The 18th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met once again Wednesday to pass one piece of legislation and swear in various representatives.

The meeting began with several special presentations. First up was De’jah Coates, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. She spoke about the NPHC’s goals for the school year, including the NPHC Plot Project and various plans for more community involvement.

Next to speak was Yvette Wilson, Director of the Gender Equity Center. She provided statistics on the rates of sexual and relationship violence at Penn State, as well as resources available through the Gender Equity Center like prevention education, advocacy, and student support.

Wilson spoke about the importance of supporting survivors of violence and encouraged those in attendance to educate themselves on the Gender Equity Center. Lastly, Wilson highlighted events the organization is holding this fall, including a magic show hosted by former NFL player John Dorenbos.

To wrap up special presentations, UPUA Speaker Evan Haddad & Secretary Shelby Corbett spoke about UPUA attendance policies before the assembly moved into confirmations.

Grace Rothenberg and Henry Wagner were both confirmed as first-year representatives. Following this, the assembly swore in College of Communications Representative Gianna Brown, APIDA Caucus Representative Gracy Franco Prasanna, First-Year Representatives Grace Rothenberg and Henry Wagner, and first-year council members.

New Business

The only piece of new business discussed was Bill #11-18: Establishment of the Fall 2023 Exam Conflict “Know Your Academic Rights” Campaign. The bill is a continuation of work UPUA took part in last year and includes a social media campaign funded by UPUA that informs students about their academic rights.

The main focus of the campaign is to make students aware of Faculty Senate policies such as when the final exam conflict filing period takes place and the difference between a direct conflict and an overload conflict.

Bill #11-18 passed unanimously.