A common complaint among Penn State students is the feeling that the outlying community shortchanges them.

The police are busting up our parties for underage drinkers, parking is an infinite problem, student housing downtown is often decrepit and a source of great annoyance, and surveillance cameras in Beaver Canyon record our every move.

It seems like there's hundreds of complaints that can be thrown out by Joe Student.

State College, the borough, the police, the downtown area, etc. don't respect us, many students say. It's not a stretch to say that town and gown relations, oftentimes, are extremely strained. The problem is, it's the students seeking a fairer shake from State College and its officials.

But, where's the other end of that deal? Where are the students who, rather than writing in letters of complaint, are going out into the community and becoming a physical part of it? Where are the students who just want to become a part of the greater community?

That's the idea behind Promise Week, a second annual, weeklong service project that began yesterday. About 200 students from campus organizations will do a variety of service projects throughout the week, from working with children to cleaning up outdoor environments.

Penn State students take a loving and passionate approach to the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Dance Marathon each year -- as they should. The annual event brings smiles and, more importantly, people together for a worthwhile event. Hundreds participate and millions of dollars are raised.

But, where are the students playing bingo with senior citizens at the local church? Or volunteers cleaning up trash downtown, just because?

This isn't to say that Penn State students are lazy and completely self-centered. And it's not intended to be an idealistic, soapbox-preaching session.

There are many of us out there that pledge countless hours of our time to various entities. But there can always be more -- and that's the point.

Promise Week shouldn't be limited to members of student organizations doing service work in the State College community.

And it shouldn't be limited to a one-week event.

You want town and gown relations to improve, resulting in better student treatment? Sometimes, you have to give to get.