The 19th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to confirm the Chief Justice, swear in five Programming Directors, and pass four pieces of legislation. 

Following a report by Vice President Rasha Elwakil, the assembly moved into confirmations.

Old Business

The council began by confirming and swearing in Chief Justice Hunter Steach. In his speech, Steach shared how he’s grateful to fulfill this role as chief justice and described the positive growth he hopes to foster within the branch. He emphasized the importance of unity between the judicial and legislative branches and will use his position to create an environment of collaboration within the UPUA assembly.

Steach was confirmed unanimously.

The confirmation was followed by the swearing-in of five programming directors of the assembly. This included Programming Director of Academics Suhas Rayapudi, Director of Campus Operations Madar Samakab, Director of Governmental Affairs Tristin Kilgore, Director of Justice and Equity Gracy Prasanna, and Director of Student Life Ayden Meise.

The assembly was supposed to elect a student liaison to the State College Borough Council though because no student wanted to position, no election was held.

New Business 

The first piece of new business was Resolution #01-19: Support for Preservation of the Historic Millie Kepler Barn. The resolution details a course of action to help preserve the Penn State-owned Kepler Barn located in Ferguson Township along Route 45, which is currently slated for demolition.

Due to the barn’s agricultural history and rumored connection to the Underground Railroad, the UPUA assembly has proposed a series of actions to take to rebuild the barn and preserve its legacy. These actions include transforming the barn into a museum, raising funds to help renovate the structure, and developing educational programs surrounding the barn’s history. 

Resolution #01-19: Support for Preservation of the Historic Millie Kepler Barn passed unanimously. 

Next up was Bill #05-19: Funding for Fall 2024-2025 Test Prep Week Review Materials. The bill provides funding for UPUA to purchase exam preparation textbooks for undergraduate students, including materials for the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, and GRE. Review books will be handed out to students free of charge on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, at the HUB. 

Bill #05-19: Funding for Fall 2024-2025 Test Prep Week Review Materials passed unanimously. 

Following this was Bill #06-19: Cosponsoring LUAC’s Talks with Takac. The bill allows UPUA to cosponsor an event with current Pennsylvania State Representative Paul Takac from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, in the HUB’s Lion’s Lair. Hosted by the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council, Takac will answer questions and speak with attendees about the student resources offered by his office.

Bill #06-19: Cosponsoring LUAC’s Talks with Takac passed unanimously. 

The last piece of legislation was Bill #07-19: Funding of Latino Caucus’s Latinx Orientation. The bill provides funding for the Latino Caucus’ orientation event, which will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, at the Lion’s Lair in the HUB. The event will provide a space to discuss the challenges Latinx individuals face while creating new connections in the Penn State community.

Bill #07-19: Funding of Latino Caucus’s Latinx Orientation passed unanimously.