UA kicks off year with first meeting

The Undergraduate Assembly met last night for the first time this semester under the leadership of new chairman College and Wharton senior Wilson Tong.

A handful of freshmen who are interested in running for a UA seat attended the meeting and raised issues that they thought needed to be addressed after only a few weeks on campus.

Both UA members and non-members participated in last night's open forum - a new initiative started last year that invites students to present concerns at meetings - and discussed six issues: move-in problems; the lack of air-conditioning in some college houses; lawn sprinkler systems; toilet cleanliness in college houses; security on campus; and late-night dining.

The following UA projects were continued or occurred over the summer:

- College sophomore Mark Peter Pan spoke about FAQs and brochures for freshmen and gave positive feedback on meeting with freshmen and hearing their problems.

- College sophomore Matt Amalfitano spoke about the progress of the University-wide music file-sharing task force and its recommendations.

- During New Student Orientation, a Sister Hall Pilot Program was initiated, and College sophomore Adam Bloch declared it a success.

- College sophomore Alec Webley presented the results of a survey the UA conducted about student opinions on the move-out process. Webley also said International Student Orientation was shortened this year from three days to one day with positive feedback from students.

- The UA then elected Engineering senior Jordan Mendel to University Council.

"I'm really excited to bring my voice to this important committee and to represent undergraduate students," he said.

- The UA's working committees for the semester will be: Academic Affairs; Facilities, Safety and Sustainability; Housing and Dining; Student Life; and Civic and Community Engagement.

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