The 18th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to amend the UPUA Bylaws & Operational Code and pass other pieces of legislation. 

Following reports by President Nora O’Toole and Vice President Giselle Concepcion, the assembly moved into old business.

Old Business

The main focal point of the night was the passing of Policy #04-18: Amending the UPUA Bylaws and Operational Code. 

One of the most notable proposed amendments to the Bylaws and Operational Code was the motion to amend Article 3.2.7 under Limits on Floor Use. This amendment states that a representative may motion to end the Open Student Forum with a discussion and a 2/3 vote of the present assembly.

Chief Justice D’Elena clarified that this amendment wouldn’t be used to silence students but instead would act as a “fail safe” to prevent excessive stalling in the Student Forum and ensure assembly time is being used strategically.

An extensive, heated discussion broke out within the assembly regarding the effects of the amendment on UPUA’s reputation and democratic values. Many representatives shared their concern with the amendment, claiming it could be negatively impacted by assembly bias.

Following the assembly discussion, an additional amendment was added that the motion to end the Open Student Forum must align with UPUA’s statements against bias or discrimination.

Another lengthy discussion broke out in the assembly regarding the proposed process for electing a Student Senator detailed in Article 4.3.4 under Academic Affairs. Many members shared their concern toward the Chair of Academic Affairs choosing to appoint the Speaker of the Assembly to the role of UPUA Student Senator.

Another proposed change to the bylaws included the addition of sanctions in place of immediate dismissal in Article 6.4.1 regarding Attendance, Expulsion, and Vacancies. The amendment allows the Speaker of the Assembly to assign sanctions, with approval from the Steering Committee, as an alternative route to removal.

The adoption of an official line of succession was proposed in the bylaws under Article 6.8.3, Executive Branch Vacancies. This line will be applicable in the event that the Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee cannot fulfill their role, in which the Acting Speaker will follow this line of succession; Chair of Campus Operations, Chair of Government and Community Relations, Chair of Justice and Equity, and finally Chair of Student Life. 

A new piece of legislation, referred to as an Information Report, was proposed under Article 7.1.1. The report summarizes and synthesizes the results from any long-term research project conducted by a focus group event or CORE committee. The report would then be presented to the assembly and published in the UPUA records. Depending on the nature of the report, a majority vote may be required before publishing. 

The final notable proposed change to the bylaws was the amendment to Article 9.5.1 under Community Group seats. This change allows for a new community seat to be voted upon in each spring session and motions for the judicial board to attend at least one of the organization’s executive board meetings and one general body meeting prior to the election season. 

After much deliberation, Policy #04-18: Amending the UPUA Bylaws and Operational Code passed unanimously.

Due to the length of the bylaws discussion and the lack of quorum needed to pass further policy changes, the assembly tabled the discussion of Policy #03-18: Amending the UPUA Constitution.

New Business

First up for new business was Resolution #16-18: Support of Further Investments Into Penn State’s Lyft Programs. This piece of legislation focused on the “Ride Smart by Lyft Program,” which offers reliable transportation for students with a monthly allocation of eight $10 Lyft ride credits. The service operates from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. every night in the fall and spring semesters, ensuring all students have access to safe methods of transportation during late-night hours. 

The legislation focuses on charging the Department of Transportation Services to raise the operational budget of the program. The additional funding will aid in extending hours of operation, addressing issues with the technology infrastructure, and meeting the growing student demand for reliable transportation services. 

Resolution #16-18: Support of Further Investments Into Penn State’s Lyft Programs passed unanimously. 

Following this was Bill #64-18: “Lyft Subsidies Passes” Instagram Post Ad. This bill supports sponsored Instagram posts to highlight the Lyft Passes that are available to all students. Students can use their Penn State email address to create an account and redeem a $20 off “Innov Pk/Mt. Nittany Medical” pass, or a “Ride Smart by Lyft” pass for $10 off eight rides a month during the hours of 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. The sponsored posts will seek to raise student awareness about these discounted transportation offerings on campus. 

Bill #64-18: “Lyft Subsidies Passes” Instagram Post Ad passed unanimously. 

The final piece of legislation for the night was Bill #65-18: Funding for Capital Day Charter Bus. Capital Day, which takes place on Monday, March 18, is Penn State’s largest day of student advocacy where participating students can speak directly with Pennsylvania legislators in Harrisburg. The bill campaigns for the purchase of a charter bus to transport students to and from the Capital Day event. The bus will leave from the HUB at 7 a.m. on Monday, March 18, and return to campus by 5 p.m. that evening. 

Bill #65-18: Funding for Capital Day Charter Bus passed unanimously.