A small number of students shuffled in and out of yesterday's Civic Engagement Day workshops in the HUB-Robeson Center while local and student representatives voiced their concerns about the lack of student involvement in the community.

Students come to Penn State to get a degree but often don't realize they affect the surrounding community while living here, said Ace Ekhtiarzadeh, director for the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Social Awareness Committee.

Ekhtiarzadeh said the purpose of Penn State's first Civic Engagement Day was to advance students' participation in the community -- an important part of learning.

State College Borough Council member Elizabeth Goreham said students are 70 percent of the residents, but they do not vote or participate. "You are starting adult life and civic engagement can make a difference."

Goreham said council wants to be better informed about student issues and also wants students to know more about borough issues.

"It's a cooperative venture we must go on," she said.

State College Police Chief Tom King said many students think that even if they suggest ideas, the ideas won't be put into action. But that is often not the case, he said.

King said many student ideas have been implemented, such as the blue light emergency phone on Calder Way, additional lighting downtown and the camera that monitors Calder Way.

Mayor Bill Welch said student engagement is under-recognized and student help saves the borough money. He said one example of this is the Alpha Fire Co., where 40 of the 100 volunteer firefighters are students.

Meanwhile, at the Allen Street Gates the Penn State chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Allies each displayed pamphlets and encouraged membership for the fall semester.

Allies member Michael Balkenhol said the group participated in the event to notify people of the group's first meeting last night. Allies meetings are held at 8 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday in 322 Health and Human Development East.

Balkenhol said Allies is a social network that works with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community and has more than 300 members who
meet for discussion and events throughout the year. These events include a drag show, National Coming Out Day speakers and Pride Week in April.

Allies president Josh Brimmeier said the group would also be at today's involvement fair in HUB Alumni Hall.

"Our goal is to increase visibility with programs such as speed dating and 18-plus nights at Players Club," Brimmeier said.

The NAACP was also looking to increase membership and awareness yesterday, especially after only one full year here at University Park, Penn State NAACP President Shamir Garland said. Garland spearheaded the organization's arrival two years ago
and hopes to increase interest this semester with events like membership banquets, with live painters and music Nov. 1 and a freedom dinner to take place Nov. 13.

"[We want] to eliminate racial discrimination on campus and educate," Garland said. "We are not limited to minorities; everyone is welcome."

Garland said the NAACP emphasizes all cultures and races, has 40 members and meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in 233 HUB.

Rachel Leese (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said she feels that because State College is a college town, students often do not see it as a real place with real people living in it year-round.

Welch said some Penn State students "don't go as far as Beaver Avenue, so they don't see the town."

He said one important aspect of student involvement in the borough is voter turnout.

Bob Shepherd, Centre County Democratic Committee chairman, said if 60 percent of students voted, they could dominate the decisions of the county.

"You can't have changes if you aren't getting involved," Dianne Gregg, Centre County Democratic Committee secretary, said.

Charles Gable, staff adviser for College Republicans, said students getting involved in local politics is something for the good of the community.

Gable added even if students come from another area, much of their money and lives are spent in this community.

"What might be right for our town might not be right for Lewistown," Gable said.