Thank you for your support and thank you for voting your heart!
Creating a realistic UPUA platform is often a daunting task. When Vice President of Student Affairs Vicky Triponey and her sidekick Galen Foulke formed UPUA eight years ago, it was done so not with the intention of shared governance but of advocacy – a vice that UPUA has seemingly never been able to escape. However, incrementally, UPUA can work toward becoming a true student government with real p
ower and legitimacy to make decisions on behalf of the student body instead of the warped structure that currently exists. My platform consists of the following realistic goals to help improve the student experience at University Park:
-Establish and lobby for a permanent student position on the Penn State Board of Trustees. Traditionally, the governor appoints the student trustee although it is not required. It would benefit shared governance at Penn State if this position was permanent and voted on by the student body instead of appointed. If elected, I will work to make this important position a reality.
-Increase sustainability efforts at off-campus apartments. Unlike on-campus housing, many downtown apartments do not have permanent and convenient recycling receptacles. I will work with landlords to require these amenities and improve recycling effortsin town.
-Improve UPUA’s THON involvement. Currently, UPUA does not have a THON committee or dedicate any resources to the organization. THON is such an important part of Penn State student life and UPUA should be more involved.
-Bring Turquoise Jeep Records to perform at Penn State. I will work with the Student Programming Association (SPA) to bring the popular musical group Turquoise Jeep to Penn State for a concert that is sure to build unity among students. Such cultural events are integral to a cohesive student body, and the smooth melodies of Flynt Flossy have the power to bring everyone together.
