Presented by The Daily Pennsylvanian
The Undergraduate Assembly is the elected, representative branch of student government at Penn, charged with improving life for all students through funding, services, and advocacy. The highest authority is the President of the student body, followed by the Vice President. The UA Vice President oversees UA Steering, a group of influential student groups on campus that meet to discuss issues pertaining to student life.
The purpose of the four Class Boards is to provide social programming that instills a sense of class and school spirit, unity and pride, and breaks through social barriers. Each class popularly elects a president, executive vice president, vice president for internal affairs, vice president for external affairs, vice president for finance, and class chairs.
1) Tackling Student Needs: Uplifting the work of the 6B organizations with cultural houses and gender-inclusive restrooms; continuing free menstrual product provision across campus
2) Bolstering Representation: Challenging administrators on their efforts to boost faculty diversity and retention, notably in ethnic studies departments (ie ASAM); pushing for more diverse queer and trans CAPS counselors
3) Reopening Effectively: Urging for timely fall plan correspondence; putting safety at the forefront with more Penn Violence Prevention trainings for student groups; insisting on transparency regarding campus compact disciplinary action
4) Championing Wellness: Expanding CAPS Let’s Talk hours and staff across campus locations; broadening dining plan options under the new mandate; driving utilization of the new PSG fund for social inclusivity
5) Holding Penn Accountable: Advocating for the payment of PILOTs and divestment from fossil fuels during our meetings with the President and Provost, echoing the demands of diverse student groups
1) Diversity & Community Advancement: 1) Increased funding for POC events and opportunities, 2) Connecting each 6B group directly to administrators, 3) Increased Faculty diversity, 4) Addressing Penntrification, PILOTS, and Penn’s Environmental Impact
2) Wellness & Mental Health: We need to dismantle Penn stereotypes to create a better and healthier student. 1) Hiring more POC Therapists & Psychiatrists for CAPS, 2) Hosting a Faculty and Student Town Hall about Mental Health in the Classroom
3) Academic Reform: 1) Amending our schedule, including breaks, pass/fail, and add/drop dates, 2) Improving professor accountability and reducing course costs, 3) Replacing academic class requirements with more relevant topics (racial and environmental education)
4) Administrative Accountability: 1)Improving transparency with financial aid especially for International and Transfer students, 2) Transparency as it pertains to Penn’s investment practices, 3) Ensuring that all students can be incorporated into university decisions
1) Tackling Student Needs: Uplifting the work of the 6B organizations with cultural houses and gender-inclusive restrooms; continuing free menstrual product provision across campus
2) Bolstering Representation: Challenging administrators on their efforts to boost faculty diversity and retention, notably in ethnic studies departments (ie ASAM); pushing for more diverse queer and trans CAPS counselors
3) Reopening Effectively: Urging for timely fall plan correspondence; putting safety at the forefront with more Penn Violence Prevention trainings for student groups; insisting on transparency regarding campus compact disciplinary action
4) Championing Wellness: Expanding CAPS Let’s Talk hours and staff across campus locations; broadening dining plan options under the new mandate; driving utilization of the new PSG fund for social inclusivity
5) Holding Penn Accountable: Advocating for the payment of PILOTs and divestment from fossil fuels during our meetings with the President and Provost, echoing the demands of diverse student groups
1) Diversity & Community Advancement: 1) Increased funding for POC events and opportunities, 2) Connecting each 6B group directly to administrators, 3) Increased Faculty diversity, 4) Addressing Penntrification, PILOTS, and Penn’s Environmental Impact
2) Wellness & Mental Health: We need to dismantle Penn stereotypes to create a better and healthier student. 1) Hiring more POC Therapists & Psychiatrists for CAPS, 2) Hosting a Faculty and Student Town Hall about Mental Health in the Classroom
3) Academic Reform: 1)Amending our schedule, including breaks, pass/fail, and add/drop dates, 2) Improving professor accountability and reducing course costs, 3) Replacing academic class requirements with more relevant topics (racial and environmental education)
4) Administrative Accountability: 1) Improving transparency with financial aid especially for International and Transfer students, 2) Transparency as it pertains to Penn’s investment practices, 3) Ensuring that all students can be incorporated into university decisions
1) Postpone the Pass/Fail Deadline so that we can see our grades before deciding whether or not to pass/fail.
