Initiatives

Group study rooms in engineering

As a UA SEAS representative, I would advocate for the inclusion of group study rooms in the currently in-progress engineering buildings, which include the Amy Gutmann Hall and the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology.

Amy Gutmann Hall

Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology

I know I’m not alone when I say it’s challenging to find proper study spaces in engineering. The Accenture Café is too busy and loud to work in. You can’t talk at all in the Fish Bowl. Personally, I end up walking circles around Towne, Levine, and Skirkanich before I just sit at a random table in the hallway.

Penn should accommodate the academic needs of both undergraduate and graduate students in the engineering school by constructing group study rooms in these new constructions. Group collaboration is a vital part of our learning experience, but at the moment, there exists no place within the engineering building that can host private group work in a quiet environment.

Increase engineering club funding

As the Vice President of the Engineering Student Activities Council (ESAC), I have seen firsthand the recent funding deficit that engineering clubs have faced. Due to new club recognition, club expansion, and a transition to in-person events, the engineering budget has not been sufficient to meet current financial needs. Several clubs have students paying out of pocket due to insufficient funding. Some clubs have even had to cancel events because of this issue.

I plan on working directly with the administration to create a long-term solution to this ongoing problem. I will take the following multi-step approach to remedy this funding deficit:

Identify the funding deficit: The first step is to determine the amount of funding needed to support the engineering clubs. I will personally analyze their current budget and identify areas where additional funds are required.
Prepare a proposal: Based on the identified needs, I will prepare a detailed proposal highlighting the benefits of allocating more funds to the engineering clubs.
Connect with the engineering administration: I will connect the OSA and the UA to the engineering administration to understand the funding process and identify potential sources of funding. This will help me develop a better understanding of the resources available and how to leverage them effectively.
Plan follow-up meetings: I'll plan follow-up meetings to discuss the progress and address any concerns that arise. This will help to keep the conversation going and ensure that the proposal is given the attention it deserves.

Emphasize mental health resources

If elected, I'll make mental health a priority during my tenure. I plan on improving our current resources so by collaborating with clubs, faculty, and the administration.

Partnering with clubs can help create a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for mental health here at Penn. The UA can help promote a holistic approach to wellness by working with student groups to plan wellness events.

Some potential wellness events that could be created through this initiative might include yoga and meditation classes, nutrition workshops, stress management workshops, mental health awareness campaigns, and more. These events can be open to all students, regardless of their major or area of study.

In addition to partnering with student organizations, collaborating with faculty and staff can also be beneficial. Doing so will provide valuable insights and resources to help promote mental health on campus. They can also help identify students who may be struggling and direct them to the appropriate resources.

Centralize club recruiting process

One of my initiatives for next year is to reduce stress levels among incoming freshmen and other students applying to clubs by establishing limits on the number of interviews that can be performed and the length of applications. The aim of my initiative is to promote a healthier and more balanced approach to club recruitment and to help students avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out right at the beginning of the semester.

To achieve these goals, I'll propose several measures such as:

Setting a cap on the number of interviews that can be conducted for each club or organization. This could be based on a certain number of interviews per position or a total limit for the entire application process.
Establishing guidelines for the length and complexity of application materials. This could involve creating standardized application forms, limiting the number of essay questions, or setting a word count for written responses.
Providing resources and support for students who are experiencing stress or anxiety related to the application process. This could include counseling services, stress-reduction workshops, or peer support groups.

Promote student volunteering

I believe that every student at Penn should engage with the local community by the time they graduate. As such, I'll put an emphasis on the current service opportunities offered by the Netter Center and PESTLE.

I plan on expanding student participation with the following approach:

Emphasize the benefits of community engagement, such as personal growth, building social connections, and making a positive impact on the community.
Offer incentives such as prizes, awards, or recognition for outstanding service. This can help motivate students to get involved with the service projects.
Help the Netter Center and PESTLE collect student feedback. Through surveys, feedback forms, and other data collection methods, we can determine the effectiveness of the campaign and identify areas for improvement.

Establish alumni-student connections

This past semester, ESAC and I collaborated with the Engineering Alumni Society (EAS) to bring forth a renewed student and alumni mentorship program. We’re currently focusing on creating strong relationships with graduates, such that they can take on a mentorship role following their time at Penn.

I'd like to expand this initiative to the rest of the undergraduate schools and work with all of the alumni societies across Penn. Events that I anticipate creating include one-on-one talks with alumni, mentorship programs, and job fairs. These opportunities would allow undergraduate students to build connections with alumni who are working in their fields of interest, gain insights into potential career paths, and learn about job opportunities.

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