The 16th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association met Wednesday night for its first general assembly of the summer.

The meeting began with a special presentation from Hannah Kirby and Michael Olenick about Camp Kesem, an initiative dedicated to supporting children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer.

President Erin Boas and Vice President Najee Rodriguez gave reports to introduce what’s to come from the 16th Assembly. Rodriguez mentioned procedures for possible in-person meetings that differ from the virtual procedures for Zoom meetings.

Following a brief caucus breakout, the meeting moved right into new business.

New Business

The assembly confirmed several justices, directors, and representatives, including:

• Associate Justices Andrew Waldman, Kristine Gonzalez, Lawrence Corridoni, and Yash Patni
• Executive Director of Public Relations Emily Zimbler
• Executive Co-Director of First-Year Council Dan Risser
• Director of Outreach Ashley Hayford
• Director of Communications Grace Southern
• Director of Academic Affairs Robert Grots
• Director of Governmental Affairs Kianna Bingham
• Director of Justice and Equity Rene Richardson
• Director of Student Life Cade Miller
• At-Large Representatives Nora O’Toole and Nina Sampogne

The first piece of legislation was Bill 02-16, Support of First-Gen Advocates and School Supply Pack Distribution. This bill was introduced to provide easily accessible school supplies and support to first-generation college students. A budget was set for the school supplies that would be included in each of the 700 supply packs.

Bill 02-16 passed with a unanimous vote of 33-0-0.

Next up on the legislative agenda was Bill 03-16, Renewing the Subscription for SoftEdge Advocacy Tool. During the previous assembly of the 2020-21 academic year, UPUA used SoftEdge to advocate for resolutions. Moving forward, SoftEdge will have the opportunity to increase student engagement and track all legislation.

Bill 03-16 also passed unanimously.

Resolution 05-16, Continuation of the Racial Justice Roundtable, was the last piece of legislation on the table for the night. The Racial Justice Roundtable was first introduced in the 15th Assembly, so the resolution called to establish a second roundtable.

The roundtable will be held on more than one occasion, specifically during Black History Month, Indigenous Peoples Day, and other holidays and days of recognition.

Steven Zhang and Chair Aarathi Kallur both stressed the importance and significance of the roundtable. A motion was called to pass Resolution 05-16 unanimously.

Following reports from the chief justice, chief of staff, speaker of the assembly, and multiple committees, the meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m.