The 17th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association met once again Wednesday night to elect a new chair and pass pieces of legislation that impact the Penn State community.

Before all of that, however, the assembly listened to two special presentations. The first was from Damon Sims, Penn State’s vice president of student affairs. He first talked about his appreciation for student government and what it has done for Penn State students. Additionally, he talked about the Uncensored America event and how student leaders responded to it, but he didn’t discuss the university’s position on it.

Meghan Duda, from New Student Orientation, followed up by talking about NSO and what students should expect if they want to be NSO leaders.

President Sydney Gibbard and Vice President Carter Gangl both gave their reports, and then the assembly moved into new business.

New Business

The first resolution came to the floor, marking Resolution #09-17. This resolution focused on supporting the implementation of an emergency contraceptive vending machine. This would see emergency contraceptives, also commonly known as “morning-after pills”, be stored in a vending machine on campus so that students can access them 24/7 rather than waiting for a pharmacy to open. Resolution #09-17 passed 26-3-1.

Next up was Resolution #10-17, which supported PSReUse. PSReUse is a program established in 2021 that allows students to request a reusable takeaway container instead of a styrofoam one in all Penn State dining halls. The problem is the program is not well advertised, so the resolution is meant to use UPUA resources to help spread the word about the program. Resolution #10-17 passed unanimously.

Finally, Bill #18-17 was brought to the table. The bill focused on funding for Mental Health and Wellness Week, an annual program UPUA runs. This year, the bill would allocate just over $5,000 to help buy items such as food, stress balls, coloring sheets, stuff-a-plush, and Starbucks gift cards for the program. Bill #18-17 passed unanimously.