The 18th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met for the first time in 2024 on Wednesday night for a productive meeting. The session opened with a special presentation by Penn State’s Student Orientation and Transition Programs, which is seeking orientation leaders for the incoming Class of 2028.

Old Business

The only matter of old business on the agenda for the evening was the confirmation of Ashley Campos as secretary for the assembly. She was confirmed and will resume the role she’s held for the past several assemblies.

New Business

First up was Resolution #10-18: Establishment of a Special Living Option (SLO) for WorkLink Students. WorkLink is a program that helps mentally disabled adults gain self-sufficiency and occupational skills. However, participants of the program must travel to Penn State’s campus every day to participate in the program.

In the resolution, UPUA officially recommended that an SLO be established for WorkLink students. Not only would this provide convenience for WorkLink participants, but it would contribute to a more welcoming and diverse campus environment.

Resolution #10-18 passed unanimously.

Next was Bill #41-18: Funding for We Care Week 2024. From noon to 2 p.m. on January 22, 23, 24, and 26 in the HUB, various school supplies will be available to students. This gives students time to recognize what supplies they may need for classes and access them for free so these items aren’t an additional financial burden. Bill #41-18 provides $2,401.39 for all of the supplies for the week.

Bill #41-18 passed unanimously.

The next vote was on Bill #42-18: Funding for Movin’ On 2024 Water Distribution System and a Lounge. Continuing the trend of previous assemblies, UPUA will provide funding for a Quench Buggy rental to help students stay hydrated throughout the Movin’ On festival. This bill also provides an initiative for a small lounge nearby, totaling $1,904 for both items.

Bill #42-18 passed unanimously.

The final bill of the night was Bill #44-18: Funding for the “Every Person Belongs Here” Banners in Partnership with the State College Borough. These banners were introduced with the 16th Assembly and have gone through approximately three years of wear and tear, meaning it’s time for a new batch to be displayed.

The new banners will include UPUA values rather than identity phrases, as it was difficult to acknowledge all campus identities. The organization also aims to increase recognition of UPUA as an important campus organization.

The banners will be placed around campus and throughout downtown, with the State College Borough covering installation costs for the borough, and UPUA covering installation costs for on-campus locations. Bill #44-18 allocates a total of $19,300 to the project.

Bill #44-18 passed unanimously.