Wharton U.S.A. creates network

The Wharton Undergraduate Student Association, an unprecedented attempt by the school to coordinate its undergraduate student organizations, will hold its first meeting Feb. 15. The goal of the Association, according to its charter, is to create "a more organized, efficient and interactive environment for all Wharton undergraduate organizations and their members." "We plan to set up a network of liaisons to get together and have regular meetings," Wharton sophomore Tejal Mody, a member of the Wharton U.S.A. executive roundtable, said. The Association's representative roundtable will be comprised of one liaison from each of the approximately 35 undergraduate organizations. This network will work together to increase student participation in undergraduate activities and strengthen the link between the administration, faculty and students, Mody said. When the need for such an organization became evident in the fall of 1992, several students, under the direction of Associate Director of the Wharton Undergraduate Division Michael London, began to collate their ideas for the Association. "We're finally getting ready to take the next step," Mody said. The "next step," Mody explained, is to seek input from students and respond to suggestions and community needs. The Association plans to produce a collective calendar and allocate funding for specific projects and events. They hope to eventually be represented in the Student Activities Council as a single entity. If this happens Mody said, funding for undergraduate activities would be allocated through Wharton U.S.A., with additional funds coming from alumni donations. Wharton U.S.A. will also serve as the supervisor for the addition of new student organizations in the school. Prospective organizations will be required to file a charter and undergo an official application process for recognition. This recognition will entitle the organizations to publicity rights, a complementary e-mail account, use of Wharton U.S.A. office materials and funding. "Probably not everyone's going to be excited about it," said College and Wharton sophomore Satya Patel, another executive board member. "But this will let everyone know what's going on so that activities aren't scheduled at the same time." "There are no disadvantages, only advantages," he added. But the true test of student reaction to Wharton U.S.A. will come at next Tuesday's introductory meeting. "We're optimistic about the success of this [organization,]" Mody said. "We're exploring different avenues. Hopefully, it will be received very well."