2) Implement a wait list for courses on Penn inTouch so we don't have to decrease stress associated with trying to get courses.
3) Reach out to faculty to organize open forums to promote better communication between students and faculty.
4) I value your input and would be open to suggestions! :D
1) West Philadelphia: We need to support the West Philadelphia community by pushing for adequate PILOTs, expanded community engagement, and proper recognition for the service workers keeping campus clean and safe.
2) Class Spirit: We can’t just simply move-on from losing our Freshman year. As soon as it’s safe, I will fight to get back the celebrations (and free merch!) we’ve earned.
3) Student Voice: Penn administration has time-and-time again disregarded students’ best interests. I will always prioritize our voices and challenge admin when we are not being heard.
4) Dining: The Sophomore dining plan is outrageous and it must be removed. I will also push for dining dollars to have more functionality, such as at Honeygrow or Franklin’s Table.
5) Wellness: Penn must re-evaluate student wellness. Students need real mental health days (not a Spring Break replacement), including election day, and professors must recognize when students are being overworked.
6) Class Board Culture: Many upperclassmen have expressed concerns to me about Class Board being unhelpful for students. Class Board must instill class spirit, but also lobby for change that matters.
1) Promote campaigns and events with Student Financial Services that allow students to better understand their financial aid and financial programs they’re entitled to at Penn.
2) Promote initiatives that help better accommodate FGLI students with unstable access to internet / unreliable access technology.
3) Create a new class review system similar to Penn Course Review where students can provide commentary on their individual experiences in courses at Penn.
4) Continue to support the expansion and relocation of Cultural Centers from the ARCH basement.
1) Amplifying the voices and needs of students of color on Penn’s campus with prioritization of the 6B’s initiatives to promote inclusivity through centralized spaces for these communities on Locust Walk.
2) Working with our administration to ensure that the class of 2024 and forthcoming years feel a sense of belonging within the Penn community in our socially-distant new normal.
3) Organizing active, sustained partnerships with the West Philadelphia community based on the needs they describe to us, giving students the opportunity to serve in meaningful and impactful ways.
4) Working to enhance the diversity of CAPS and the identities represented in their offices, fostering a more welcoming and representative environment for students of color.
5) Advocating for a bolstering of the Asian American Studies Program through the hiring of more professors and seeing overall greater support from administration for the program.
6) Increased transparency between the UA and student body. We should know what you want us to advocate for and you should know how we are doing that.
1) Mental Health: Attending a prestigious university doesn’t have to make you miserable. I will fight for a serious reevaluation and expansion of the mental health resources currently available to us.
2) Transparency: We deserve to know when decisions are made regarding our Penn experience!! I will work to ensure admin makes decisions about dining and breaks with us, not for us.
3) Spirit: This year has flown by without fun traditions to counteract academics. As soon as it’s safe, I will organize events--with food and merch!!--to reclaim the year we’ve lost.
4) ASAM program: Admin’s contributions to the Asian community on campus have been seriously lacking. I promise to advocate for the retention and expansion of the ASAM program.
5) West Philadelphia: We have the power to support our new West Philly community beyond simple Instagram story bingo boards--through the payment of PILOTs, community service projects, and political advocacy.
6) Communication: Student government representatives are just that: representatives for your voice and ideas!! I promise to constantly communicate with you guys, keeping you informed and involved in conversations with administration.
1) “Penn Face” is real. My goal is to act on the 300+ responses I compiled regarding experiences in this virtual environment and implement more resources on the Penn Mobile app.
2) I’ve been fortunate enough to get involved in PAACH and South Asia Society. I plan to fight for increased funding and facilities for ALL cultural communities here at Penn.
