The six branches of student government unanimously proclaimed Penn's condition "excellent" in the second annual State of the School address last night.
Featuring representatives from class boards, the Nominations and Elections Committee, the Student Activities Council, the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education and the Social Planning and Events Committee, the address aimed to provide the undergraduate community with information on student government progress and ongoing initiatives.
The general audience consisted of approximately 60 students, virtually all of whom represented student government organizations.
Event organizer and College sophomore Julie Adler said the dearth of other members of the Penn community was the event's primary flaw, though she said she was pleased with the event's execution as a whole.
"We definitely opened this up to the public," said Adler, who is also the vice chairwoman of education for the NEC. "If we could find a way to bring in more of the outside student body, that would be great."
Though the NEC hosted the event, representatives from each of the branches spoke individually.
Academically, SCUE Chairwoman and College junior Samantha Springer said the committee is currently preparing to compile an evaluation of campus academic life while continuing to work on improving the general curriculum.
"Perhaps one of the largest tasks for next semester is working on redesigning the general requirement, now that the pilot program is officially over," Springer said.
UA Chairman and College senior Jason Levine cited outreach and improvements in student accessibility to campus resources as yearlong goals.
"We've been working on making buying and selling textbooks increasingly easy, especially used textbooks," Levine said. "And we are looking to create a shopping period for classes."
Class board presidents spoke about past events and upcoming initiatives, specifically the Cram 'N' Jam that all four classes will sponsor before winter break to provide students with free food and massages.
NEC Chairman and College senior Eli Schlam reported that though the NEC continues to search for ways to create a more informed electorate, the committee has performed its duties well this semester.
"The NEC is most successful when it is not seen and not in the press," he said.
While pleased with first-semester events such as the concert with the Pat McGee Band and The Roots, SPEC will look to increase its number of co-sponsorships and cater to Penn's diverse constituents during the upcoming semester, SPEC Chairman and College senior Darryl Wooten said.
"Though it is impossible to plan events that everyone will enjoy, it is fair to say that our events have greatly contributed to the social atmosphere at Penn," he said.
Similarly, SAC Chairman and Wharton senior Omar Vasquez said the committee continues to run smoothly and accommodate the diverse array of student groups.
At the conclusion of the address, Adler emphasized the necessity of the six bodies to continue to work together to yield change. State of the School address In the address, student government organizations discussed current problems and future goals. Pilot curriculum: Now that the trial period has ended, input will need to be taken for a possible redesign of the general requirement. Textbooks: The UA will work to simplify the buying and selling of textbooks. A special focus will be given to used textbooks. Shopping period: The UA will look into a period when students can initially sample classes without assignments being due. Study breaks: Class boards will continue to sponsor study breaks to relieve student stress. Student input: All student government organizations will try to come up with additional ways in which to include outside input.
