AKRON

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, AND BELIEVE IN THEIR CAUSE, SIGN THIS.

IF YOU THINK IT'S BULL, READ THEIR STATEMENT, THEN SIGN THIS.

PETITION FOR AKRON ZIP ASCE TRANSFER (LINK)

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The Background

In 2006 The University of Akron ASCE Student Chapter began discussion of changing from the North Central Student Conference to the Ohio Valley Student Conference. The main reasons for considering a switch were based on (a) wanting to compete with schools in closer geographic proximity and (b) reducing the cost burden associated with traveling to the North Central Conference every year.

The National ASCE Committee on Student Activities (CSA) told the UA faculty advisor that the North Central Conference must approve the release of the UA student chapter and the Ohio Valley Conference must vote to accept the UA student chapter. Written justification for the switch must then be forwarded to CSA, in order for the University of Akron to switch regions.

In the spring of 2007, the University of Akron ASCE Student Chapter sent representation to both the North Central Student Conference and the Ohio Valley Student Conference seeking the approval from both conferences to make the change. The North Central Conference voted 4-2 to approve UA leaving their Conference. The Ohio Valley Conference voted 11-0 to approve UA joining their Conference.

A justification letter for the conference switch was then sent to CSA. All requirements for the change had been met according to what CSA had expressed to our Student Chapter.

After written justification had been sent to CSA, a response was sent to the UA Student Chapter disapproving of the conference switch without justifiable reasoning for the denial, contradicting guidelines previously set forth by CSA. A second attempt was made and again we were denied without adequate reasoning. It was our understanding that all requirements were met, according to CSA, and the Conference change was legitimate. The UA Student Chapter competed in the 2008 Ohio Valley Conference. The UA Steel Bridge team finished first (qualifying them for nationals) and the Concrete Canoe team placed second (qualifying them for nationals). CSA imposed a denial of invitation to our two teams.

Since the recent Ohio Valley Conference, the Educational Activities Committee has been called upon to make a decision on our eligibility which will bring clarity to the ambiguity of CSA’s guidance and then denial. At this time, the Educational Activities Committee is reviewing our situation. Currently, our Student Chapter is in good standing with ASCE, and we have met all eligibility requirements as set forth in the ASCE Eligibility Requirements.

It is our belief that we should receive invitations to both the National Concrete Canoe Competition and the National Student Steel Bridge Competition. We believe that the Educational Activities Committee has the power to make this situation right by acting decisively and quickly in determining that we are eligible to compete at the National competitions. The impact on our student group would be tremendous if you would support our cause - It has been a long and stressful ordeal for all of our students. Please demonstrate your support by joining our petition.