UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With elections for the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) approaching, students are encouraged to get involved by voting, running for a position and endorsing a candidate.
Elections for the executive ticket, 20 at-large representatives and 14 academic college representatives will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on March 29. All University Park undergraduate students are eligible to vote via the 2023 UPUA Elections website, vote.psu.edu. Students must be in an academic college to vote for its representative.
“It’s really important for students to vote in our elections. Who you are electing is even more impactful on your day-to-day life than the United States elections,” UPUA President Sydney Gibbard said. “Students should feel empowered to vote on Election Day because it’s so easy and it shows that the students really do care and want to see a better Penn State.”
Those interested in running for a position must register by 5 p.m. on March 20 via the candidate registration form. Executive tickets, which must include a president and vice president, are also required to submit a petition with at least 100 University Park undergraduate student signatures in support of their candidacy.
Registrants must also review the 2023 Elections Code, watch a video and complete a quiz to finalize their registration. The video and quiz can be found in the candidate registration form.
“We aim to empower students, and if you come in with a passion project or something you really want to change here on campus, you can do it through student government,” said Rayna Alexander, UPUA executive director of public relations. “We have access to administration, to funding, to cross-collaboration with other organizations. It’s really just a platform to amplify student voices and pursue projects that are impactful to the student body.”
Students can also get involved with UPUA by applying for an executive or judicial branch position. These applications will open after the March 29 elections. Students are encouraged to monitor the UPUA Instagram, @upua_psu, for updates on this process.
The following campus organizations elect UPUA representatives:
- APIDA Caucus
- Black Caucus
- Latino Caucus
- Performing Arts Council
- Multicultural Greek Council
- National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Interfraternity Council
International Student Council - Panhellenic Council
Students can run for up to two of these representative positions. Each organization holds their elections separately. Those with questions about the election processes are encouraged to reach out to outreach@upua.org.
More information about the candidates can be found on the 2023 UPUA Elections website. Students can meet the candidates at 7 p.m. on March 21 in Freeman Auditorium, or 7 p.m. on March 27 over Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the Executive Townhall at 7 p.m. on March 23 in Freeman Auditorium to hear from members of executive tickets.
Students and organizations are invited to endorse candidates. Candidate contact information can be found on the 2023 UPUA Elections website.
“We’re here to stick up and fight for you. We are able to go to the faculty senate and say ‘This is what the students want,’” said Hayden D’Elena, UPUA chief justice and head elections commissioner. “Each and every person on campus matters and each and every person should be represented and accounted for.”
For more information about UPUA, campus and State College news, students can sign up for the UPUA newsletter.