UPUA may have had all summer to write up new legislation, but that’ll have to wait till next week as the first meeting of the semester only featured two items of new business on the agenda. Coupled with a presentation by VP of Student Affairs Damon Sims, this UPUA meeting will most likely go down as one of the more forgettable ones of the 8th Assembly.

Sims opened the meeting with his presentation, which was really just a generic rallying cry for everyone in UPUA. A few quotes from Sims:

• “You’re now in position to be meaningful participants in the decision making process for really big issues.”
• “It’s important to understand the vital role you play as student leaders.”
• “A unified student voice is much more compelling than a fractured one.”

If anyone in UPUA didn’t know how it’s “important to understand the vital role they play as student leaders,” then they probably shouldn’t be in student government in the first place. During the Q&A session, Sims did note that UPUA would not play a very big role in the presidential selection process nor would it ever get back the responsibility of chartering student clubs. He also couldn’t guarantee a consistent student trustee position on the BOT, but did mention that UPUA should make that a priority.

After Sims’ presentation, President Mullen moved into her report. She mentioned that the Blue & White Brigade to the Syracuse game had been successful, and that she expected all the buses to be full by Friday. She also noted that the next university president has been narrowed down to a group of candidates (she wouldn’t specify how many), and that “every one of the candidates is well-qualified for the position.”

Here’s the new business from last night:

Panhellenic Council Representative Katie Quinn was sworn in

Quinn is a UPUA veteran and should be an anchor in a relatively young assembly.

Resolution 05-08: FreshFest 2013 (Passed Unanimously)

For the past few years, UPUA has hosted an event for first year students called FreshFest. The event is supposed to get freshmen interested in programs like YOUSRV or a First Year Representative seat. This year, however, they will co-sponsor the event with the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council, SPA, Blue & White Society, and Lion 90.7fm. The event is today in the East Halls quad.

For $982.84, UPUA will provide FreshFest with food, some tables, and cover delivery costs. If you’re a freshman, be sure to go pick up a snow cone that UPUA has happily spent your money on for you!

Tie Wars: John Wortman vs. No One Because Everyone Else’s Tie Sucked

Wortman’s tie isn’t anything to write home about but it does the job. Plus, it’s better than the solid color/dad ties everyone seemed to be sporting last night. It was definitely not a good night for ties, but I’ll just chalk that up to everyone shaking off the rust. The assembly better bring its tie A-game next week.