The Undergraduate Student Government Academic Assembly unanimously approved the new constitution last night which would reorganize USG into the Penn State Student Association (PSA).

However, Academic Assembly did make one amendment to the constitution. Under the membership section of the new PSA Congress, Academic Assembly members agreed that they should be included and hold an ex-officio status. This means they would be represented on the congress and have a say in issues, but would not be able to vote. Although included in the association, they were originally not part of the congress.

Emily Bahn, Academic Assembly Course Selector director, said the assembly wanted this position so its members could have direct communication with the congress. Otherwise, they would have to wait for the congress to get in touch with them for their opinion, she said.

Academic Assembly President Jenna Dalious said she was pleased that the assembly passed the constitution.

"I'm happy about it because it shows we're dedicated to getting transition moving along so we can continue to do other projects," she said.

Assembly members spent only a few minutes in discussion before passing the constitution. Academic Assembly's role will remain virtually the same under PSA.

During discussion, some members questioned the name change from USG to PSA.

"A new constitution doesn't justify a new name," Academic Assembly Vice President David Goldberg said, adding that he believed the name change was unnecessary. He pointed out it would cost money to change the letterhead on stationary and the phone number, which is currently 863-1USG, would have to be changed.

Goldberg also added that USG is a well-recognized group at Penn State.

However, Dalious said the name change should not be the focus of the discussion. She added that the people involved and whether they can work together to get things done is more important.

The new constitution is the result of extensive restructuring work by numerous student leaders. They held meetings every weekend for several weeks, hammering out a constitution that would be agreeable to all organizations involved.

The constitution will now go to the Legislation and Appropriations Review Committee and the USG Senate for approval. If it is approved by both, it will move on to the USG Supreme Court for a final decision.