If you perceive a "loss of student representation," (Students feel loss of representation," Sept. 8) fear not. Currently, there are at least two avenues you can pursue to address your academic concerns. First, the Undergraduate Student Government's Academic Assembly members represent your academic unit's interests in regard to university-wide academic issues.

If you prefer to voice your concerns directly, speak at Assembly's open student forum. If you want to get more involved, join Assembly and volunteer to sit on a committee such as the University Committee on Instructional Facilities or the Administrative Council on Undergraduate Education. In addition to Assembly, almost all units have an undergraduate council that deals with unit-level academic issues and organizes professional and social events relevant to your unit. Furthermore, this council is a direct line to your unit's deans and therefore has the potential to facilitate efficient communication between students and administrators.

There have always been student representatives who strive to maintain and improve the academic experience at Penn State. So, if you really want to drink coffee in class, tell Assembly. If you're unsatisfied with your advising or if you think it's excellent as it is, go to your undergraduate council's meeting and let the council know. Tell us what's bothering you, or tell us what ideas you have to make Penn State academics better.