If you want more opportunities to affect change on campus, you can get involved with Penn's student government.
The undergraduate student government is made up of six branches that represent students in all aspects of University life, from academics to concerts.
The Undergraduate Assembly (UA): This 33-person elected student assembly advocates student concerns to the administration.
In addition to serving on one of the six committees that make up the body, it is responsible for distributing approximately $1.8 million each year to itself and the other five branches.
The UA meets each Sunday night at 9 p.m. There is a 10-minute open forum at the beginning of each meeting when the general public is invited to speak. Meeting locations can be found online.
Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC): The NEC's internally selected members oversee student government elections and the nomination of representatives for University committees. They are also responsible for educating students about student government's activities.
Student Activities Council (SAC): SAC controls the money allocated to most of the student groups on campus. Clubs must apply for recognition, report their budgets to the School of Arts and Sciences and send a representative to general body meetings.
Student Committee on Undergraduate Education (SCUE): For those who want to be more involved in the quality of their education, SCUE is the place to go - this group acts as a watchdog group for undergraduate education. Members are chosen in an application process during their freshman or sophomore years.
It holds an annual education week and research fair for students. For the past few semesters, the group has been focused on getting all syllabi posted online, a project which was successfully completed last semester.
Social Planning and Events Committee (SPEC): SPEC coordinates and plans most of the social events on campus, including the most famous: Spring Fling.
The group is divided into nine different committees that organize events like a campus art gallery, speakers and concerts. Members can sign up for committees at the beginning of the year.
Class Boards: The elected representatives in each class coordinate classwide activities that boost school spirit, like the annual Hey Day for juniors. Any activity or event suggestions should be directed to the Class Boards.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.