The 18th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met Wednesday night to discuss new and old business while creating a new community group seat for the recently established Middle Eastern and North African Association (MENA).

Wednesday’s meeting began with several special presentations, starting with College Republicans President Ryan Klein, who shared his disappointment with UPUA President Nora O’Toole’s absence from the annual 9/11 memorial service hosted by the College Republicans on September 8.

“O’Toole’s attitude toward the memorial service was disheartening,” Klein said. “There should be a higher standard of communication in place.”

During President O’Toole’s report to the assembly, she explained that an unexpected family emergency arose which caused her to have to leave State College unexpectedly and miss the memorial service. O’Toole was slated to honor a Penn State alumni who died on 9/11 at the service.

Then, Vanessa Dib, a member of the Middle Eastern and North African Caucus, urged UPUA to consider adding a seat for the MENA association.

“We were very inspired by the Black and Latino Caucuses,” Dib said.

Next, Ally Schaedler, the executive director of public relations for UPUA, introduced herself and the public relations department, encouraging members to reach out if they needed any of the department’s services.

Finally, UPUA Speaker Owen Haddad spoke about updated requirements and guidelines for engagement on campus for all representatives.

Old Business

The only piece of old business on the agenda was the swearing-in of Alex Borzillo, the new College of Information Sciences and Technology representative.

New Business

First up on the docket was Bill #07-18: Funding for Lombard MMA Self-Defense Class. The bill proposed $250 in funding for registered student organization “Hope Here Hope Now “to host an educator for students to learn self-defense techniques.

Bill #07-18 passed unanimously.

Next was Bill #08-18: Funding for Fall 2023-2024 Test Prep Week Review Materials. The bill proposed $9,158 for UPUA to fund review materials for Test Prep Week Fall 2023. The MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and PRAXIS review books (up to one per student) will be available for students to pick up on October 23 and 24 in the HUB.

Bill #08-18 passed unanimously.

Last on the agenda was Decision #18-01: Middle East North African Association Community Group Seat Application. The decision made by UPUA’s judicial board granted the MENA Association an additional seat in the UPUA General Assembly.

Decision #18-01 passed unanimously.