After nearly a year in office, the Undergraduate Student Government has finally taken a more direct approach to the University's seemingly endless tuition increases.

USG held a tuition workshop after last weekend's University Board of Trustees meeting to address Penn State's 24-year tradition of tuition hikes.

Suggestions included a two-year tuition agreement or five-year tuition forecast to help students plan for college costs; an examination of ways administrators can reduce Commonwealth Campus operating costs; and efforts targeting parents and alumni to form grassroots lobbying groups.

Although several University administrators, including President Joab Thomas, said the information presented is not new, USG members should be commended for this effort to get the tuition issue addressed.

In light of the University's plan to raise tuition again next year, more programs like the tuition workshop are needed.

Now students must take more interest in combatting the hikes.

One University trustee pointed to student apathy as the single hindrance to lowering tuition and securing more state support. If students want political power, they must vote --legislators never worry about student concerns because students do not take advantage of the power they do have -- voting.