In a decisive move, the Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Board voted 7-1 in favor of a no-confidence resolution against Faculty Advisor Dr. Jeffrey Markovitz on November 19, 2024. The resolution cited numerous violations of the SGA Constitution and Faculty Advisor contract, as well as a failure to foster a cohesive and functional student government.
The resolution listed several grievances, including Dr. Markovitz’s repeated absences from meetings, refusal to collaborate with SGA President Frank Scales, and allegations of creating divisions within the SGA by labeling members “radicals.” The resolution also accused Dr. Markovitz of discouraging student initiatives and providing outdated documents during constitutional review.
“The leaders of any organization shape its culture and operations,” the resolution states. “After careful examination and deliberation, the Executive Board finds that Faculty Advisor Jeffrey Markovitz has largely failed to manage the SGA properly.”
The vote, conducted in the Main Campus lobby, met quorum requirements, with over 51% of the Executive Board present. Senators representing regional campuses participated via email, as permitted under voting guidelines.
The no-confidence resolution outlines a series of incidents that led to the vote, including an email on October 29 in which Dr. Markovitz declared he would no longer work with SGA President Frank Scales, stating that Scales’ “ethics and behaviors are in direct conflict” with his own.
Scales responded by pointing to the Faculty Advisor contract, which mandates regular meetings with the SGA President. “We rely on the guidance and presence of our advisor to execute our responsibilities,” Scales remarked in a follow-up email to the administration. “Dr. Markovitz’s disengagement has significantly hindered the SGA’s ability to serve its mission.”
The resolution further accuses Dr. Markovitz of failing to provide a 2021 version of the SGA Constitution during a constitutional review, instead distributing a version from 2015. Despite being informed of the oversight, Markovitz allegedly declined to correct the issue, hampering the SGA’s efforts to modernize its governing framework.
The resolution requests that Dr. Markovitz step down by December 7, 2024. In the interim, Administrative Advisor Jenavia Weaver will oversee event planning, including the SGA Winter Formal on December 5.
President Scales has urged the college administration to honor the vote. “The SGA understands the importance of sound leadership,” Scales stated in a letter to the administration. “We look forward to working together to address these issues and appointing a new advisor through a transparent and constitutional process.”
The SGA plans to begin interviewing candidates for a new advisor by early December, with the goal of ensuring a seamless transition. “We are committed to restoring the functionality and unity of the SGA,” Scales said.
Dr. Markovitz was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
The Independent 
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