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When was the last time the name "Undergraduate Assembly" came up in one of your casual conversations? You and your friends were probably sitting at Smokes' discussing the intricacies of the Penn-Princeton basketball game, when all of a sudden your roommate randomly said, "Hey! I was at the gym today -- did you know the UA got free guest passes for us? How cool is that?"

Not likely.

This is a UA chair's fantasy (we don't have time for your stereotypical college fantasies). We would love to see the day when UA projects and accomplishments pop up in everyday conversation, when students know what we are doing, feel that they can voice their concerns and believe that the UA is the most effective means by which to initiate change at Penn.

At the moment, this obviously is not the case. Students do not know, or often care, what the UA does. There are a number of reasons for such apathy. First, although all 33 members work hard at individual projects to better undergraduate life, most things take time, and our ideas may be unacceptable to Penn's decision-makers. Second, even when we are successful, we have yet to find the best means of publicizing our accomplishments. And third, students are often concerned about relevant issues, but they do not think to bring them to the UA. Undergraduates will be much more likely to pay attention to what we do if they have a personal stake in our progress.

So why should the average student care about the UA? Because our actions can impact your everyday life.

Did you know that Taco Bell and Scoop deVille are products of UA recommendations made three years ago? Or that the city commissioned a study of the dangers to pedestrians at 38th and Spruce/Walnut streets because of our requests to change the traffic patterns? The UA has also extended the time between final exams to one hour; helped to create coeducational housing, smoke-free dorms and a new online directory; successfully lobbied for additional computers in Houston Hall and a student discount at the Bridge; and worked with retailers on 40th Street to create more late-night food options during finals.

There are also a number of initiatives still in progress. Members have taken steps to create a legal file-sharing program, which will hopefully be put to use next year. We are working with the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education to improve academic advising and make the add/drop period friendlier to student preferences. The UA is pressuring the University to create a stronger recycling policy, make Dining Dollars and PennCash acceptable at more off-campus locations and create a universal student access system to all buildings in the Quad.

We want you to know how valuable of a resource the UA can be. The UA is more than an advisory body. Our lack of legislative power is compensated for by the strong relationships we have with those who do make the decisions. We have the attentive ear of the administration, and as a representative body we are completely at your disposal.

This past year the UA has successfully used every campus resource to improve undergraduate life. But in the year to come, our goal will be to involve and incorporate ideas from students like you. So the next time you hear the term "Undergraduate Assembly" in class, on the Walk, at the gym or even from a booth at Smokes', listen up. Maybe the topic will interest you. All it takes is a simple e-mail to any representative to have your ideas heard. This year the UA has worked tirelessly to represent student interests. In the year to come we will continue to do the same, but also to ensure that you always know what your student government is doing for you.

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