The Undergraduate Assembly (UA) mid-session report can be found here. The report summarizes the UA’s projects and advocacy efforts for the fall 2023 term. These efforts reflect the UA’s unwavering commitment to amplifying resources for our fellow students and continuing to advance projects that enhance the undergraduate experience. There is also an overview of the UA’s most significant efforts of the semester, of which you will find a summary version below:

Diversity & Equity in Higher Education Advocacy

UA president Xavier Shankle collaborated with counterparts from Harvard College and the University of North Carolina concerning the overturning of affirmative action. Mr. Shankle’s participation in the Department of Education’s National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and further engagements at the White House underscored the UA’s commitment to ensuring Penn student voices were heard and represented at the federal level regarding issues of advancing diversity and equity at higher education institutions like Penn.

Menstrual Products Initiative

Under UA speaker Ria Ellendula’s leadership, the UA, through a partnership with Residential Services, successfully launched a campus-wide initiative to provide free menstrual products in all undergraduate college houses in the fall of 2023. This extends the availability of these products to all floors/lobby bathrooms across campus, following the successful initiative at Hill College House in the spring of 2023.

UA Reserve Fund Expenditures

The UA Reserve Fund has been completely revamped to offer a collaborative process for funding new student-led initiatives on campus. UA Reserve Fund proposals now involve UA Steering, Penn Student Government, and campus leaders. These proposals undergo public debate and UA body approval, ensuring input from the Penn community. In fall 2023, four approved proposals used the fund: the Sarah Katz Award promoting heart and health literacy, equipment funding for upgrades to the PAC shop at Platt House, MERT’s new headquarters, and the Actively Moving Forward: HealGrief Program, which aids bereaved students through peer-based support initiatives and workshops.

Project Work in the Body

The UA’s 55 members have diligently spearheaded many impactful projects throughout the fall 2023 semester, reflecting a commitment to enhancing various facets of campus life. Members have collaborated on initiatives ranging from improving space reservation policies and access to community service events to promoting student feedback and sustainability within Penn Dining. The UA has also focused on practical enhancements, such as resource guides for students navigating the ever-evolving job-recruiting dynamic, increasing access to wellness and health resources, and amplifying resources for FGLI students. We encourage readers to use the member directory if they have any questions or comments about the projects in progress.

Conclusion

The 51st session of the UA is far from complete. We hope to add to our progress during the spring term, and we encourage you to reach out to us at exec@pennua.org or through our suggestions box on our website. We share your pride in Penn and eagerly anticipate concluding our term with the same vigor and compassion with which we began.

—Undergraduate Assembly Executive Board