Nicole Gardner wants students to come to her with educational concerns.

"Call me, I'm on campus. Stop by and see me -- if you can catch me," Gardner said.

As one of two undergraduate students named to the Commission on Undergraduate Education, Gardner (sophomore-English) will be working with faculty members and other students on specific goals related to the Task Force Report on Undergraduate Education.

A liberal arts student, Gardner said she sees the University from a different perspective than students studying science or engineering.

"I have more of the advantage of smaller classes," the 19-year-old said.

Although she doesn't experience some of the problems facing some students, such as larger classes, she still envisions improvement at the University.

"I don't think we're getting a bad education, but I do think they could be doing better," Gardner said.

A main goal is to reward good teaching through promotion and tenure, Gardner said, adding that she would like to see recognition go beyond just awards.

"Promoting good teachers and keeping good teachers is a lot more important than handing out awards," Gardner said.

But Gardner realizes that because the University is a major research institution, shifting the focus to teaching may be difficult.

And she acknowledges that fiscal problems may also arise.

"Fiscal reality is like, the dreaded evil," she said.

Financial considerations influenced her in choosing Penn State, Gardner said, but she added that peers also influenced her decision.

"That's kind of how it got into my consciousness," the Dallas, Pa. native said, smiling. "Half of my high school just kind of walked down to Penn State Wilkes-Barre and enrolled."

In the long run, Gardner said she wants to establish the commission within the University as a permanent place that concerned students can approach.

"Somewhere where student concerns are heard and legitimately acted on," Gardner said.

Other goals include an increase in library and scholarship funding, and a review of the teaching assistant program.

The other commission members have not yet met to set an agenda, she said.

Teaching has always been a part of her life, and having both a sister and a father who teach has influenced her, Gardner said.

"Education interests me a lot," she said. "Teaching kind of runs in my family."

These influences have spurred Gardner to consider teaching as a career.

"I have kind of a vested interest in education -- outside of my own (education)," Gardner said.

But more than teaching has motivated her.

"I have pretty much of a drive for academic success and that spills over I guess," Gardner said.

In addition to serving on the commission, Gardner also works with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics and the University Scholars Council.

After reading about the task force report and then seeing a newspaper advertisement, Gardner became interested and applied to the commission.

A few days later the Undergraduate Student Government offered her the position.

"It's kind of weird," Gardner said, adding that she didn't think it would be so serious.

Ronald Kelly, Gardner's friend, said Gardner doubted she would get the position.

"She thought that she really didn't have much of a chance," said Kelly (senior-political science and history).

As a commission member, Gardner promises to serve the students.

"I really wasn't put on the commission to serve my goals, I was put there to try to help the students of Penn State," Gardner said.

As one of 19 applicants for the positions, USG President Mark Stewart said Gardner presented both ambition and self-assurance.

"She gave a very strong interview," Stewart said. "She seemed like she would be a strong advocate for the students."

Megan Kozemchak, another of Gardner's friends, agreed that Gardner could effectively serve the students.

"She's very aware of people's needs and in general she would sort of make everyone equal," said Kozemchak (sophomore-theater).