If the students want an independent student government, we need to make changes to the structure of student governments ("USG restructuring plan fails to incorporate ideas that represent students," Dec. 9).

First, student governments need an independent stream of funding, fixed as a percentage of the student activity fee. Without the power of the purse, we simply can not be independent. Secondly, student representative scholarships should not be an application process review yearly for each individual. This reeks of covert influence by those in student affairs who decide who receives these scholarships. Lastly, we need real power. Student governments are given little power in this university system; none of our decisions are binding outside of student groups. Penn State students need to step up to the plate if they want any change. If you want to have a voice against what seems like an impenetrable administration, each of you has to do your part and participate.

USG President Galen Foulke has taken the initiative to address student's complaints about the structure of the USG, and I applaud his efforts. Foulke asked Student Affairs to help form the committee to restructure USG; this is not a case of undue influence as the Collegian has suggested. Foulke wants less politics and more results. Remember that we are Penn State and we can make our lives better.