The 16th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association convened Wednesday night for yet another regularly scheduled meeting.

President Erin Boas and Vice President Najee Rodriguez began the night with individual reports before Esha Pathak gave a special presentation on her experience navigating the Faculty Senate regarding the classification of her economics degree. Pathak touched upon her frustrations with trying to receive the bachelor in science distinction for her degree and how her identity as an international student became integral to presenting herself in the process. Pathak ended her presentation by sharing that she was successful in having her degree qualify for the B.S. distinction.

Soon after, the 16th Assembly moved on to old business.

Old Business

The first matter of business was to confirm College of Liberal Arts representative Haley Parker and at-large Representative Simran Kakar. Both Parker and Kakar had five minutes to give speeches and 10 minutes to answer any questions. After, Parker and Kakar were confirmed 31-0-2 and 32-0-1, respectively.

Next, the assembly considered Bill #26-16: Financially Supporting the Development of a “Soft Room” in the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response. The bill proposed creating a new area to host conduct meetings that’s less intimidating. Currently, those processes take place in stuffy conference rooms. The assembly unanimously passed the bill, which asked for $500 to help fund the room’s development in 222 Boucke.

Bill #27-16: Funding for Spring Break Lyft Subsidies was next on the agenda. Per tradition, it requested $750 dollars to provide students with free travel to the University Park Airport for spring break. The bill passed unanimously.

UPUA will fund up to 50 $15 Lyft ride coupons available to students from March 3 to 14. You’ll need to use a promo code — “UPUASPRING2022” — for access.

Finally, the assembly discussed Resolution #23-16: Creation of the First Year Housing Survey. The resolution requested a survey be created to have a better understanding of first-year housing and how students are selected to live in different halls. The resolution passed unanimously.

After, the 16th Assembly moved on to new business.

New Business

First on the agenda for new business was Bill #28-16: Funding for World Cultural Week. The bill requested $3,642.63 for expenditures such as food, space rentals, disposable utensils, merchandise, and more to help host the annual event throughout the first week of March. The bill passed unanimously.

And, to close off the night, members addressed Bill #29-16: Funding 2022 PSU Votes Debate with the College Democrats, College Independents, and College Republicans. The bill requested a $1,364.39 budget to cover expenses for a health care debate among student political organizations. The bill passed 33-0-2.