of which no non-part-time students were allowed to enter or attend.

According to The Silhouette's tweets during the meeting, there were only 20 mins of open session discussion in the entire two-hours that the meeting took place.

The meeting resulted in eight new board members being acclaimed. About a dozen students gathered to elect the new board. Still no word on a new director yet.

Outgoing MAPS board was reluctant to answer questions about former director Sam Minniti due to legal concerns.

The association can’t make any financial decisions until McMaster releases the student funds it is holding in trust. Students at the meeting learned McMaster has asked for a spot on the board, or the ability to appoint a member. That discussion needs to happen with the new board which should happen as soon as possible.

Full story in The Spec. Thanks to The Sil for tweeting us updates.

Students at the meeting learned McMaster has asked for a spot on the board, or the ability to appoint a member

What does that mean? The McMaster Association of Part-time Students doesn't have a McMaster representative in the board?

The outgoing board only allowed MAPS member students into the meeting, but The Spectator paid for a reporter to take a continuing education course in order to qualify to attend the meeting.

I don't know why, but I found this really funny.

Originally Posted by Afzal

What does that mean? The McMaster Association of Part-time Students doesn't have a McMaster representative in the board?

Most advocacy groups on campus (like the MSU, IRC, faculty societies, etc.) are all completely independent of McMaster oversight, in terms of executive members. It becomes super difficult to advocate on behalf of students, especially if you are heavily criticizing the university, while a member of the university sits on the board.

I'm hesitant to say a McMaster rep on the MAPS board is a good thing permanently, although it seems necessary for the next year or so to ensure the organisation gets back on track.

Pretty amazed that this type of thing is happening on my campus.