Student groups wanting to positively affect change at Penn State can learn something from the Association of Residence Halls Students (ARHS).

In response to next year's projected on-campus housing shortage, ARHS has created an ad hoc committee to assist students who did not receive contracts.

Associate Housing Director Lynn DuBois said between 1,300 and 1,400 students did not receive a contract for the upcoming academic year -- a jump from 14 students who did not receive housing this past year.

As Penn State officials sit idly on the sidelines, failing to propose a solution to the problem, ARHS has realized how the housing contract shortage affects the students it directly represents and has taken the initiative to give a voice to said students.

Unfortunately it was not possible for the committee to prevent the housing shortage, but ARHS members are doing the next best thing -- taking the necessary steps to ensure such a shortage does not happen again.

The goals of the committee are simple, yet poignant -- to openly communicate with university staff members, ensure resources are available to seek off-campus housing and advocate for students to find the best solution to the housing shortage.

Though it is great that a student group is taking the initiative to do something about this issue, it would have been better if the committee's plan included a definite course of action. Given Penn State's track record on the issue, it is possible that this problem could happen again, so a more thorough plan would be beneficial for on-campus students.

But nevertheless, amid all the bickering between Undergraduate Student Government members, it's refreshing to see a representative body that actually helps the students.

It's about time that a student group elected to represent the students took action to represent said students and tackled an issue that really affects its constituents.