EMMA GODMERE
CUP Ottawa Bureau Chief

OTTAWA (CUP) ”“ Arati Sharma has resigned from her position of national director for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, the Canadian University Press has learned.

An email from CASA chair Tina Robichaud was sent to several CASA member associations on the afternoon of March 15, explaining that Sharma had handed in her letter of resignation.

“Her last day in the office will be March 31, 2010. Ms. Sharma will be exploring new opportunities in the city of Toronto,” the email read.

CASA is Canada’s second-largest student lobbying group, representing about 25 student associations throughout the country.

Few details of the resignation have been given, apart from Robichaud’s mention of an upcoming conference call with members to “discuss next steps.”

The announcement comes only days after the organization’s annual lobby conference wrapped up in Ottawa on March 11, where CASA members from across the country met with federal politicians to discuss student issues.

The resignation was officially confirmed by Robichaud in a separate statement, which indicated that Sharma “has not chosen to seek a second term” and noted her resignation will come into effect April 1, 2010.

The position of national director is elected for no more than two years. After the first 12 months in the position, the national director is traditionally expected to enter a re-appointment process. It has been learned that Sharma chose not to apply for re-appointment.

“The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations would like to thank Ms. Sharma for her year of service and wishes her nothing but success in her future endeavours,” Robichaud wrote.

Sharma, who was elected in March 2009, is currently on vacation and unavailable for comment.

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photo: Emma Godmere / CUP