The 20th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to confirm the Executive Director of Sustainability and pass four bills.

The meeting opened with two presentations. First, a representative from Penn State WorkLink presented the program’s work to support students with intellectual disabilities on campus. The representative encouraged members of UPUA to collaborate with WorkLink through the Ally Partnership program, which allows volunteers to work directly with WorkLink students.

Next up was a presentation from Vice President Noah Youcheff and President Rasha Elwakil regarding UPUA expectations for the entire assembly. The pair focused on topics such as the importance of communication, the dress code for general assembly, and the professional behavior expected both inside and outside of UPUA meetings. A main theme throughout the presentation was the importance of transparency and prioritization of mental health within UPUA.

Following reports from President Elwakil and Vice President Youcheff, the assembly moved into confirmations and swearing-ins.

Confirmation/ Swearing-ins

The assembly swore in and confirmed the Executive Director of Sustainability, Natalie Kitts. Kitts spoke to the assembly about her past experiences working with EcoReps on sustainability initiatives, as well as her leadership on the Penn State Green Game project. She highlighted her intention to be a voice for students, as well as the importance of strengthening sustainability, outreach, and recycling efforts on campus.

New Business 

The first piece of new business for the night was Bill #13-20: Funding for NAACP Block Party. This bill proposes that UPUA provide funding to rent games for the sixth annual NAACP Block Party, which will take place on Sunday, October 5. The NAACP Block Party is a celebration of the diversity across campus and is catered to first-year students looking to get accustomed to the Penn State community. The block party’s main goal is to be an inclusive event, where all students feel welcome to be their authentic selves and make new connections. In addition to the game booths provided by UPUA, the event will have dancing and singing performances from various cultural groups at Penn State.

Bill #13-20: Funding for NAACP Block Party passed unanimously.

The second bill of the night was Bill #14-20: Funding for Food for WorkLink. This bill provides funding for UPUA to purchase Dunkin’ Donuts for the WorkLink note-taking workshop on Monday, September 29th, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. WorkLink is a program hosted by the Penn State College of Education that offers students with intellectual disabilities experiences to help them develop professionally and personally. This includes workshops regarding health and wellness, independent living skills, and even how to create a job resume. The workshop on September 29 will help the WorkLink students learn basic note-taking techniques.  

Bill #14-20: Funding for Food for WorkLink passed unanimously. 

Following this was Bill #15-20: Funding for Homecoming Weekend West Halls Centennial Bash T-Shirts. This bill provides funding for UPUA to purchase 250 Centennial Bash T-shirts to be distributed to attendees and staff at the celebration on Thursday, October 9. The Centennial Celebration of West Halls is an event to mark over 100 years since the construction of the three oldest dorm halls: Irvin Hall, Jordan Hall, and Watts Hall. 

The Centennial Bash will be hosted by the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS) in collaboration with the Alumni Association, the Penn State Historical Society, and the Lion Ambassadors. Attendees can enjoy carnival games, student group performances, and the chance to learn more about the history of West Halls and other student organizations on campus. The first 100 attendees have the opportunity to receive a free shirt provided by UPUA. 

Bill #15-20: Funding for Homecoming Weekend West Halls Centennial Bash T-Shirts passed unanimously.

The last piece of new business for the night was Bill #12-20: Ellie-vate: Reviving Our Mental Health and Wellness Mascot. In this bill, UPUA is seeking to purchase a replacement for “Ellie the Elephant,” the current mascot that represents the Student Engagement and Wellness Committee. Due to heavy usage at events across campus, the Ellie mascot has been damaged, and the assembly wishes to purchase a brand-new mascot.

Thus, the bill proposes the purchase of a new inflatable mascot. In addition to the new mascot, the assembly will also have to purchase the air blower and anchoring materials needed to stabilize Ellie at on-campus events. The total cost for the new mascot would be $2,200, including shipping and storage. 

Bill #12:20: Ellie-vate: Reviving Our Mental Health and Wellness Mascot passed unanimously.