Undergraduate Student Government President and Vice president-elect Justin Zartman and Amanda Hudnall began assuming their roles of the undergraduate student body leaders this week by making some changes in their executive cabinet.

Zartman and Hudnall wanted to modify some of the department positions for the upcoming year.

The pair decided to eliminate the environmental affairs director.

"Rather than a programming department, we decided it should be a liaison," Hudnall said.

"We're not against environmental issues, we just didn't want to have a department," Zartman added.

Zartman said he doesn't want the executive department to be so large that it cannot accomplish anything at meetings.

"It (the environmental affairs director) isn't listed because we really wanted to work on liaisons," he said.

If students want to pursue something or are concerned with an issue, Zartman said he wants them to talk to Hudnall and him.

If a student comes to them and shows interest, they would listen, he said.

"Of course Amanda and I will listen. We're representatives of students — if that's what they want, we will pursue it," Zartman said.

They have talked with Eco-Action, Zartman said, adding that they are still going to work with environmental groups on issues within the university.

Zartman and Hudnall also combined the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Allies and Women's Affairs departments into one.

Zartman said they would not be concentrating less on any of these important departments.

"I see that cabinet position (Environmental Affairs) and others like it as a liaison," said current Senate President Mike Fazio. "I don't think USG loses anything by it, so long as we keep in contact with environmental groups such as Eco-Action — as long as the lines of communication are flowing."

The newly elected president and vice president decided to add a new department.

The community education director was created, Zartman said, "to bring everyone to the table."

"The climate here (Penn State) isn't the best for minorities," Zartman said. "We wanted to have this so we can see what needs improved, not for one specific group but for all students."

Applications are now available for the USG executive department positions.

USG's Executive Department

The business department director coordinates USG's revenue-generating events.

The chief of staff helps maintain departments' meeting schedules. This person also represents the president and vice president when they are not available.

A Coaches vs. Cancer director coordinates university and community-wide philanthropic events for the American Cancer Society.

Another cabinet member focuses on working with other student organizations and administrators to work to create a forum for students to speak up against acts of intolerance. The community education seat is aimed at making Penn State a proud place to attend.

The governmental relations director coordinates lobby trips to government agencies as well as the university administration.

The director of health services works to expand University Health Services.

The information technology director redesigns the USG Web site to make it more user-friendly.

The LGBTA/Women's Affairs director acts as a liaison and direct communication link between these interests and USG. The director works with the community education director.

The MLK Day of Service director organizes the MLK Day of Service.

The multicultural affairs director works with the community education director to improve the diversity climate on campus.

The programming department works to promote positive relationships among all departments of USG.

The public relations director advertises and promotes programming for all branches of USG.

The town affairs director attends the State College Borough Council meetings while acting as a voice of USG.

The treasurer maintains USG's accounts and records financial transactions.