The 20th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to pass six pieces of legislation.  

At-Large Representatives Damian Simmons, James Dugery, Nicolas Eveno, and Swathi Bodduluri, as well as Executive Director of Public Relations Shreya Budakoti, were voted into their confirmed positions. 

New Business

Bill #23-20: Funding for Sexual Violence Awareness Prevention Board Catering:

The UPUA hosted the Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention (SVAP) Board, which brings together professionals, advocates, and community members to share strategies to prevent sexual violence.

The Committee on Student Engagement and Wellness plans to hold three more board discussions, starting in early March.

Campus organizations, including Helping Hearts, Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Student Programming Association, R-Voice, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Association of Residence Hall Students, Lion Pride Caucus, and more, will be represented to encourage engagement in the fight against sexual violence on campus. 

Bill #23-20: Funding for Sexual Violence Awareness Prevention Board Catering was passed unanimously.

Bill #24-20: Purple Thursday:

Every year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a day is set aside to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. People show support by wearing purple, the color representing survivors’ struggles.

This year, Purple Thursday is on October 16th. UPUA will host a Purple Thursday tabling event on October 16th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purple ribbons will be given out for students to wear in support, tables will be decorated in purple, and two Jellycats will be prizes for students who wear a ribbon and provide their name and email to enter the raffle.

 Bill #24-20: Purple Thursday was passed unanimously.

Bill #25-20: Funding for Domestic Violence Prevention “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” Campaign: 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of domestic violence, support survivors, and promote prevention.

The UPUA will lead a campus-wide awareness initiative for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This includes posters being displayed in academic buildings, the HUB, residence halls, and common areas.

Four poster designs will be featured: design 1:  “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” poster, emphasizing that love should be safe and respectful, and designs 2–4: Stories of “Jake,” “Olive,” and “Viv,” representing diverse student experiences with domestic violence. Each poster will contain a QR code linking to campus, local, and national resources.

Bill #25-20: Funding for Domestic Violence Prevention “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” Campaign was passed unanimously.

Bill #26-20: World Sustainability Day Tabling Event:

Every October, students celebrate World Sustainability Day, a day to raise awareness about environmental issues. UPUA will table in the HUB for World Sustainability Day on October 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The UPUA will be partnering with the Student Sustainability Advisory Council, EcoReps, Indigenous People’s Association, and Food Recovery Network to promote sustainable practices. UPUA will provide baked goods, sustainability stickers, reusable metal straws, and UPUA-branded seed paper bookmarks to encourage students to visit the table.

The Department of Public Relations will advertise the event on social media and other channels and design the seed paper bookmarks.

Bill #26-20: World Sustainability Day Tabling Event was passed unanimously. 

Bill #27-20 Funding for the 20th Assembly Fall Student Council Roundtable:

The UPUA will hold the Fall Student Council Roundtable to bring together student leaders from all Academic Colleges. The first roundtable for the 2025-2026 year will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 304 of the HUB-Robeson Center. 

Bill #27-20 Funding for the 20th Assembly Fall Student Council Roundtable was passed unanimously. 

Bill #28-20 Funding for Food For WorkLink:

The Worklink program in the College of Education provides individuals with intellectual disabilities with post-secondary experiences. On October 22nd, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in Chambers 113, their second workshop will be held by the Justice and Equity Committee.

Bill #28-20 Funding for Food For WorkLink was passed unanimously.