Student government leaders talk progress at 'State of the School'

The aim of this year’s annual State of the School event was twofold: to update students on the six different branches of student government and to introduce them to “The Late Night,” a new study space in the basement of 1920 Commons open through 2 a.m. five nights a week.

All six branches of student government kicked off the event, hosted by the Nominations and Elections Committee, by delivering a progress report on their respective branch.

Social Planning and Events Committee President and Wharton senior Adam Thompson reflected on SPEC’s accomplishments thus far, including selling out several events. He said Spring Fling is slated for the weekend of April 15.

Student Committee on Undergraduate Education Chairman and Wharton junior Charles Gray, a former Daily Pennsylvanian columnist, said initiatives for next semester include “Goings on at Penn,” a “student-run scholarly events listserv” in conjunction with the Philomathean Society and the College Dean’s Advisory Board.

The four Class Boards each highlighted their plans for the coming semester. The 2014 Class Board is currently working on a design contest for sweatshirts. The 2013 Board is planning Sophomore Skimmer, while the 2012 Board is busy organizing additional “Abroad in Philadelphia” events. The 2011 Board is focusing on Feb Club, the annual month-long series of events for seniors.

NEC Chairman and Wharton senior Nick Greif spoke on “the craziness of freshman elections.” The group’s next task will be filling seats for University-wide committees.

Undergraduate Assembly President and College senior Matt Amalfitano briefed the UA’s successes this year and said he hopes to keep this spring’s budgeting process transparent.

Finally, the Student Activities Council outlined its goals to tackle student group debt and clarify funding procedures.

One student asked Amalfitano whether the Wharton School could “share some of its expensive amenities” with other schools. Amalfitano responded that Penn operates on a “decentralized” system but that the study spaces database being developed by PennApps Labs will help streamline study areas for students across all schools.

Another student asked how to reserve “The Late Night.” Amalfitano said that for now, reservations will be made through Business Services and the space will be reserved for quiet study from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night of operation.

NEC Vice Chairwoman for Education and College senior Margo Peyton, host for the evening, said she was happy with the event’s attendance.

Still, the audience was comprised in large part of student government members.

Though some said the event was less exciting than in previous years, Peyton explained that it’s up to the individual branches to determine the activities.

She added that the event was “much more laid back — student government doesn’t have to be stuffy.”

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