Jason Levy: The UA, striving to serve all of Penn's undergraduates

Being charged as a representative body for 10,000 students, the Undergraduate Assembly faces a daunting task. Admittedly, in years past, the UA has been rightly criticized for serving too narrow of a constituency. While there is much progress to be made in representing all constituents, we have made accountability to each undergraduate our top priority for this year.

This UA placed special emphasis on the idea that there are more undergraduate representatives to the administration than simply its 33 members. Traditionally, UA Steering was used simply as a calendar meeting that accomplished little more than ensuring that student groups' events were not in conflict with each other. Yet, with membership ranging from the heads of each branch of student government to the leaders of minority coalitions and Greek life, it is essential that we realize this body's potential. Thus, this year, we empowered this group to do exactly what its name implies -- steer the Undergraduate Assembly.

Among other accomplishments, UA Steering influenced the manner in which we sought funding for the expansion of preorientation programs and collectively created a proposal to improve New Student Orientation. Because of the concerted effort made by such a representative body, both of these initiatives were approved by the administration.

While UA Steering targets undergraduate umbrella organizations, the UA also reached out to individuals and groups that have a unique niche within Penn's community. With these constituents in mind, the UA held a town hall meeting for the first time in two years. Among other attendees, a group of students seeking to create an EMT service at Penn received unanimous UA support for their program. Seeing the success of this meeting, another town hall meeting is planned for next semester.

A major benefit of the UA is the level of access we have to Penn's top administrators. Through University Council, we have tried to give the same opportunities the UA enjoys to every undergraduate. With a body composed of faculty, staff and top administrators, such as the president and provost, there is no better place for students to voice their concerns. As a result of recent reforms to this body, each Council meeting includes an open forum session. We encourage all groups who have problems, concerns or new initiatives appropriate for University Council to come and present to this body. Please call the Office of the Secretary at 898-7457 for the opportunity to get you or your organization on the agenda.

We see accountability as a top priority, directly tied to our more tangible commitments. From working to bring back the Penn Course Review to lobbying for co-ed housing, we are dedicated to improving the lives of undergraduates. Come to the UA Web site (http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~ua) or e-mail a UA representative. Hold us accountable and we will serve you better.Jason Levy is a senior in the College and chairman of the Undergraduate Assembly.

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