Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify Dylan Perfect’s position within ASOSU post-election.

Oregon State University officials said that they had a responsibility to step in to halt Associated Students of Oregon State University proceedings.

In an email to the Barometer Friday afternoon, Rob Odom, vice president for University Relations and Marketing, said the decision was made due to resignations, hostility in the workplace and students not running for office out of fear of negative backlash.

“Advisors have seen increased communications of both those working for ASOSU and students outside of student government regarding the alleged negative treatment they have either been on the receiving end of, or witnessed personally themselves, both in-person and online. Students have shared that they are afraid to run in ASOSU elections due to the fear of being on the receiving end of the negative treatment,” Odom said.

ASOSU was placed on pause with the exception of the elections committee and the executive office early Friday morning. In an email to ASOSU members from Dan Larson, vice provost of student affairs, and Audrey Schlotter, ASOSU president, the student government was partially shut down through May 2 while they work to reform policies. 

However, not everyone agrees that the university took the right approach. 

In an interview with Dylan Perfect, a Student Fee Committee at-large member and SFC chair-elect, he expressed concern with the justification for the ASOSU shut down. 

“I don’t really think there is any justification for this, but if there’s going to be an attempt at a justification for it, then you should have at least one specific thing you can cite that justifies it. And I don’t see any of that in the vice provost email,” Perfect said. 

Perfect went on to say that the idea that the “blame” for the government dysfunction being solely on the elected Senate and that the executive branch is faultless is “not based on reality”.

“I do not think this is a legal order, the fact that the president and exec staff are exempt despite being a major cause of the current internal conflicts is insane to me,” said Matteo Paola, a Judicial Councilor in ASOSU. 

While the ASOSU constitution does not have an official process for this situation, according to Odom, this is not the first time the university has had to step in on student affairs. 

“Interventions in the SafeRide program, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and other student facing programs have resulted in positive, improved outcomes for OSU students,” Odom said. 

Odom also said that students employed by ASOSU will still have the opportunity to be paid. 

“Some duties will be reassigned to facilitate the review and action plan. Timesheets should still be accurately updated by student employees and supervisors will continue with their review and approval/submission,” Odom said. “All ASOSU officers are invited to participate in the review and can conduct review activities on their own (exploring governing documents, university policies, etc.) or will be invited to attend work sessions and meetings.”

Odom said the review will include, “governing documents, employment practices, legislative procedures, election process and procedures, organizational culture and community standards, among other areas.”

“This review will include an extended assessment of both student conduct as well as student employment, in matters related to allegations of intimidation, hostile work environment, retaliation, acts of bias, and other behavior and performance issues,” Odom said.

Odom said the intention is to return to usual activities after the plan is complete.

“If efforts during the pause of activity (reviewing governing documents, working in partnership to address concerns, etc.) are not conducive towards allowing ASOSU to resume operations in a healthier state, then the pause of activity will be extended, or other action will be considered,” Odom said. “The intention is that ASOSU can resume activities after the pause with appropriate adjustments having been made to practices and policies, and employment training and employment expectations are met.”