3) As UA Communications Director, I’ve seen how disconnected the student body can be from student government. I hope to host monthly forums for all SAS students to discuss current issues.
4) As an elected member, I will work with my peers to advocate for increased guidance from faculty and more technology resources to FGLI students.
5) The Dining experiences here have not been ideal. I plan to fight for the removal of the mandatory dining plan for sophomores, as well as increased diversity of meal options.
6) As a dancer, I value all forms of art. I will work with the Performing Arts Council and other artistic groups to fight for increased funding/resources of arts communities.
1) Modified Pass/Fail Policies: Students should have a greater length of time before the pass/fail deadline approaches, as the prior deadline does not allow for accurate knowledge of one's class grade.
2) Increased Pre-Major Advising: I will emphasize the need for improved pre-major and pre-professional advising, including increased frequency of communication between advisors and advisees.
3) Class Hybridity Features: Once classes resume in person, certain class features like office hours or review sessions should be offered online, as such options can improve convenience and attendance.
4) College Community Sessions: Offer social and pre-professional events for College students to interact with one another in fun, safe, and consistent manner.
1) Representation: Worked with minority groups to ensure that the UA was advocating for issues that students actually care about. I will open even more lines of communication so UA Projects are direct responses to student problems
2) Transparency: I focused on the Morton collection and student demands for more transparency. Successfully established continual communication with the Museum to establish Undergraduate representation moving forward. I will utilize my experience to address transparency issues with the two-year dining plan
3) Engagement: Planned and hosted a freshman forum. Planned and co-hosted a series of DEI career events. I will work to ensure there is nothing blocking students from engaging with Penn’s resources
1) Advocacy: Especially during a time that prompts many concerns, it will be my priority to make sure that the concerns of students are being addressed and resolved.
2) Transparency: It is incredibly important to keep undergraduate students informed about the projects undertaken by the Undergraduate Assembly.
3) Accessibility: Information is only valuable if it is accessible. It is imperative to make sure that work done in the Undergraduate Assembly is readily available to all who need it.
4) Engagement: There is a plethora of opportunities in West Philadelphia for undergraduates to participate in civic engagement. I hope to promote ABCs courses and programs in Penn Centers to volunteer.
1) Address the ominous gap in financial resource availability between FGLI students and students that come from backgrounds of wealth.
2) Collaborate with the Penn administration to host monthly town hall meetings to address financial and mental health concerns, because I STILL have not run into Amy Gutmann on Locust <3.
3) Carefully assess what we consider the new “normal” after COVID-19; address new issues such as the second year dining plan, two year housing requirement, and the new block scheduling system.
4) Expand mental health resources past just CAPS. Collaborate more with professors and those actually assigning work to students to ensure we are maintaining reasonable and realistic expectations.
5) As a powerful, established branch of the student government, we will continue to pressure Penn to truly fund PILOTs and hold themselves accountable for the historical gentrification of Western Philadelphia.
1) CAPS - Wellness check-ins for all students, ensuring each student has a point of contact in CAPS Expand services to provide support and address the impact of current events on students
2) Popping the Penn Bubble - Acknowledging the consequences of Penn’s decisions beyond campus, especially within Philadelphia Pay PILOTS Divest from fossil fuels and focus on creating a sustainable campus
3) Sexual Assault - Re-evaluating the way Penn responds to sexual assault and student misconduct Cheating shouldn’t be what gets a student kicked out of the university when sexual assault remains unpunished
4) Transitioning In-Person Successfully - Create opportunities for Class of 2024 to engage with one another and become comfortable on campus Collaborating with career services to create additional opportunities for students
5) Inclusivity of All Students -Increasing economic and racial diversity in the student body Making sure that FGLI students feel welcome on campus and Penn services are accessible Accommodating dining needs
6) Affordability at Penn Recognizing the implications of obligatory dining and housing plans, creating more affordable options for students Combating tuition inflation Expanding financial aid packages for students impacted by COVID
1) Dining Swipes for MERT volunteers
2) Networking events
3) Remote and In-Person Research/Internship Opportunities
4) Making the Dining Plan for Sophomores optional
5) Reorganization of the Student Employment Portal
1) Make class recordings mandatory even when we return to in-person learning
2) Improve UA accessibility through increased publicity, office hours and anonymous drop-boxes
3) MORE ACCESSIBLE PREMED ADVISING
4) Phone charger stations in the dorm lobbies. I hate when my phone dies and the security guards lecture me for 20 minutes about it
1) International student advocacy - continue working with SRFS and ISSS to advocate for International student needs, including continuing to push for need blind admissions for international students.
