The Judicial Board launched an investigation Tuesday into the incomplete time sheets submitted by Student Government executives and the Executive Cabinet.
The official investigation will look into the "alleged financial misconduct and wrongdoing by the Executive Branch," according to a judicial order authored by board Chairman Joe Vidulich.
The Judicial Board released documents obtained in regards to the investigation, including the original letter written by Undergraduate Senate Speaker Ben Murray and Class of 2008 Senator Charlie Biscotto, as well as a copy of the time sheet the SG uses and an anonymous letter written to the Judicial Board.
The letter alleges that Vice President Pat McGill asked the author to come in and fill out time sheets, saying, "I do not care about the financial practices of the SG. ... I care about the fact that people are lying about their actions and trying to cover up a small mistake." McGill denied there was any truth to the allegations.
Chief of Staff Kristian Hoysradt said the executives and Cabinet had not committed any financial wrongdoing, although they "recognize the fact they did not meet the requirements of their office" by not completing records of hours worked.
"Though the Executive Cabinet is happy to cooperate with the Judicial Board proceedings, they are first and foremost committed to the work they have to do on behalf of the students of American University," he said.
Paid members of the SG are required to submit documentation of the hours they worked as outlined in the SG bylaws, The Eagle previously reported.
"There's nothing to cover up - we have told the Senate and students of AU what we did," Hoysradt said.
Vidulich said he is unsure of how long the investigation will take.
"We are trying to conduct our investigation as fast as possible so everyone can [go] back to the business of the students, but we want to be thorough and fair," he said.
In an effort to maintain transparency, SG President Ashley Mushnick posted the office hours of all executives and Executive Cabinet members on their Web site, www.ausg.org.
