UA sees high turnout for its first meeting

Bringing administrators to meetings and facilitating interaction among student organizations topped the agenda at the first Undergraduate Assembly meeting of the semester on Sunday. The group gathered at Chats to discuss the goals of each of the assembly's five committees and share overall visions for the UA. Twenty-two out of 25 members attended -- a relatively high turnout for the group, according to UA Secretary and College junior Olivia Troye. UA Chairperson Noah Bilenker said the Executive Board is working as a whole to bring University administrators to meetings in order to "avoid bureaucracy." The UA also plans to utilize the expertise of various campus organizations in implementing its projects aimed at connecting student groups with one another. "We're an advocacy group, yes," Bilenker said. "But we have to make sure that we take a leadership role and facilitate other groups meeting with each other." The College junior added that the UA will try to put its committee system to greater use this year "to get more done efficiently." Each of the UA's committees meets separately during the week before joining with the entire body on Sunday nights to share ideas. At Sunday's meeting, committees submitted their goals for the year. UA member and Wharton senior Charley Margosian said the facilities committee plans to keep a close watch on the University's building plans -- especially renovations of the high rises and the construction of the Perelman Quadrangle. "We're going to try to keep a finger on what they're doing and what their plans are," he said. The committee also plans to help student groups find rehearsal and meeting space during the Perelman Quad's construction. Among the ideas proposed by the West Philadelphia committee is a plan to work closely with faculty who live in the neighborhood in order to improve the area. "If the students and faculty both have the same concerns, then we can work together and get things done," UA member and College sophomore Seth Kruglak said. The committee also plans to organize the distribution of a brochure to students living off campus with information on who to contact with questions about rent or landlords. Local residents will hand out the brochures door to door, another opportunity to get to know students better. "A safe community is one where you? know who your neighbors are and feel comfortable in your environment," UA member and College sophomore Sara Shenkan said. The UA's student life committee suggested creating a space for pre-game events, such as tailgate parties. The committee also plans to help students work around the elimination of meal redemptions and other recent Dining Services changes. The academics committee plans to continue implementing the advising initiatives proposed last year by the UA's advising report. These include improving peer advising and providing Wharton students with advisors. And the Greek issues committee will continue to work with the Office of the Vice Provost of University Life to help fraternities solve the problem of funding parties.