2) Increase funding for underrepresented student groups - push for Penn to allocate more resources to organizations for underrepresented student groups like the 6B organisations.
3) Penn Dining initiatives - expand the use of dining dollars to more stores and food places around campus, as well as dietary restriction advocacy (Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian).
4) PennLabs - work with PennLabs to make Penn related resources, like CAPS, Career services, the Tutoring center, etc. more accessible to Penn students through the PennMobile app.
5) Morton Collection - This is a collection of human skulls owned by the Penn Museum and is explicitly linked to the university's historical ties with racism. I want to keep pushing for undergraduate voices to be added to the conversation surrounding this collection, and advocating for repatriation of these remains.
6) Better communication - improve transparency and feedback between the UA and the student Body, as well as partnerships between the UA and other branches of student government, such as CB’24 to build community.
1) Establish a fair conversion rate from meal swipes to dining dollars that is more flexible and reasonable than the current punitive structure.
2) Reduce the amount of clubs that require both an application and interview process for acceptance.
3) Revamp and renovate Houston Hall to be a more social space on campus for the fall.
4) Create more mindfulness spaces on campus for when student return.
5) Expand the amount of dining plan options available to students (especially sophomores).
6) Finally, remember Isabella HASSETT HAS what IT takes.
1) I will push Penn administration towards a revamp of the Sophomore Dining Experience
2) I will not shy away from criticizing Penn policies according to your thoughts, and I will not back down until students see the results they require.
3) I will be a voice for First Generation, Low Income students.
4) I will work to improve first-year Wharton advising, making advice more helpful and accessible.
5) Most importantly, I will actively seek Wharton student opinions, ensuring that issues you face are on the agenda.
1) Penn Culture - Push for more academic leniency with policies like P/F to target the root of toxic Penn culture
2) Diverse Recruitment - Make sure the UA targets diverse communities when asking for applications to be UA Associate Members
3) Transfer Program Community - Next year I plan on focusing on a transfer program community in the high rises to make sure transfers have an easier time making friends.
4) Traffic light - Fix the traffic light at 38th & Spruce. It is so dangerous! DPS should put more pressure on the city to fix it.
1) Addressing mental health, I will be utilizing data I have collected throughout the last semester to encourage more conversations to admin about the mental health concerns of the student body.
2) With many feeling lost communal ties due to covid, a large initiative I will undergo will be for events, as allowable as possible, to reconnect with and meet people.
3) Looking directly towards my potential responsibilities as Wharton Class Chair, I will fight for the traditions and key events that the Class of 2024 lost.
4) With internships and the job market in shambles, I will work to connect the two positions to market common and unknown Penn resources in helping students with these fields.
5) In specific regards to the Class of 2024, I have been and will continue to fight for exceptions to the rule requiring second year dining and housing.
1) Community- I really want to make up for our COVID freshman year with more free food, free merch, and free events than you can imagine.
2) Mental Health- The pandemic has revealed the gap in mental health programs that Penn offers, and I’ll advocate for more mental health resources and peer-to-peer support.
3) Sustainability- You’ll never catch me without my reusable blue bag, but I’m still concerned about the overwhelming plastic and waste on campus, which I’m working with Penn Environmental Group to change.
