When Gov. Robert P. Casey chooses the next student trustee later this year, he will again select the most important voice University students have.

The University Board of Trustees is composed of 32 members, but only one attends classes and pays tuition.

During the next few weeks, the University Student Advisory Board will begin reviewing undergraduate and graduate applicants for the next student trustee, selecting as many as five for recommendation to the state Secretary of Education.

After reviewing the secretary's choice, the governor decides on the new trustee, who will serve a three-year term. The state Senate confirms the selection.

In representing about 70,000 students University-wide, the selected individual should be able to act as a vocal board member who will actively pursue the students' agenda. But this member can still maintain respect by striking a fine balance between aggressiveness and tact.

During the Undergraduate Student Government's around-the-clock push for an open University budget in the 1988-90 academic year, Student Trustee Christina Henke played it too safe.

She chose to work behind-the-scenes and not serve as a vocal advocate of USG's and thousands of students' hopes for a tuition freeze. Henke rationalized that involving herself in the daily activities of student leaders might conflict with her role as a trustee. With such a stance though, the student trustee was too removed from the issue at hand.

Considering the recurring tuition increases, the new student trustee can truly represent students by speaking out against 23 straight years of tuition hikes approved by trustees.

The best way the next student trustee can keep aware of the many concerns of the student population is by making frequent contact with student groups. The new trustee should regularly attend USAB and student leader meetings, and not send substitutes, which has become commonplace.

Only the student trustee has direct access to relay the students' opinions to the full board. The other 31 board members are leaders in industry and the corporate world; the student trustee best relates to life at the University from a student's perspective.

And that's a voice that should be heard loud and clear.