The Council of Commonwealth Student Governments is trying to better represent minorities and returning adults, saying that those groups have been overlooked in the Commonwealth Campus system.

"It's our job to make the concerns known," said CCSG Coordinator Greg Lalle. "We're trying to be representative of students all over the state and portray a better picture of the Commonwealth Campuses."

Issues like day care and student aid for adult students are overlooked at the Commonwealth Campuses, said Dot Maylath, a returning adult student at the Hazleton Campus.

"Our needs are there. They need to be addressed," Maylath said.

Students have complained that administration offices are closed and inaccessible at night, scheduling is difficult and availability of classes is limited. They also say there is a lack of child care at Commonwealth Campuses.

About 28 percent of the Commonwealth Campus population is returning adult undergraduates, and 7.5 percent of the University's total enrollment is minorities.

The administration and faculty need to express sensitivity toward returning adult students, Maylath said.

A lack of minority representation also exists in many of the University's organizations, and the University doesn't provide adequate financial aid information for minority groups, said Cynthia Hamlin (senior-accounting).

"These groups end up being cliquish, and they're not in the best interest of minorities," Hamlin said.

Lalle said CCSG is "trying to get a head start" on minority and adult student concerns.

"Adult and minority students have different needs and the University doesn't do them justice," Lalle said. "Real changes need to be met. The University needs to open up and help with funding."

Minorities and returning adults account for a large part of the population on the campuses, Lalle said, adding, "The minority may become the majority.

"We're trying to draw a little bit of spotlight on things that need to be looked at," Lalle said. "Trends are still on the rise and the University will have to deal with it sooner or later."