As we descend upon the ninth week of classes, it may be a good time for students to assess their performances in the classroom thus far.
For the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), it's also a good time to consider what has been accomplished and what needs to be finished before the semester's end.
That goal was apparent at last week's UPUA meeting, when UPUA President Gavin Keirans presented a motivational message: While the organization has made great strides this semester, action and follow-through are still required of important initiatives.
Throughout his presidency, Keirans has proven himself as an ambitious yet realistic leader. His ideas for the university -- including the medical amnesty program, legal services and the sexual assault awareness campaign -- have been progressive and sincere. We encourage the continuation of their planning and implementation.
However, the association can execute its initiatives more efficiently by continuing and growing its collaboration with the university and the State College Borough.
UPUA has done well legitimizing itself through the past few years, and this will only continue as it works to grow its influence and visibility among university and borough officials.
This week's Campus Night Out is a good example of the quality programs that UPUA has orchestrated to date. The event will address on-campus issues like underage drinking and sexual assaults, both pertinent topics on campus this semester in particular.
Still, we want to see UPUA engage the borough. The proposed Nuisance Gathering Ordinance and university recognition of fraternities are major points of discussion among borough officials and are relevant to student life, but UPUA has been quiet.
Since the proposed ordinance could potentially affect a lot of Penn State students, UPUA's role as a voice for its constituents is indispensable. We implore the organization to represent the students at the borough's public hearing on Nov. 2.
UPUA has done a great job growing its influence and visibility among students, but to truly represent its constituents and execute its initiatives, it will need to expand its relevance with the university and the borough.
