The 19th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to pass three pieces of legislation.

The meeting opened with two presentations. First, from the Multi-Cultural Greek Council (MGC), Vice President Max Carrillo gave a brief overview of the organization. The Multi-Cultural Greek Council is the overarching governing body of all culturally focused fraternities and sororities on campus.

Carrillo highlighted some of their events, including MGC Showcase, Achievers, and the MGC Formal. He hopes to increase and expand MGC’s presence on campus and explained the community atmosphere that the organization has brought to him. Carrillo asked for UPUA’s assistance in gaining more recognition on campus in hopes to bring that same community to others.

Following that, a presentation from UPUA benefitting THON offered its updates, with THON only 17 days away. It is offering UPUA “Yogalates” classes for $5 benefitting THON, announced sign-ups for entrance plans into the event, and announced Zach Perrin and Carly La Rosa as their dancers for THON 2025.

Following reports from Zion Sykes and Rasha Elwakil, as well as the swearing-in of Programming Director of Student Life Ashnaa Bhide and Associate Justice Charis Liu, the assembly moved into New Business.

New Business

First up for New Business was Bill #54-19: Dietary Restriction Survey Incentive. The bill addressed the issues regarding the varying dietary restrictions and requirements of students across campus. Some concerns have been raised regarding cross-contamination in campus dining halls as well as inaccuracies with menu descriptions. For students with food allergies, vegetarians, and vegans, this can pose a real challenge.

To remedy this, UPUA has created a survey to gather feedback, with the end goal of expanding dining options to fit the needs of these students with restrictions. The survey will be open to all students and it will be publicized in Findlay Commons, the HUB, and on the UPUA Instagram. As an incentive to encourage students to complete the survey, everyone who completes it before February 28 will be entered to win a pair of Beats headphones. UPUA aims for the survey will depict the needs of these students who have restrictions during future discussions with Penn State Dining officials.

Bill #54-19: Dietary Restriction Survey Incentive passed unanimously.

Next up was Bill #55-19: Funding for Capital Day Charter Bus. Capital Day is an annual event hosted in Harrisburg where Penn State student advocates are offered the opportunity to go to the capital and meet with elected officials. The day offers students a chance to display the role Penn State has in fostering positive transformations across the state.

The chartered bus will encourage greater student engagement in this event and make it easier for our student advocates to participate without worrying about travel costs. The bus will depart from the HUB at 6 a.m. and return to campus by 5 p.m. on April 9.

Bill #55-19: Funding for Capital City Charter Bus passed unanimously.

The last piece of legislation discussed was Bill #56-19: Cosponsoring LAUC’s Talks with Takac II. The Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council will host Paul Takac, the Pennsylvania representative for District 82. The event will allow students to ask Takac questions as well as offer him an opportunity to share the resources his office offers. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on February 11 in the Lion’s Lair (HUB 008). UPUA is cosponsoring the event along with the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council.

Food will be provided and the event will offer students a chance to discuss what resources they can utilize from him through proctored, nonpartisan conversations.

Bill #56-19: Cosponsoring LAUC’s Talks with Takac II passed unanimously.