Despite starting ten minutes late, UPUA sped through the agenda last night and was able to keep the meeting under an hour. While some may say that UPUA is getting lazy with only two meetings left, I approve of any UPUA meeting that doesn’t last two and half hours.

President Lennartz started off the meeting discussing the statistics of State Patty’s Day weekend. According to her, there was a 37% drop in arrests from last year to this year. In this year’s total, there were 247 arrests and 50 alcohol overdoses treated at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center, which is apparently quite similar to a football weekend at PSU.

Also, Lennartz and Vice President Mullen met with a Collegian reporter recently to discuss their platform. Even though OS did not get that privilege (thanks for nothing, UPUA), it’s good to hear that Lennartz and Mullen have accomplished almost all of the goals they set for this assembly.

After the liaison reports and caucus breakouts, the assembly discussed the new business on the agenda. Here’s the legislation that was talked about last night:

Confirmation of Elections Commissioners

Both Hannah Kendig and Paul Ferrera were confirmed as Elections Commissioners for the upcoming election. Kendig is already serving as Head Publicity Commissioner for this year’s election, and plans to focus on ensuring a higher voter turnout this year. Ferrera, the former CCSG candidate, has been out of student government for a year but is ready to get back in the game and make sure this year’s elections go smoothly. The assembly apparently felt confident in both candidates, as both were approved with a 30-3-1 vote.

Policy 15-07: Restriction on Office Hours

Unfortunately, this policy was not discussed because it wasn’t ready for the floor. If it had passed, all UPUA member’s office hours would be restricted to the hours between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. instead of some having office hours past 5 p.m. For now, unfortunately, you’ll have to go see your representative at 8 p.m. like the other three people at PSU who actually go to UPUA office hours.

Bill 02-07: Stapler and Hole Puncher Program

What is probably one of UPUA’s finer accomplishments, there will now be electronic hole punching/stapling devices in ten computer labs across campus after the bill passed unanimously. For a cool $2,201.46 out of the Student Life Budget, you no longer have to worry about frantically searching for a stapler when your essay is due in ten minutes. Some would say that electronic submissions are more popular with professors these days, but I’d rather not rain on UPUA’s parade here. Also, you can all sleep easy knowing that UPUA splurged on the nice Swingline staplers instead of going with the crappy Boston staplers which will be bolted down to the table to avoid theft. If it makes you feel better, Anthony Christina was very pleased with this news.

Resolution 19-07: STAC Priorities

This resolution proposed that the Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) investigate a few of the concerns (like computer access, wireless access, and Angel) and address these problems. While it’s quite possible that nothing actually comes from this, there is hope that a universal Penn State mobile app might be in the works. An app that allows users to check Angel, eLion, and bus schedules (among other things) all from their mobile device. Thankfully, UPUA is not technologically illiterate as the resolution passed unanimously.

Elias Warren Quote of the Week: 

“I believe it ‘staples’ this year’s legislation well with last year’s work.” What Warren was trying to say was that Student Life had worked on Bill 02-07 for quite sometime, and that the work they did on this bill last year was well connected with the work they did this year. Honestly, it’s kind of a stretch and I expected a little better from Warren. Luckily, he told me that he has a good one for Les Miserables when it eventually plays at the HUB.

Tie Wars: Elias Warren vs. Nobody 

Honestly, how can you turn down a man in a Penn State tie? The university design on his tie let everyone in room know that he is proud of his school and not afraid to incorporate it into his outfit. Also, note the Nittany Lion pin on his jacket.

Elias Warren: