Wednesday night’s UPUA meeting tackled a few lingering issues within the assembly, including last week’s amendment proposals for the Elections Code, which were vetoed by President Gavin Keirans, and this year’s State Patty’s Day.

Last week, Keirans vetoed the 2010 Elections Code, stating that there was a significant, even unconstitutional (the UPUA’s constitution, that is) issue with the proportion of representatives proposed in the new amendments. The amendment would have changed the number of On-Campus Reps from six to eight, and the number of Off-Campus Representatives from 10 to 12.

Another issue that Keirans cited was a part of his decision for the veto, were the new changes to the timeline of the election, including the date of the election this year and the period in which candidates would be eligible to campaign.

After debate, it was decided that election day would be held on March 31st, in sync with the tradition that it be held during the 12th week of the semester. And the period in which candidates would be allowed to campaign would be between March 17 and March 31.  The number of representatives was changed back to their original numbers of 6 for On-Campus and 10 for Off-Campus.

State Patty’s Day came under discussion as well, and the UPUA decided on a resolution that would okay the UPUA and any other student organizations that signed on to distribute an advertisement in the Collegian asking students to act responsibly this State Paddy’s.

Last year was a little dismal in regards to the annual State Patty’s Day celebration. Or freaking awesome. It depends on how you look at it. But the real concern here should be with the police. Every year they have to dish out thousands of extra dollars because Penn State likes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day twice and most students take it upon themselves to get shit-hammered especially for the occasion. Last year saw a ridiculous jump in alcohol-related crimes on State Patty’s. We were named #1 Party School this year for a reason. Because we can party like crazy and handle it too. If you’re going to fight, do it in your basement; if you’re going to puke, do it in your bathroom; and if you’re going to vandalize property or drink and drive, well, do it in Bellefonte (Editor’s note: We do not actually condone drinking and driving. Duh.).

Also featured during the meeting was The Vice President of Undergraduate Education, Robert N. Pangborn, who started things off with a special presentation to the assembly. He emphasized the need for better acclimation to University Park for students attending Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses and said that this spring would mark the first time that Penn State would be bringing first-year students from the other 19 campuses and giving them an introduction to the main campus.

A pretty productive meeting all-in-all.

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