In reference to the editorial concerning the performance of the Undergraduate Student Government, I would like to shed light on some of the issues highlighted in the article. First and foremost, I think the Collegian having a report card for USG is an excellent idea. It is good to have constructive criticism and feedback from students of Penn State. However, the editorial written about USG's performance was very harsh. These platforms that were presented during the campaign served as issues that would take all year to accomplish, not just half a semester.

However, the editorial failed to mention all the projects and initiatives USG has already accomplished.

From the very start of the year, we have been facing serious issues with Judicial Affairs. Two of our senators, as well as other Penn State students, were involved in serious cases that needed our immediate help. This effort has been a priority of USG from the beginning and will continue to be one until this process becomes clear for not only USG, but also the whole student body. Due to the complicated and unclear process of Judicial Affairs, USG has formed a commission of student leaders to examine Judicial Affairs, and make sure it is a just and fair process.

Barney's, the convenience store in the HUB/Paul Robeson Center, is now accepting meal points for all transactions made there. In light of the great demands made by students, the Senate worked diligently in this effort to have Barney's accept this form of payment.

Now it is even more convenient for students to buy items at Barney's because of USG's initiative.

For the first time this year, USG, along with the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments held its first State of the Student Body Address, in which it discussed pertinent issues such as tuition increases, voter registration, health and safety issues, and academic advising. USG President Matt Roan, in collaboration with CCSG President Gabriel Bryant, not only addressed students of University Park, but also focused on pressing issues within all Penn State campuses.

In addressing the Voter Registration initiative, USG has gone above and beyond to attract and recruit students to vote. Our governmental relations director, Steph Wood, has formed a committee with different student leaders from all facets of Penn State to get the information out to prospective voters, and to encourage students to register. This is a huge collaborative effort from all groups involved in this, and everyone has been working really hard in stressing the importance of registering to vote.

Even though all the results of our hard work may not make headlines in the Collegian, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that many students do not realize we do.

A lot of planning, meetings and other processes go into making things happen.

USG works hard on being educated on all issues we tackle, so we can make a strong and positive argument on behalf of the students.

Although we have not accomplished all the goals in our platform this year, the students of Penn State should continue to expect more.