The 20th Assembly of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) met on Wednesday to discuss a resolution surrounding the expansion of AED placement in residential area commons. Bills were passed to put funding towards the UPUA Valentine’s Coffeehouse, the Vietnamese Student Association’s Tet event, a raffle basket for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and a basic life support training course.

The meeting opened with Vice President Noah Youcheff leading the call to order, land acknowledgement, adoption of the agenda, and adoption of past General Meeting Minutes. Following, a representative from Students United Against Poverty spoke during the Open Student Forum

A special presentation was delivered by the Vietnamese Student Association’s (VSA) Anthony Khuc. VSA focuses on Vietnamese culture, community, and Tet, which is the Lunar New Year. The association will host an event to celebrate the new year on the lunisolar calendar, featuring games, food, and performances. The event will be on February 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Alumni Hall.

Following reports from President Rasha Elwaki and Vice President Youcheff, the assembly proceeded to confirmations and swearing-ins.

Confrimations & Swearing-Ins

The confirmations and swearing-ins of the night of at-large representatives consisted of Amari Russel, Chase Allen, Jude York, and Makela Simpson, who were sworn in by Elwaki.

The last swearing-in of the night was for the Interfraternity Council Representative, Robert Kelly. Kelly was sworn in by Elwaki.

New Business

The first piece of new business for the night was Resolution #11-20: Expansion of AED Placement to Residential Commons. This resolution is from the 11th assembly of UPUA and calls for AED placement in residential areas. In collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety, the speaker brought forward the possibility of sudden cardiac arrest. This resolution addresses Penn State safety policy SY22, which prioritizes AED placement. Heavily trafficked residential areas are identified as high risk. While AED coverage has improved in academic and athletic spaces, the resolution proposes that at least one AED be placed in each of the residential common buildings.

Resolution: #11-20: Expansion of AED Placement to Residential Commons passed unanimously.

The first bill of the night passed was Bill #51-20: UPUA Valentine’s Coffeehouse. This bill discussed plans for the UPUA Valentine’s Coffeehouse in the Lion’s Lair Lounge in the HUB-Robeson Building, where students can take a break from academics and enjoy the Valentine’s season. The bill listed the total funding for booking and food as $355.57.

Bill #51-20: UPUA Valentine’s Coffeehouse passed 31-1.

The second bill of the night was Bill #52-20: Sponsoring the Vietnamese Student Association’s 2026 “A Fulfilling Têt.” This bill addressed the Tet event hosted by the Vietnamese Student Association and their request for co-sponsorship of the budget. This event is held annually, and tickets for this year’s celebration are sold out.

Bill #52-20: Sponsoring the Vietnamese Student Association’s 2026 “A Fulfilling Tet” was passed unanimously.

The third bill of the night was Bill #53-20: Funding Support for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Gala Raffle Basket. This bill discusses the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Gala. The UPUA was asked to support the Earth and Mineral Sciences community by sponsoring a raffle basket with sustainability-focused items. The bill requests funds for the items included in the basket, totaling $68.04.

Bill #52-20: Funding Support for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Gala Raffle Basket was passed unanimously.

The final piece of new business for the night was Bill #54-20: Basic Life Support Training Administration. This bill requests that UPUA fund a Basic Life Support (BLS) training course that includes CPR, AED use, and airway management. The course would allow students with no prior medical experience to respond to medical emergencies before first responders arrive. A survey conducted by UPUA received responses from 557 undergraduate students in the Elberly College of Science, revealing that many required courses for careers in healthcare do not require BLS training. The implementation and funding of a BLS course totals to $1,200. If the bill is passed, the UPUA will subsidize $20 of the $30 per participant, with participants paying $10. The bill’s Head-Sponsor and the Finance Department are responsible for collecting and distributing funds. Dates will be confirmed before advertising begins.

Bill #54-20: Basic Life Support Training Administration was passed 31-1.