4) Penn Math- I’ve been working with the Penn math department to improve communication/feedback between students and professors.
5) Dining- No one wants to be forced to eat on the dining plan. Enough said.
1) Canceling Penn Face – Actively combat the campus norm that is Penn Face and promote an authentic/healthy environment.
2) Recreating The Freshmen Year Experience – Plan an in-person NSO week for the class of 2024 to get back the time and experiences we lost to the pandemic.
3) Improved Dining Experience – Abolish the “second year dining experience” and provide more options for vegan/vegetarian/halal/kosher students and more at our dining halls.
4) School Unity – Connect and unify the student body through various events promoting intra school interaction.
5) Equity and Inclusion – Advocate for need-blind admissions for international students and mandated implicit bias training for club leaders coordinating recruitment.
1) Embedding DEI into the all areas of Penn life
2) Ensuring that students can succeed at Penn no matter their background
3) Bringing more innovative tools in for student use to make the student experience more seamless
4) Encouraging transparency between faculty, admin, and students
1) Increasing Engagement: I want to make sure that as many members of our class as possible feel involved or engaged in class-wide activities/events. It's very important that we leave no individual in our class alone.
2) Supporting Minorities & POC: As a POC, I have found a great community at Penn, and I hope to push for greater inclusion within the UA to amplify minority voices.
3) Mental Health: I would like to work on a project that helps each of our class members check in on each other throughout the semester, possibly working with CAPS. This could be through forums or platforms such as GroupMe.
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5)
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1) Improving the dining experience and providing realistic feedback to administrators
2) Equity in treatment for all students on campus and allocating resources towards uplifting minority groups
3) Making Penn a sustainable institution
4) Holding Penn accountable for its impact on the Philadelphia community
5) Transparency between the administration and the student body regarding administrative decisionm
6) Paying attention to issues that affect the entire student body, and acute issues that affect a small number of students
1) Reformation of Academic Policies
2) Working with FGLI and International Students
1) Engineering Introductory Classes: increase opportunities for collaboration in introductory Engineering classes and advocate for more late-day passes.
2) Summer Opportunities: Create a better network of internship and research opportunities for Engineering students (hopefully extend this project to the entire student body).
3) Alumni Relations: Improve the current Penn Engineering alumni network to create a more symbiotic and fulfilling community for Engineering students.
4) More! Engineering! Merch!
1) Expanding mental health access and support in Penn Engineering - through increased mindfulness/fitness workshops, initiatives, and resources
2) Highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion - to ensure under-represented minorities, FGLI, and LGBTQ+ students are adequately represented in UA decision-making
3) Encouraging a culture of open, honest communication within Penn Engineering - including safe spaces and town halls to voice frustrations and ideas/opportunities for change
1) Make Penn a more inclusive and accepting community for all folks
2) Wellness Initiatives like Wellness TAs and more understanding late policies
3) Reserving classrooms after school hours for students to study—so much of Penn’s collaboration space goes unused simply because its availability isn’t known to students
4) Wellness Spaces/Reflection Rooms around campus, in particular in the Engineering Quad
1) Equity & Inclusion - Penn has a few summer bridge programs like PFP, STEP, etc. - Programs are not large enough to invite all incoming underrepresented students - Working to expand these programs
2) Academics - Worked on encouraging professors to send out mid-semester feedback forms - Want to continue to ensure students feel that their opinions and concerns are being heard by their professors.
3) Wellness - Mandate a presentation on wellness resouces available at Penn for all introductory classes - Create a comprehensive guide that students can use to determine resources that are most appropriate for them.
1) The establishment and implementation of efficacious, no-cost mental health programs and resources for the entire student body
2) Ensuring that funding is allocated to students in a way that benefits them regardless of university profit
3) Building solutions to social problems and providing the necessary education for all to understand these problems
4) Bringing about a more positive relationship between Penn and the Philadelphia community.
5) Advocate for students in the School of Nursing to feel they work in a fair, safe environment and always address any needs they have