The University Park Undergraduate Association met Wednesday night in 233 HUB to reiterate support for making Penn State a tobacco-free campus and to pass funding to send Blue & White Brigade to the Ohio State game.

Vice President Alex Shockley focused his report on the recommendation of the university’s Smoke Free/Tobacco Free task force to transition Penn State to a tobacco-free university by fall 2018. The Assembly later passed Resolution 12-12, Support of Penn State Smoke Free/Tobacco Free Task Force Recommendations, with a 33-0-1 vote.

Shockley also touched on this week’s tragic shooting in Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of making sure all students know about the mental health resources offered at Penn State through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

“A lot of these events can be prevented through mental health resources,” Shockley said. “It is our job to ensure the safety of our students, and that includes mental health.”

Student Life Chair Kyleigh Higie later voiced the UPUA’s support for those affected by the Las Vegas shooting, as well. “We are all Penn State, and as members of the Penn State community, we are all here to support each other.”

In other news, Representative Zach Robinson was elected the new executive director for the Pennsylvania Association of State-Related Schools (PASS). He and Governmental Affairs Chair Isaac Will are looking for another member of the assembly to serve as Penn State’s PASS Liaison in Robinson’s place.

Resolution 11-12, Support of AAUW ‘Deeper in Debt’ Event, passed unanimously, supporting an event about the importance of financial literacy and education, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 10 in 110 Business Building. The Assembly also confirmed Tomás Sanchez as its first-ever Director of Outreach.

With Bill 06-12, Funding for Blue & White Brigade to Ohio State, the Assembly approved funding $2,882 for a student bus to the Ohio State football game on Saturday, October 28. A private donor will also fund a second bus. You can read more about the Blue & White Brigade and its logistics here.

President Katie Jordan closed the meeting with a quick note on the continuing state budget impasse.

“It’s really important that we are advocating for our budget that affects all Penn State students and Penn State’s operating budget,” Jordan said.