UPUA’s tenth assembly met for the sixth time this time this semester, in a relatively brief meeting that included two pieces of resolution. The meeting, which started at 8:30 p.m. instead of the usual 8 p.m., was delayed because of the vigil for Tally Sepot held at Old Main. The meeting then proceeded as normal.

First on the agenda was a special presentation from Centrice Mulfinger, Assistant to the Manager for Community Engagement in the borough of State College. Mulfinger introduced herself and spoke about her initiative to foster activity between students and other residents in the neighborhoods surrounding Penn State. She stressed the importance of students getting to know their neighbors in order to create a sense of safety and community. Representative Alex Shockley inquired about what students can do to help foster a more vibrant environment, to which Mulfinger responded that she would be working with students to create focus groups and surveys to send out to the community.

Following the special presentation were weekly reports from President Emily McDonald and Vice President Terry Ford, which were both fairly brief and repeated information from the previous week’s meeting. President McDonald spoke about holding a memorial service this December to honor students who passed this semester. She then noted that it was important to remember how these students have influenced the Penn State community, and thanked members who went to the vigil for Tally Sepot.

The first piece of legislation covered was Bill 04-10 “We’re a Culture Not a Costume,” which addressed the issue of students wearing insensitive or discriminatory costumes on Halloween. Rep. Steffen Blanco directed the assembly’s attention to pictures of posters attached to the agenda which depicted people of different races and sexual orientations next to prejudicial costumes. The bill asked UPUA pay $500 for the printing of the posters, which could be used indefinitely. The bill passed with a vote of 33-0-1.

The second piece of legislation was Resolution 07-10 (previously 06-10), “UPUA Representation on the Facilities Planning Advisory Committee.” This resolution presented a motion to include additional chairs on the Facilities Committee to update UPUA on the condition of the new East Residence Halls. Following a few objections and amendments for grammatical errors (one too many “the”s), the resolution passed unanimously.

In perhaps the most exciting moment at a UPUA meeting this semester, the Executive Directors announced that the Blue and White Brigade buses were officially paid for, which received applause. Keep up the swaggering, sweeping governance changes ans initiatives, guys!

Before the meeting adjourned, Representative Divy Agnihotri stood and spoke about the Student Farm Club and its need for assistance in moving forward. Vice President Ford reminded the assembly that a piece of legislation was passed concerning the Student Farm initiative, to which Rep. Agnihotri responded that there hasn’t been much progress since then. He then mentioned his plan to work closely with the club in the future.

Again, sweeping initiatives.