The 15th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association met virtually Wednesday for its first spring semester meeting.

During the special presentations portion of the evening, UPUA heard from Campus Recreation representative Laura Hall. Hall spoke about the successes of Campus Recreation throughout the fall semester and shared hopes of programming expansions moving forward this spring.

A new esports lounge is expected to open no later than the fall 2021 semester in the White Building. Campus Recreation will also submit a proposal to the Student Fee Board regarding the expansion of the Stone Valley Recreation Area.

Campus Rec is now slated to reopen on February 8, a week before the remote period ends. Hours and time slots will be extended so more students can use on-campus facilities and programs each day.

Additionally, at-large representative Erin Boas shared her plans to push for spring semester alternative grading alongside her task force, Policies Influencing Equity. The Faculty Senate, responsible for approving plans to re-implement alternative grading, will meet on January 26.

The assembly later heard from several executive reports regarding matters that included the UPUA directory and UPUA involvement website accessibility, the University Park Civic Engagement Roundtable, and land acknowledgment progress.

UPUA President Zach McKay filled in for Vice President Lexy Pathickal and gave both the presidential and the vice presidential reports, along with some words of wisdom.

“Treat everyone that you meet with dignity and respect,” McKay. said “Hold honesty and integrity at the center of your leadership philosophy. Always do more than is expected of you. Show kindness, compassion, and empathy.”

New Business

The only piece of legislation for the evening was Bill 45-15. This bill supports the creation of a permanent queer art gallery called Ally House Jr., and its Transgender Dysphoria Relief Fund generated from proceeds of the art gallery.

The recommended course of action is for UPUA to support efforts that uplift the transgender community and create a safe and positive environment for those individuals. Ally House Jr. currently plans on opening on December 4, 2021. Bill 45-15 passed unanimously.

Later, UPUA set a date for its upcoming elections: Wednesday, March 31. The assembly recently revised its election codes to make voting hours more accessible for international students who may be living in different time zones this semester.

UPUA’s meeting promptly adjourned at 8:11 p.m.