The 17th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association held its second-ever meeting Wednesday night.

Two students, who introduced themselves simply as Jordan and Zach, gave a special presentation about their research project for their English 202D class. Overall, they suggested Penn State needs to completely revamp its mental health services and provided an alternative they were trying to get off the ground, which they called SMILE. They also talked about what they would like to see more of from Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and how it can improve.

Following that presentation, UPUA President Najee Rodriguez and Vice President Sydney Gibbard gave individual reports before moving things into new business.

New Business

Most items that were on the docket for new business had to do with confirming and swearing in the executive directors. There are six positions that needed to be filled — secretary, executive director of finance, executive director of public relations, director of communications, special director of sexual violence awareness and prevention, and executive director of environmental sustainability.

Ashley Campos was first up for the position of secretary, and she was confirmed with a vote of 29-1. Dan Risser was vying for the confirmation of the executive director of finance and received a unanimous vote. Next, Rayna Alexander was unanimously confirmed as executive director of public relations.

Next, Charani Gauravaram was up for discussion when debating her confirmation as director of communications. She was confirmed unanimously, too. Sasha Smith was next up for confirmation as special director of sexual violence awareness and prevention, and she was confirmed unanimously. Finally, Isabella Briseno was up for confirmation for executive director of sustainability and was approved 30-1-0. Following the confirmations, all six directors were sworn into the 17th Assembly.

Then, the assembly turned to debate on Bill #01-17, which focuses on funding free coffee for finals week. The bill would cover the costs of at least eight gallons of coffee every day of finals week, as well as granola bars and apples for hungry students. The project ultimately required $1,500 in funding. Ultimately, the assembly passed Bill #01-17 unanimously.

The last item of new business was Bill #02-17, which sought to establish the “Know Your Academic Rights” campaign for the spring semester. The bill aimed to fund targeted Instagram posts, as well as a poster to hang up in the HUB, and focuses on letting students know about deferred grading, all of which would cost $228. Bill #02-17 passed unanimously.