On Wednesday, March 21, students will elect the new leaders of the Undergraduate Student Government. The USG ticket of presidential candidate Brad Haartz and vice-presidential candidate Doug DeLong is the ticket that best understands the problems students face here at Penn State.

Their platform addresses the immediate concerns of students while at the same time dictating a long-term vision of the University.

Haartz and DeLong will place a priority on improving the academic environment at Penn State. Undergraduate complaints about the competency of teaching assistants must be addressed. Teaching must take a priority over research.

The University now has plans to take away part of Pollock Fields to build a research and classroom building. This is a blatant example of research crowding out teaching.

This classroom space that will be added by the building will be offset by converting existing classroom space into office and laboratory space. The students will not gain classroom space and playing fields will be lost, with no immediate replacement.

Research is the clear winner over teaching. Haartz and DeLong will oppose the building on Pollock Fields and any other project that represents a net loss to students.

Haartz and DeLong will also work toward administrative accountability. Students are not even allowed to see the University's budget, even though we support over 50 percent of the general funds budget with tuition payments. Students should also have permanent seats on the University Board of Trustees and all major administrative committees.

We, as students, must have more of a role in this University than simply an advisory role at the administration's discretion.

The ticket supports the empowerment and self-determination of underrepresented groups. Diversity must be an idea defined by underrepresented groups, it should not be a term simply used by the administration to pretend it is addressing underrepresented concerns.

Haartz and DeLong recognize the importance of active student involvement in community affairs. The next time a qualified student runs for Borough Council, that student must win. A fair housing law must be passed that includes protection based on sexual orientation. The law cannot discriminate against students based on age, as the current proposal before council does. Students must also work with the community to solve parking problems.

In addition to the above-mentioned goals, Haartz and DeLong recognize the immediate problems of students that must be addressed. Women's health facilities must be improved. North Halls students must get their Loop stop back. Pollock tennis courts should receive lighting. Weight room facilities can be added and improved on campus. The escort service must truly improve the safety of women students.

Haartz and DeLong will make it clear that it will be the students and not the administration that will dictate the future of Penn State. Support Brad Haartz and Doug DeLong on March 21.