The union which represents students at Memorial University says the removal of Vianne Timmons as President has been a “long time coming.”

Director of External Affairs, John Harris says the issues started with the doubling of tuition for students, noting that they have seen very little in terms of accountability from Timmons’ administration—especially during the MUNFA strike earlier this year.

That accountability piece, Harris says, is what they want to see from the University moving forward.

They want to see accountability in terms of the hiring process and salary of the president. He says the MUN community doesn’t need a president making 450k a year, nor do they need a $60,000 firm finding Timmons’ successor.

Jenna Reid, Editor-in-Chief of the Memorial University Student Editorial, says the announcement comes during one of the busiest times for students as final exams are in full swing.

Reid says the reaction on campus yesterday afternoon was positive for the most part, but believes the announcement will have a bigger impact on some students compared to others.

While many students read the email, most returned back to their studies. Reid says other students, such as activists, members of MUNSU, and others involved with the MUSE were pulled away from their studies due to the unexpected announcement.