The 17th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association met Wednesday evening to pass a slew of bills, confirm a new chief justice, and continue its debate on the Elections Code.

The meeting began with a special presentation from Bella Briseno, who delivered the results of the Student Sustainability Survey, which was distributed to students last fall. The survey found that students desired more sustainability education within Penn State.

New Business

First on the agenda was Bill #43-17. The bill requested funding for discounted tickets to Penn State Centre Stage’s production of Emilia’s “Ladies Night” and Talkback session on Wednesday, April 19.

Bill #43-17 passed unanimously.

Giani Clarke, the representative for the College of Education, recently stepped down as the chair of the student life committee, leaving the position vacant. Wednesday’s assembly held internal elections for the position. Ava Phillips, the former vice president of the committee, was the only nominee.

Phillips was elected unanimously as chair of the student life committee.

Another member, Chief Justice Andrew Waldman, also recently stepped down from his position. Following a nomination from President Sydney Gibbard, previous Associate Justice Hayden D’Elena was confirmed as the new chief justice.

The assembly then moved into a discussion regarding its Election Code. Proposed changes that led to a long and heated debate during last week’s meeting were updated and finally passed.

UPUA then had quite a list of bills to get through, which began with Bill #41-17, the Establishment of the Spring 2023 “Academic Integrity Know-How” Campaign. The bill will sponsor several social media posts that share information and resources with students regarding academic integrity violations and how to avoid them.

Bill #41-17 passed unanimously.

Next up was Bill #42-17, Financing for the Future Programming Week. The programming would include tabling in the HUB with resources about relieving financial burdens, finding financial resources, and mutual aid programs.

Bill #42-17 passed unanimously.

Next was Bill #44-17, Funding to support the Advocacy Day of Women’s Empowerment Week. Various organizations will be set up to offer information about their clubs, the resources they offer, and how students can get involved. UPUA will provide ice cream to attendees who participate and learn from these groups.

Bill #44-17 passed unanimously.

Finally, Bill #45-17, Free Resume Printing for Spring Career Days was brought forth. This bill will sponsor free resume printing during this year’s Spring Career Days, which run from February 13 to February 22. Students will be able to print 10 resumes free of charge in Copy Central in the HUB to distribute to potential employers.

Bill #45-17 passed unanimously.