The 20th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to pass four bills and one resolution, including supporting the Lionettes Dance Team in their financial goal to return to nationals.

Archivist Barbara Price and Webmaster Mackenzie Nordai were sworn in, followed by special presentations  by The Lion’s Pantry and Penn State Panhellenic

New Business

Bill #38-20: Lion’s Lair Holiday Concert

This proposed bill looks to fund the Lion’s Lair Holiday Concert.  Live jazz, holiday music performances, and free food will be available, and this event looks to enhance campus culture and student well-being, particularly during finals week. UPUA will host and fund a live student-performer concert on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Lion’s Lair Lounge in the HUB as well as cover the costs of room booking and baked goods, and hot chocolate for attendees This event looks to provide students with a safe, accessible, and engaging space to enjoy holiday festivities and relax during finals week.

Bill #38-20: Lion’s Lair Holiday Concert passes unanimously. 

Bill #39-20 Establishment of the 2025 “Know Your Housing Rights” Campaign – Part I

Many Penn State students begin searching for off-campus housing without fully understanding their rights, the complexities of State College’s early lease cycle, or the details of the contracts they are asked to sign. Student Legal Services (SLS) regularly assists students with these issues and has seen rising demand for help. UPUA will partner with Student Legal Services to launch the first installment of the 2025 “Know Your Housing Rights” campaign. The initial post will provide guidance on off-campus housing in State College and explain tenant rights and lease-review expectations under Pennsylvania law.

Bill #39-20 Establishment of the 2025 “Know Your Housing Rights” Campaign – Part I passes unanimously. 

Bill #40-20: Cosponsoring LAUC’s Talks with Takac

The Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council is hosting an educational event featuring Representative Paul Takac, the current Pennsylvania House member for District 82. This event will provide students and faculty with an open conversation about the services and resources offered by Representative Takac’s office. Representative Takac’s office will also provide food and informational pamphlets. This event is on December 3rd from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Lions Lair. UPUA will cosponsor the “Talks with Takac” event alongside the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council, advertise and promote the event, and curate the proctored questions used during the conversation.

Bill #40-20: Cosponsoring LAUC’s Talks with Takac passes unanimously. 

Bill #41-20: 20th Assembly’s Mental Health and Wellness Week

For more than a decade, the UPUA has hosted Mental Health and Wellness Week to address the growing mental health crisis affecting college students. The event raises awareness of available campus resources, provides stress-relief tools, and promotes a positive and compassionate culture around mental health. Hosting Mental Health and Wellness Week before fall finals ensures timely support and helps students prioritize their well-being. UPUA will continue the annual Mental Health and Wellness Week, held this year from December 1–5. They will provide each participating group with tabling space, offer informational materials, and develop flyers for residence halls. 

Bill #41-20: 20th Assembly’s Mental Health and Wellness Week passes unanimously. 

Resolution #07-20: Support for the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team

The Penn State Lionettes Dance Team was recently informed that, due to budget cuts, their long-standing institutional funding for nationals travel would be eliminated. This abrupt change requires the team to raise approximately $70,000 by early December to cover travel, lodging, and competition costs. Without this support, Penn State risks losing national-level representation from one of its most prominent student spirit organizations. The UPUA urges the Penn State administration to reevaluate and restore funding, ensure institutional recognition and resource equity, and create a transparent funding framework.

Resolution #07-20: Support for the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team passes unanimously.